Double Primary Palette

                                 

I'm often asked, "What colors do you use?"

Since we know that all the colors we see are created from the three primary colors, I limit my tubed colors to these three primaries plus white. I can then mix all the colors I need.

I use a double primary palette - two versions of each of the primaries - red, yellow and blue, plus titanium white. I chose a bright and a dull version of each.

You can vary your choices of the three primaries. This will give you a slightly different nuance of color and that makes it interesting. It's also a way to use up those extra tubes of paint. Just make sure to stay within the primary color family for each choice.

Occasionally, especially with my night scenes I might need to add a spot of bright color for artificial and neon lights. Flower paintings may also require bits of brighter colors. But these colors are infrequent additions and are stored in a separate container.

For landscapes, be sure to choose the versions of the colors that fit the region where you paint. I live in Maine. Here I see cool, deep greens, earth colors, blue-grays. Years ago when we went to Florida for the winter, on our first trip I made the mistake of taking my “Maine” palette of colors. Big mistake - Florida colors are bright and tropical.

By keeping your color palette simple, you will have better color harmony, simplify your painting procedure - and save money, too.

So, to answer the question, “What colors do you use?” Here is my current double primary palette.

Cad Yellow Light & Yellow Ochre

Light Red & Alizarin Crimson

Ultramarine Blue & Cerulean

Titanium White

Remember that you can switch out different reds, blues and yellows. Have fun!

Happy painting!     Celene

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