Unlocking the Magic of Watercolor: 6 Essential Tips for Your Palette

Jun 26

6 tips to set up a watercolor palette

Whether you're a seasoned painter or just starting out, these suggestions will help you make the most of your creative process.

Support other makers by choosing a beautiful handmade palette from a potter or local shop.
When buying paints choose the basics, primary colors give you a great base! (mixing paints in future lessons)
Set up your colors like a place your colors from warm to cool.
A little bit of pigment goes a long way.
Dip your paintbrush into your paints while they are still wet.
Just add water to reactivate your palette the next day.

When I began painting, it was messy because I didn't know how to arrange the paint on my palette. I didn't even have a palette at first. But that's alright! Being creative becomes simpler and more enjoyable as you practice! (@creativeovertime)

✅ Embrace Handcrafted Beauty

First and foremost, consider supporting local artisans and makers by choosing a beautifully handmade palette. It's more than just a tool; it's a work of art in itself, reflecting your unique creative spirit. When I began my own artistic adventure, I initially used disposable plastic palettes and paper plates. While they may seem like a convenient and cost-effective choice, they often led to frustration and wasted potential. Your paints won't blend as seamlessly on these surfaces, and revisiting a dried-up palette can be a challenge. So, investing in a gorgeous handmade palette like the one from @sylvanclayworks can truly elevate your artistic experience.

In my opinion, a mixing palette is sometimes even more beautiful than the artwork! It is your thought process and inspiration laid out on a surface.

But don’t get me wrong, if you are just starting out or you’re painting with your kids for some non-tv time you can totally use a thrifty tea saucer or an old plate you have in your attic or basement. (Just label it after you use it … paints aren’t safe to mix with food!)

Once I invested in a beautiful handmade palette I started investing more time and care into my painting process.

artist watercolor palette by Sylvan Clayworks

✅ Back to Basics: Primary Colors and Natural Pigments

I made a list of resources below for the paints

These days you can just buy any hue of watercolor or gouache you’re looking for. But don’t spend your money there. I recommend choosing the Primary colors (red, yellow, and blue) plus white and sepia. Mixing paints is a game-changer and so fun. Test a see which colors are simple to mix and which are difficult to achieve, then invest in pre-mixed tubes down the road.

Beautiful handmade gouache paints

✅ Color Harmony: Warm to Cool

Choose if you are going to use a full range of colors in your artwork. It can go from red to blue or you can just choose warm, cool or a range between. Then place those colors on your palette in a line or round shape from warmest to coolest. Red, yellow, blue.

✅ Less is More: Pigment Wisdom

Reds and Blues are extremely saturated pigments. Where yellow is a little bit more shy. Less is more on a palette especially if you are using tubed watercolors or gouache.

✅ Dip in while your paints are wet

Test out the texture when your paints are still wet. Just simple lines and shapes will give you an idea of the feeling and how much opacity the wet paint has. Similar to acrylic paints!

✅ Revive with Water

When you think all your pigment is off your brush just dip it in some water and now we’re talking! Grab a plastic container you were about to recycle, old beach pales, or any container you won't be drinking out of really. (the bigger the better of a chance you will accidentally sip the wash - trust me it almost happens a lot confusing for a water glass or coffee cup) The pigment is reactivated and is officially the traditional watercolor feeling you might be familiar with! Oh, if you leave your palette to dry you can just dip your brush in some water, give it a swirl on the dry paints and you have your watercolor palette re-activated for the next day! Have towels, a sponge, or a rag on hand to wipe your brush between colors.

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Watch the palette tutorial here

Your watercolor palette is your creative haven, where your thoughts and inspirations come to life. Whether you're using a stunning handmade palette or a thrifted saucer from your attic, the journey of artistic self-discovery becomes simpler and more enjoyable with practice.

Kelly