How to Make Navy Blue Color with Watercolours: A Complete Guide for Artists

Introduction: The Beauty and Challenge of Navy Blue in Watercolour

Navy blue is a rich, deep hue that evokes elegance, calm, and mystery. Whether you’re painting a twilight sky, a formal naval uniform, or a moody seascape, mastering how to make navy blue with watercolours is a valuable skill for any artist. While watercolour paints are known for their translucency and lightness, creating a true navy blue—one that’s dark and intense—can seem like a daunting task.

However, with the right pigments, techniques, and understanding of colour mixing, you can achieve a convincing navy blue directly on your paper. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know: the best watercolour colours to use, practical mixing methods, layering techniques, and expert tips to prevent common pitfalls. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned watercolourist, this article will help you master this sophisticated shade.

Understanding the Nature of Navy Blue

What Makes Navy Blue Unique?

Navy blue sits on the cool end of the blue spectrum and is significantly darker than standard ultramarine or cobalt blue. Its name comes from its historical use in naval uniforms, where deep, dignified colours were essential. To replicate this colour in watercolour, it’s important to recognize that pure blue pigments alone are rarely dark enough to produce a true navy.

Instead, artists typically combine blue pigments with darker colours, such as black, purple, burnt umber, or even green, to deepen the tone without dulling it excessively.

Why Navy Blue Is a Challenge with Watercolours

Watercolours are inherently transparent and tend to lighten as they dry. This means that achieving a dark shade like navy blue requires careful layering and thoughtful pigment selection. Unlike opaque mediums like acrylics or oils, watercolours don’t easily allow for thick, dark applications in a single stroke. Overloading the paper with pigment can cause blooming, buckling, or muddiness.

Thus, the key to success lies in methodical layering and controlled pigment concentration, not just the initial mix.

Selecting the Right Blue Base

Before mixing, you’ll need a solid foundation: a strong, deep blue. Not all blue watercolours are created equal when it comes to achieving dark tones. Some blues are naturally more transparent or granulating, while others possess higher tinting strength.

Best Watercolour Blues for Navy Mixing

Below are the most effective blue pigments to use as your starting point:

• Ultramarine Blue (PB29): A deep, slightly violet-leaning blue with excellent pigment density. Ideal for creating rich, dark tones when layered or mixed.
• Indanthrone Blue (PB60): A modern pigment known for its depth and staining power. Very effective for dark mixes with minimal dullness.
• Phthalo Blue (PB15): Extremely intense and staining, but can tend toward green if not balanced carefully. Best used in small quantities.
• Cobalt Blue (PB28): Brighter and lighter; less ideal on its own for navy, but can be used in blends for a cooler tone.

For navy blue, Ultramarine Blue and Indanthrone Blue are your best starting points due to their depth and undertones.

Choosing Complementary Mixing Partners

To darken blue without turning it muddy or lifeless, you need to add pigments that complement its natural temperature and chroma. The wrong choice can result in a grayish, dull brown.

Best Darkening Agents for Navy Blue

Here are the most effective pigments to combine with blue:

1. Lamp Black or Ivory Black (PBk9 or PBk6)

Adding a small amount of black pigment can deepen blue significantly. Use sparingly—too much black will kill the vibrancy of the blue. A 4:1 ratio (blue to black) is a good starting point.

2. Burnt Umber (PBr7)

A warm brown that, when mixed with ultramarine blue, can create deep, earthy navy shades. This combination is excellent for realistic shadows and natural scenes.

3. Dioxazine Purple (PV23)

This deep purple adds richness and depth while maintaining a cool tone. Ideal if you want a slightly royal or violet-tinged navy.

4. Phthalo Green (or Viridian) (PG7 or PG18)

Adding a touch of green may seem counterintuitive, but a tiny amount mixed with ultramarine or indanthrone blue can boost depth while keeping the mix dynamic, especially for marine themes.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Mix Navy Blue with Watercolours

Achieving navy blue is a process of balance and precision. Follow this methodical approach for consistent results.

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

Gather:

• Watercolour paints: Ultramarine Blue (or Indanthrone Blue)
• One darkening agent (e.g., Dioxazine Purple or Burnt Umber)
• Watercolour paper (140 lb or heavier to support layering)
• Two mixing wells or a palette
• Clean water and paper towels
• Round brushes (sizes 4 and 8 recommended)

Step 2: Create a Custom Navy Mix

1. Squeeze or wet a generous amount of Ultramarine Blue into one mixing well.
2. Add a small quantity of your chosen darkening pigment—start with half the amount of blue.
3. Gradually add water and mix with your brush. Test the colour on a sample piece of paper.
4. If the mix is too purple or brown, adjust by adding more blue.
5. If it’s not dark enough, consider increasing pigment concentration, not water.

A classic navy mix ratio:

Step 3: Layer for Depth

Once you’ve mixed your base navy, apply it in thin, successive layers:

1. Apply the first wash with a medium consistency mix. Let it dry completely.
2. Reapply with a slightly more concentrated mix. Focus on areas needing more depth.
3. Continue building up layers until the desired darkness is achieved.

Each layer should be fully dry before applying the next. This prevents backruns (cauliflowers) and ensures even colour buildup.

Alternative Methods to Achieve Navy Blue

Not every artist has access to every pigment. These alternative techniques can be effective:

1. Glazing Technique

Instead of mixing pigments, use the glazing method:

1. Paint a base layer of intense Ultramarine Blue.
2. Once dry, apply a transparent glaze of Dioxazine Purple over it.
3. Repeat with a thin layer of Indigo or Lamp Black if needed.

Glazing preserves the luminosity of watercolours and creates a dimensional, professional result.

2. Using Pre-Made Navy Pigments

Some brands offer pre-mixed navy blue paints, such as:

• Winsor & Newton: “Indigo” (PB60, PBk6) – a close approximation
• Daniel Smith: “Navy Blue” (a proprietary blend)
• Schmincke: “Marine Blue” or “Dark Blue” in their Horadam line

While convenient, these may not offer the flexibility of hand-mixing. Still, they’re excellent reference standards for when you’re learning to mix your own.

3. Cooling a Dark Mixture

If your navy veers too warm (brownish), you can cool it down by adding a touch of a cooler blue (e.g., Phthalo Blue) or even a minute amount of green.

Test frequently on scrap paper to ensure it doesn’t shift into teal or turquoise.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Making Navy Blue

Even experienced artists can fall into traps when striving for deep watercolour tones. Be mindful of these pitfalls:

Mistake 1: Adding Too Much Water

It’s tempting to use a lot of water for smooth washes, but this dilutes pigment and prevents darkness. For deep tones, use concentrated mixes and minimal water.

Mistake 2: Mixing Too Many Pigments

Combining three or more pigments often leads to muddy colours. Stick to two or three at most—preferably just a blue and one darkener.

Mistake 3: Skipping the Drying Step

Watercolours often appear darker when wet but lighten when dry. If you layer before the first coat is dry, you risk uneven saturation and lifting of pigment. Patience is key.

Mistake 4: Using the Wrong Paper

Thin or low-quality paper won’t handle multiple layers. Opt for 100% cotton, 140 lb (300 gsm) or heavier paper. Cold-pressed texture holds pigment well and resists cockling.

Advanced Tips for Professionals

Once you’ve mastered the basics, elevate your results with these professional-level refinements:

1. Use a Mixing Chart

Create your own colour mixing chart with combinations of blue and darkening agents. Include notes on drying shifts and transparency. This becomes an invaluable reference.

2. Control Paper Tension

For large sections of navy (like skies or oceans), stretch your paper beforehand. Wetting the paper multiple times during layering can cause warping unless it’s properly tensioned.

3. Masking for Highlights

If you want to preserve highlights within a navy area (e.g., moonlight on water), apply masking fluid before any layers. Remove it only after all colour layers are complete.

4. Lifting for Texture

Once dry, use a damp brush or sponge to selectively lift pigment and create subtle textures—like waves, clouds, or fabric details—within your navy area.

Creative Applications of Navy Blue in Watercolour Art

Navy blue isn’t just for clothing or skies. Consider these artistic uses:

1. Night and Twilight Scenes

Layer navy blue with a faint wash of purple or deep crimson near the horizon to simulate twilight. Gradually darken toward the top of the sky.

2. Marine and Coastal Art

Mix navy with a hint of green for deep water, and soften edges with a damp brush for a realistic oceanic glow. Add white gouache sparingly for foam or reflections.

3. Mood and Shadow

Use navy as a cool shadow colour in portraits or still lifes. It works especially well for drapery or shaded areas where depth is crucial.

4. Pattern and Design

In abstract or illustrative work, navy blue offers a sophisticated, modern tone. Try it in geometric designs or fashion illustrations.

Recommended Watercolour Brands for Navy Blue Mixing

Not all watercolours perform equally. These brands are known for quality pigments ideal for mixing darks:

1. Daniel Smith

Renowned for rich, professional-grade pigments. Their **Indanthrone Blue** and **Dioxazine Purple** are excellent for deep mixes.

2. Winsor & Newton

Reliable and widely available. Their **Cobalt Blue Hue** and **Neutral Tint** (a pre-mixed dark grey-blue) are useful tools.

3. Schmincke Horadam

Known for brilliant transparency and lightfastness. **Ultramarine Blue** and **Sepia** can create warm navy variations.

4. M. Graham

Uses honey as a binder, which enhances rewettability. Great for building multiple layers over time without cracking.

Caring for Your Navy Blue Paints and Mixes

To ensure longevity and consistent performance:

• Store paints in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
• Keep your mixing palette clean to avoid contamination.
• Label custom mixed colours if storing them for later use.

Rehydratable paints can be used over weeks or months, but freshly mixed pigments often provide the purest tones.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Intense Watercolour Blues

Learning how to make navy blue with watercolours is more than just mixing two pigments—it’s about understanding tone, transparency, and the medium’s unique behaviour. By starting with a strong blue base like Ultramarine or Indanthrone, carefully selecting your darkening agent, and applying layers with patience, you can achieve a rich, true navy that elevates your artwork.

Remember, the beauty of watercolour lies in its subtlety and depth. A well-made navy blue should feel profound, not flat. Avoid rushing the process, and embrace the layered approach as both a technical necessity and a creative opportunity.

With practice, you’ll develop an intuitive sense for which combinations produce the most striking results. Whether you’re painting serene seascapes or dramatic nocturnal scenes, the ability to create authentic navy blue adds a powerful tool to your artistic palette.

So, gather your brushes, test your mixes, and dive into the deep end of watercolour mastery. The perfect navy blue awaits—one thoughtful layer at a time.

What primary colors are needed to make navy blue with watercolours?

To create navy blue using watercolours, you typically need two primary colours: blue and a small amount of red. Ultramarine blue is often the best starting point because of its slight red undertone, which helps darken the hue more effectively than phthalo blue or cerulean blue. Mixing in a touch of cadmium red or alizarin crimson intensifies the depth and warmth of the blue, pushing it toward that rich, dark navy characteristic.

It’s important to add the red gradually, as too much can shift the mixture toward purple rather than a true navy. The key is balance—start with a generous amount of blue and then introduce the red pigment incrementally, testing the tone on a scrap piece of watercolor paper. Keep in mind that watercolor dries lighter than it appears when wet, so allow your test swatch to dry completely before deciding if additional pigment is needed.

Can black watercolour paint be used to darken blue into navy?

Yes, black watercolour paint can be used to darken a blue hue and achieve navy, but it should be applied with caution. Adding black directly to blue—such as cobalt or ultramarine—can quickly create a deep navy, but it may also mute or dull the colour, resulting in a flat, lifeless tone. Black pigments such as ivory black or lamp black are very strong, so even a small amount can significantly alter the mixture.

To avoid over-darkening or compromising the vibrancy of your navy, mix black with blue in small increments, blending thoroughly. A better alternative is to use a dark transparent colour like neutral tint or payne’s grey, which darkens the blue while maintaining some transparency and depth. This approach preserves the luminous quality essential in watercolour painting while still achieving a rich, dark navy.

How does the choice of paper affect the outcome of navy blue in watercolours?

The type of watercolor paper you use can significantly influence how navy blue appears in your artwork. Cold-pressed or rough papers tend to scatter light and create texture, which can make the navy appear less uniform and slightly lighter. On the other hand, hot-pressed paper offers a smoother surface that allows for more even pigment distribution and can enhance the depth and richness of dark colours like navy.

Additionally, the absorbency and weight of the paper play crucial roles. Heavier paper (300 gsm or more) resists buckling and holds multiple layers, which is beneficial when building up dark tones gradually. Lower absorbency papers may allow you to layer more effectively without immediate sinking of pigment, giving you greater control over intensity. Always stretch or tape down lighter papers to prevent warping during the layering process required to achieve deep navy.

What techniques help build depth when mixing navy blue in watercolours?

Layering is one of the most effective techniques for achieving a deep navy blue in watercolour. Begin with a base layer of ultramarine or cobalt blue, let it dry completely, and then apply subsequent glazes of the same or a darker mixture. Each layer adds depth and richness, mimicking the luminous quality of traditional navy hues without making the paint look muddy or opaque.

Another useful technique is wet-on-dry, where you apply a concentrated mix of blue and red (or dark neutral) onto a dry surface for greater control and intensity. Avoid overworking the area, as excessive brushing can lift underlying layers and damage the paper. For even richer results, consider using a graded wash or varnishing method—gradually deepening the tone from top to bottom to emulate natural shadow and volume.

Why does my navy blue mixture turn out muddy, and how can I prevent this?

Muddy colours in watercolour often occur when too many pigments are mixed together or when complementary colours are over-blended, causing the hues to neutralize. Navy blue can turn muddy if you combine blue with too much red or black, particularly if the pigments have differing particle sizes or granulation properties. Overworking the paint on paper also lifts and remixes settled pigment, leading to a loss of clarity.

To prevent muddiness, limit your mixtures to two or three compatible pigments and allow layers to dry fully between applications. Use clean water and brushes when transitioning between colours, and avoid excessive scrubbing. Opt for single-pigment blues and reds with similar transparency, such as PB29 (ultramarine) and PR179 (quinacridone red), as they blend more cleanly. Conduct mixing tests on a palette or scrap paper first to find the ideal combination.

Are there any pre-mixed watercolour paints that resemble navy blue?

Yes, several manufacturer-produced watercolour paints are formulated to resemble navy blue, such as M. Graham’s “Navy Blue” or Daniel Smith’s “Indigo.” These pre-mixed options are convenient for artists who want consistent results without mixing pigments manually. They are often made from a blend of deep blue and black or neutral pigments designed to offer high tinting strength and excellent lightfastness.

While pre-mixed navy paints save time, they may limit your ability to fine-tune the colour for specific lighting or compositional needs. Some artist-grade navy equivalents, like payne’s grey, lean cooler and can serve as a substitute when adjusted with additional blue. Experiment with both hand-mixed and pre-mixed options to determine which works best for your style and project requirements.

How can I adjust navy blue to suit different lighting conditions in my painting?

Navy blue can be adjusted to reflect various lighting scenarios by modifying its temperature and value. For cool light, such as moonlight or shadows on a sunny day, add a touch of phthalo blue or cerulean to shift the navy toward a cooler, crisp tone. For warm lighting, like sunset or indoor artificial light, introduce a minute amount of transparent red oxide or burnt sienna to subtly warm the navy without turning it purple.

Value adjustments can be made by adding water to lighten the hue or by glazing additional layers to darken it. To enhance realism, consider using optical mixing—placing slightly varied navy tones adjacent to each other rather than blending them entirely. This preserves vibrancy and mimics how light interacts with dark surfaces in nature, giving your painting a more dynamic and lifelike appearance.