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Teal Temptation: A Love Affair Between Blue and Green

Teal Temptation: A Love Affair Between Blue and Green

Teal is a medium blue green colour, although it is usually more blue than green. Often called Teal, ultramarine, blue-green, aqua or aquamarine it is one of those in-between colours that  can get lost in translation; ask any artist what they consider is Teal and you will get different answers, just like when you ask them about what they think constitutes beige.

I have a thing about beige and wouldnt use it in my artwork if i could help it. On that note it works really well with teal and as I use that a lot, I have begrudgingly started to add it in! Just like in the main image of one of my artworks titled: Without Light nothing Flowers.

Teal is actually a favorite colour of mine, which for someone who spent most of her life loving red and rich warm colours it’s quite a transition to start enjoying a colour from the other side of the spectrum.

I use Teal a lot these days; considering I do many artworks depicting the lagoon in Rarotonga (I sell some of my work in a gallery there.) then it’s understandable it would creep into my regular colour spectrum. Let’s face it though who doesn’t find the lagoon in Rarotonga, or any Island nation delightful to view and partake of, it certainly holds happy memories for me and I like to depict that in my work.

I have also used Teal in the decorating of my own home. It evokes calm and tranquil feelings and ties in well with my love of anything silver. The painting in the image here is oone of my Teal pieces and a firm favourite of mine. Titled 'Without Light nothing Flowers'

Teal or Turquoise (You choose!)

Represents water, thus the names aqua and aquamarine. Although Turquoise is also the name for a valuable and popular mineral often used in jewellery. Turquoise is closely associated with the Middle East and the American Southwest.

The 1950s and 1960s as in the retro years, saw Teal as an extremely popular colour,; a resurgence in retro’s popularity these days sees it being used again in fashion and decorating. The darker shades lend a more sophisticated feel while the lighter ones are seen as inherently more feminine. Like the mineral, turquoise shades range from almost sky blue to deep greenish blues.

 "Did You Know That The Complimentary Colour to Teal is actually Pink?"

Right then how do you make Teal?

Well it is made is from a mixture of the primary colour, blue, and the secondary colour green. My favorite Teal is made up from Phaltho turquoise and French ultramarine blue along with the tiniest hint of cadmium red. It makes a great combination for seascapes and when painting the lagoon I add hints of white and bright green for that really turquoise sea green.

What About Using Teal with Other Colours?

For soft, feminine qualities mix teal with lavender and pale pinks. A bright teal with different shades of pink and silver create a sparkly clean, retro look. Make it art deco by pairing turquoise with white and black, (I have zebra print rugs and throws in my teal lounge but you could try the checker-board floor tiles for a really old style retro feel.)

Teal teamed up with gray or silver along with terra cotta, beige and browns will give you a South-western flavour. Or try Teal with orange or yellow for a fresh, sporty look. Its an awesome colour and goes through phases of popularity.

Why Not Check Out Some Other Colours Too -

50 Powerful Shades Of Grey? The Thrilling Colours In Art

Beautiful Blue: The depth of Sea to the Sky and Beyond

In the Pink: Celebrating Valentines Passionate Colour

Shades of Purple: A Trip into the World of Royalty

Stunning Silver: The Best Metallic Colour with Class and Glamour

The Best of Black: The Mysterious and Luxurious Shade

The Gloriousness of Gold: Unleashing its Luxury and Passion

Yellow: The Happy Glowing Hue That Makes Warmth, and Inspiration

What Is The Colour Burgundy Or Claret, Colours Or Wines?

Whiter Shade of Pale: Exploring the Simplicity of White

Rich as Red: Exploring its Many Fiery Shades

Blazing with Energy: Embracing the Fiery Spirit of the Color Orange

Glorious Green: The Awesome Yet Envious Colour of Emeralds

And while you’re here - Touching on Colour Mixing

Posted: Wednesday 20 January 2010

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