Lesson 3: Developing Shadow Tones with a Limited Palette
Getting Comfortable with Palette Knives
Using a palette knife to premix colors is a step in the process that may feel awkward at first, but in the long run I find it to be a very satisfying time-saver. By mixing my colors all in one go, I can build momentum as I start painting, instead of having to stop and guess every time I come across a new color in the reference. This also helps me start simplifying my reference, so I can pick out where I’ll start with my largest shapes once I begin applying paint to canvas. I encourage experimenting with various shapes of palette knives; some may feel more intuitive to you.
Using a Limited Palette for a Harmonious Color Scheme
One of the benefits of using a limited palette is the built-in harmony it brings. Since I’m only working with a handful of colors, any mix I create will naturally complement the others. This approach prevents the piece from feeling disjointed and allows the colors to “sing” together. It’s easy to grab too many tubes of paint in every shade imaginable and then get bogged down when you try to make them work together on the canvas. By restricting your choices, a limited palette forces you to get even better at color theory, since you’ll have to learn exactly how each of these colors interact with each other.
Avoiding Overworking and Embracing Subtle Imperfections
There’s a point when adjusting colors where “good enough” truly is good enough. I’ve learned that if I’m overly nitpicky, I can drive myself crazy trying to get my colors to match the reference exactly right. Instead, I want to train my eye to pick up the point where the color I’ve mixed is as close as I can get it without overworking the mixture.
Mapping Out the Roadmap for Colors
When I finish mixing a color, I assign it a place on the canvas—like planning out a roadmap. Pay attention to each color you’ve mixed and where you were matching it to on the reference; this way you have a clear plan in mind when you go to apply paint to the large shapes on your canvas.
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