How paint swatches can help you build a cohesive painting collection

Use a consistent color palette

One way that I stay cohesive is by using a consistent color palette. Instead of wondering, how did I make that blue? I make swatches of the colors I like and it has helped immensely (don’t forget to write down the colors you use when mixing).

When you are making tones of certain colors (adding a neutral or a little of the complementary color), it’s a big help to see what the different tones, tints, and shades look like. There is so much to learn about color and complementary colors!!

Here is a quick diagram I made that’s helpful when learning about Color Values.

When I make paint swatches (see an example below), I take a bit of the pure hue and paint a few strokes, then I add white and paint a few strokes. That way I can see how the hue looks pure and as a tint with white added. I do the same under this swatch with adding a neutral or trying out different complementary colors when mixing. This system has helped me determine easily which color I want to use.

All the colors in your palette for your collection don’t have to be the same, but swatches will keep you focused and clear on which color you need at the time. It’s a huge time saver!