Hi!
In this post, I want to talk about color and palettes 🎨 – a topic that can be both inspiring and intimidating.
Color theory in art is a vast subject. Artists spend years learning how color works, and almost everyone — not only beginners — struggles with using color harmoniously at some point.
But we all have to start somewhere.
Everyone started once. I did too.
There are countless resources online about color theory and its history, and I’ll share my favorites over time. But right now, you can begin with something simple and practical.
A Bit of Color Basics
You’ve probably heard of the color wheel.
We know there are three primary colors — red, yellow, and blue. By mixing them, we get secondary colors and countless variations.
Some common color harmonies include:
- Monochrome — one color and its shades
- Complementary (diad) — opposite colors on the wheel
- Triad — one main color and two supporting ones
This basic understanding is more than enough to start practicing.
Why Working With Color Feels Hard
Over the past few years, I’ve paid much more attention to color in my sketches and illustrations.
And I know how difficult it can be to:
- choose a palette,
- trust it,
- and use it consistently in an illustration.
That’s why in this community we’ll experiment, make mistakes, and learn together, just like in my previous posts about overcoming blank page fear and building a sketchbook habit.
Exercise 1: Create Your Own Color Wheel
Start with the materials you already have — any materials.
Try making your own color wheel using just three colors:
- blue
- yellow
- red
If you have different tools, create several wheels:
- with colored pencils,
- pastels,
- watercolor.
You’ll start to feel how your materials behave and notice that some mixes can be surprising (especially purple).
What Is a Limited Color Palette?
A limited palette is a set of colors chosen in advance for:
- one illustration,
- a series,
- or a few sketchbook spreads.
Despite its name, a limited palette doesn’t restrict you — it actually creates freedom.
You make a clear agreement with yourself about which colors you’ll use and why.
Exercise 2: A Two-Color Palette
Choose just two colors:
- one warm,
- one cool.
They don’t have to be classic combinations.
For example, I love using Payne’s gray and ochre together.
I work mostly with watercolor, so I’ll use it as an example.
Mix your two colors — now you already have a third one.
Create swatches of:
- each original color,
- their mix,
- and a few in-between shades.
You’ll end up with about nine shades, which is already a complete and expressive palette.
How to Use Your Palette
This approach helps you:
- test your materials,
- discover palettes you love,
- and apply them confidently in your work.
You can also add:
- white,
- black,
- or combine different materials.
I often use watercolor with a soft graphite pencil or gray/brown ink for outlines.
Want to Try This Right Now?
Check out my post about drawing from life (link) — it includes simple exercises for beginners and experienced sketchbook artists. It’s a great way to practice drawing and test your favorite palettes at the same time. And if you need ideas, I have a free list of sketchbook prompts you can try today.
I truly hope you enjoy your time with your sketchbook —
not perfectly, but with curiosity and joy.
See you soon,
Victorija
