Knowing Your Palette
Colour Mixing
Art

Colour conveys emotion, creates depth, and breathes life into a piece.

Just as carpenters need to know their tools, understanding your palette is crucial for achieving harmony in your work as a fine artist. Knowing how your colours interact will allow you to paint with confidence and control without the frustration or guesswork of knowing which colours to grab.

I can’t tell you how many times in the past I have found that perfect colour and thought, “I’ll remember how to mix that one tomorrow.” Not so. That is why I love to work on colour charts, recording what colours I used, even if it is just a few dabs in my book.

When working on a larger canvas, I often figure out my palette and record it before even touching the canvas. This helps me paint confidently without having to figure it out as I go.

On a recent trip to the Grand Canyon, I knew I wanted to do a diptych painting of the Grand Adventure. First, I made a colour chart to decide what colours to use.

Once the first painting was complete, I took a break from it for several weeks. When I went to create the second piece, I consulted my colour chart and knew exactly what colours I needed without hesitation. That eliminated any anxiety I might have had, and I enjoyed creating the second canvas.

 

When teaching a beginner’s class I often start by having the students work on colour charts. It is a great way to have my students jump in and get the feel of the paints. I hear them say, “Boy is this ever fun.” They interact with the other students, comparing the different colours and hues that they have created. There is no pressure to produce, just create colours that they can refer to later.

As you introduce more paint or paint from various manufacturers to your palette, I encourage you to mix them up with your regular colours and see what you get. Over time, this knowledge allows you to mix colours with precision, avoiding unwanted surprises.

The more time you spend experimenting with your colours, the more intuitive the process becomes, leading to more substantial and cohesive artwork.

Get to know your paints. You’ll be glad you did.