Let’s Not Invite the Whole Palette
Technique level: Intermediate
Duration: ~35-45 minutes
Paper:
Kreatima aquarelle 25% cotton (maybe).
Colors:
– Sap green (Rembr.)
– French ultramarine (Rembr.)
– Quinacridone magenta (W&N)
– Phthalo green (Rembr.)
Objective:
Explore color harmony using a limited palette – either analogous (neighbors on the color wheel) or complementary (across from each other). The subject is a close-up of something small and vibrant: a sprig of flowering thyme, a basil bloom, a tangle of elderberries – natural color stories with strong character.
Materials:
- Cold press or hot press paper
- Round brush (size 4-6) and a detail brush
- Choose your palette first:
- Analogous example: Sap Green, Cobalt Teal, Ultramarine
- Complementary example: Alizarin Crimson + Viridian
- Pencil for light sketch
- Optional: scrap paper to test mixes before you commit
Steps:
- Choose and Limit Your Palette:
Pick 2-3 pigments that either sit close together on the wheel (analogous = peaceful, natural) or are opposites (complementary = punchy, dramatic).
Mix a few combos and test them – you’ll want to use mixed neutrals as well as pure hues. - Sketch Your Subject Lightly:
Keep it simple but accurate. Focus on a cropped view: the tip of a herb stem with blossoms, or a cluster of berries and leaves. - Base Washes with Harmony in Mind:
Lay down your lightest tones – think ahead to where each pigment will dominate.
Let one color lead, with the others supporting – don’t try to balance everything 50/50. - Mix and Layer Harmonious Darks:
Use mixed combinations of your palette to create shadow tones and depth. Avoid using black or anything outside your chosen group – make your shadows from the palette.
This helps unify the whole image and gives it that cohesive, painterly feel. - Details and Final Glaze (Optional):
Add crisp edges or veins with a mixed dark, not a straight-from-the-pan color.
A final soft glaze of a dominant hue can tie everything together like a warm sunset filter.
Focus:
- It’s not about realism – it’s about cohesion. Even a purple basil bloom can feel “real” when rendered in golds and greens.
- Let neutralized colors (soft grays, browns) come from your chosen palette – they’ll act as a bridge between vibrant spots.
- Analogous = gentle unity. Complementary = controlled drama. Know what mood you’re after.
Bonus Prompt:
Try making two thumbnails: one with an analogous scheme, one with complementary colors. Same sketch, two different vibes. It’s like watching your painting change outfits.