In this video I’m having a proper chat about why the colour wheel is one of those simple tools that can completely change your paintings. I show you how putting colour opposites (complementary colours) next to each other makes everything feel brighter and more alive—without you having to add loads more pigment or overwork the piece. If you’ve ever wondered why some paintings just “pop”, it’s often down to smart colour contrasts rather than anything complicated. I use Van Gogh as a clear example of how powerful this can be, because he was brilliant at sitting contrasting colours together and letting them do the heavy lifting. I talk through what to look for, how to make deliberate colour choices, and how you can use opposites to create focal points, energy, and that punchy visual impact—even if you’re a beginner. For the practical side, I’m using Derwent XL Inktense blocks on a Faber-Castell mixed media pad, and I explain why that combination works nicely for experimenting with bold colour. The big takeaway is: learn your opposites, place them with intention, and you’ll instantly get more confidence (and more sparkle) in your colour choices.