How to select and buy an optimum palette of watercolor paints.

Art Lessons by Captain Watercolor

Artists call their available selection of paints, their "palette". Getting started with the correct palette is really important. As you use your paints you get into the habit of mixing them in particular ways. These habits become a part of your style. A part of you as an artist. If you start with the best possible selection, your choices will always be maximized.

 

There is no perfect palette, and what works for me may not work so well for someone else. Therefore what I am offering is a starting point. Hopefully you will also find it to be all you need.

 

I am going to discuss the sedimentary properties of colors, which is what makes watercolors look like watercolors, and what makes them so beautiful.

 

I will also discuss a palette for mixing any color at all.

 

Even if you are an experienced watercolorist, you will probably get some new ideas.

The Materials for this lesson are:

     
PAPER
  Waterford 140 Pound Cold Pressed
     
PAINTS    
.......( non sedementry )
Warm Yellow   Arilyde Yellow
Cool Yellow   Hansa Yellow
Warm Red   Light Red
Cool Red   Alizerine Crimson (Hue )
Warm Blue   Pthalocynanine Blue
Cool Blue   Ultramarine Blue
.........( sedimentry )
Yellow   Yellow Ochre
Red   Burnt Sienna
Blue   Cerulean Blue (Genuine)
Green   Veridian
Fast ( Cable ) Medium ( DSL ) Slow ( Dialup)