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Creating the Richard Schmid Color Charts

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I have been busy over the past few weeks creating color charts as recommended by Richard Schmid in his book Alla Prima. My charts are still in progress, but I thought I would publish this post in the meantime for others who may want to join me in doing this exercise.

I will run through the supplies you need, the process, and some of my observations so far. Be warned, this is a time-consuming and surprisingly challenging exercise! But, when a master like Richard Schmid recommends you do something, it is wise to do it. In his own words:

“Surprisingly, the charts only took two weeks to complete, and when I finished I knew more about my paint than I had ever thought possible.”

Color Charts (6)

Overview

(If you are not familiar with this exercise, the following may sound a bit confusing. But stay with me! It is easier to understand once you see the full step-by-step process later in this post). 

The idea of this exercise is to explore the different color combinations from your frequently used colors.

You start by creating a "pure" color chart. Pure colors (straight from the tube) are at the top. Each row down the colors gets lighter as more white is added. The colors on the bottom row have just a hint of color. Here is mine to give you an idea of what it looks like:

Finished Color Charts (3)

From there, you create a separate chart for each color (“color dominant charts” as Richard Schmid calls them). These involve taking the main (dominant) color and mixing it with a small amount of each other color. And again, for each row down the colors get lighter as you add more white.

Below is my color dominant chart for cadmium lemon. This shows the range of possible colors with cadmium yellow predominating.

The first column is pure cadmium lemon; the second is cadmium lemon with a touch of cadmium yellow; the third is cadmium lemon with a touch of cadmium yellow deep; the forth is cadmium lemon with a touch of yellow ochre; and so on.

Finished Color Charts (1)

You then repeat the process for all other color dominant charts. Keep in mind that the first column for these charts will be the main (dominant) color.

What You Need

Here are the supplies you need:

  • Your frequently used colors. I used cadmium lemon, cadmium yellow, cadmium yellow deep, yellow ochre, cadmium red, terra rosa, permanent alizarin crimson, transparent oxide red, viridian green, cobalt blue, ultramarine blue, and titanium white. I used similar colors to the ones used by Richard Schmid as I am fascinated by his use of color and sometimes the best way to understand is to imitate.
  • Brushes and palette knives. I do most of the color mixing with brushes, but you may want to use palette knives instead. I used a different brush for each color to avoid any unwanted mixing.
  • A palette for mixing. You should do most of your mixing on the palette, not the canvas.
  • Canvas boards. These are economical and sturdy. The size will depend on how many colors you are using and how large you want the segments.
  • Paper towel, a container for holding used brushes, and solvent for cleaning up (if using oils). The paint needs to be thick and straight from the tube, so avoid adding any mediums or solvents.
  • Thin tape (ideally less than a cm). After hours of searching, I managed to find 6mm tape from a local office supplies shop. It is amazing how hard it is to find thin tape!
  • Ruler.
  • Pencil.

What Medium Should You Use?

I use and recommend oils for this, as does Richard Schmid. The slow drying time gives you a chance to get the color right before you place it on the canvas. But, any other medium would be fine.

The Process

Here is my step-by-step process. If you join me in doing this exercise, you may want to vary this process to suit your own situation and preferences.

Step 1. Get your supplies in order.

Organization is key here. You do not want to be flustered or searching for supplies whilst doing the charts.

Step 2. Plan the measurements.

Your measurements depend on how many colors you use, the size of each segment, and the size of the canvas board.

Start by working out:

  • How many segments you need (the number of colors multiplied by 5).
  • How large you want each segment (I suggest around 1 inch in width).
  • How much space you need for a border (for writing down what colors you used).

Then grab a ruler and calculate the measurements you need. To give you an idea, here are my measurements:

  • 1 inch border at the top and left sides.
  • 1 inch width and ¾ inch height for each segment.
  • 11 colors.
  • 55 segments (11 colors multiplied by 5 rows)
  • 2 charts per canvas board (because the canvas boards I found are rather large).

Make sure you write down whatever measurements you use so you can stay consistent for each chart.

Step 3. Mark the canvas board and place the tape.

Use a pencil and ruler to mark the measurements on the canvas board. Then place your tape. If your measurements are correct, this should be rather easy.

Color Charts (7)
Blank Charts

Step 4. Audit yourself.

Make sure you have enough segments and that they are all roughly the same size.

Step 5. Organize the tubes of paint in the right order.

The order of colors needs to be consistent. To avoid any frustrating mix-ups, place the tubes of paint above the relevant columns (see below).

Color Charts (1)

Step 6. Mix and apply the colors.

Work from column to column, from left to right.

For each column, start with the top "pure" color and work down. Start by mixing the pure color on your palette, then apply it to the top segment. Then work your way down the column, adding more and more white to the color. Aim to have even steps in value (a challenge by itself).

Keep in mind that some colors are stronger than others and you will need to use more white to make them lighter.

Color Charts (2)

Step 7. Remove the tape.

Do this before the paint dries (otherwise, the tape may lift paint from the canvas).

Color Charts (5)

Step 8. Place the chart in a safe place to dry.

Step 9. Take a photo for reference.

The actual charts are the best reference, but a photo is a close second.

Finished Color Charts (2)

Key Observations

Here are some key observations from this exercise so far:

  • As colors get lighter, the contrast between them reduces (compare the top row to the bottom row).
  • As colors get lighter, they get weaker and cooler in temperature.
  • Some colors are MUCH stronger than others. This is referred to as tinting strength.
  • It is eye-opening to see all the different colors you are able to mix (or unable to mix).
  • The dark colors (such as ultramarine blue and viridian) seem to get richer with just a small amount of white.
  • The charts are a valuable reference point for any “how do I mix that color?” questions.
  • This is a simple exercise, but it is not easy!

To Be Continued...

I will update this post once I finish the rest of the charts. Feel free to join me in doing this exercise. I would also love to see photos of your attempts (just subscribe and send me an email).

Color Charts (4)

Thanks for Reading!

Thanks for taking the time to read this post. I appreciate it! Feel free to share with friends. If you want more painting tips, make sure you subscribe.

Happy painting!

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Dan Scott

Draw Paint Academy

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Comments

    • Laura Brooks says

      You are not only a fabulous artist you are also so generous with sharing your knowledge. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Laura

  4. Annette Wessels says

    Hallo Scott. I have been following your emails for a while now. They are amazing.
    The tape you mention in this article is available at quilt shops. It is a 1/4″ wide. Perfect for your use.
    Annette

  5. Amanda Beaumont says

    Hi Scott – thanks very much for this post – it’s just the kind of exercise I had been thinking of doing for some time, and you mention all the sloppy bad habits to avoid that I constantly fall into, like mixing the colours on the canvas, so I will try to be more disciplined!
    Amanda

  6. Gina says

    That is brilliant and so useful. I do struggle with color selection and what to mix with what. Thank you so much.
    Gina.

  7. Rebecca says

    Great exercise! You can also use automobile pinstriping tape which is quite economical.

    • Debbie says

      I was so thrilled to get this in my inbox! I just finished doing color charts in the past two weeks! They are still drying. I learned so much and it was actually a fun process. I will share my charts with you as soon as I get pics of them. I’m currently reading Richard Schmids book Alla Prima 11. So much to take in from this master painter!

  8. Williams Rachel says

    How fun! Can’t wait to start!

    Have always wanted to try this. Would also
    LOVE to “do” a Zorn.

    Tks again

  9. RONALD PETER FERNANDES says

    What a coincidence, I purchased the Alla Prima II last week and was about to start the process of preparing the charts. Ohh La your emails is timely and god sent. This will be greatly helpful. Thanks for taking us through by sharing your personal expericences.

    Ronald

  11. jane says

    Fab. I always add more than two colours to adjust a hue but this would ensure lovely clean colours. I’m just not sure I’m disciplined enough to actually use it and can you imagine having the gallery of references on hand while trying to stay connected to your model? Oh la la.
    Your emails are so generous I’m in awe. We will work together. Watching for a UK workshop one day.

    • Raye says

      I am grateful see this process. Last night I finished another type of grid. Mine is taking the 12 colors I have never used together before and applying them across the top of the grid, then down one side. I also added two different (Windsor and Sennelier) Paynes Gray and Kynite, to see how each interacted with my colors. I find this tells me if my palette is harmonious. It allows more flexibility when choosing a scheme I used watercolor and my chart allows me to have three different values of the true color In the spread. I am going to do this with oils this week. I have never painted with oils. I need help with brush selection.

  13. Judy says

    Brilliant. I did this a few years ago after purchasing Richard Schmidt’s Alla Prima A great exercise After your post today – I’m going to do it again ! Thank you

  14. Carol Perlowski says

    Thank you so much! I always wanted to do this but wasn’t sure how. You explained it so simply and now I have no excuse not to try! I know this will help me. Again, thank you.

  15. Joan Specking says

    Dan I did this for a class several years ago and it is so helpful!! Mine aren’t as tidy as yours and I used canvas paper. I need to do this for some new colors I’ve added. The difference in the yellows is so neat!!!

    • Fean says

      Hi Dan. Probably ly being stupid here but is the tape used to separate the chart colour mixes? If so, couldn’t you leave the tape on to avoid tearing? Thank you for all the great lessons tho. Very thorougly researched and so generous of you.

      • Dan Scott says

        Hi Fean – yes the tape is to separate the colors and for organization. You could leave it there, but it may not be that archival (the tape may end up falling off). Thanks! Dan

  16. Jinx says

    Hi Dan,
    Thanks so much for your email on Richard Schmidt’s color charts. I did the charts a few years back and was amazed how much I learned- after I finished, I took the charts to Kinkos and had them laminated. they last longer and are now hanging in my studio for quick reference. Thanks again

  17. Cynthia Leonard says

    I just did this in a class in my hometown and it is invaluable to me. However, we made each color pallette on an individual floppy canvas sheet about 6″ x 8″. After they are dry, a hole punch in the upper left corner and collect them together on a binder ring. Now you have it at your fingertips or in your lap to flip through as needed. So handy and so useful!

  19. Diana says

    Thank you so much for teaching us and taking your time to show us.

    I have learned so much from you.

  21. Charlie Stewart says

    This takes me back to what I did as a profession. I had a printing business for about 35 years.
    There is a system of color charts for printers, called Pantone colors. You can mix hundreds or even thousands of colors on demand. When I was in the art supply shop, I found a set of artist colors that are the basic primary 4 colors ( black, magenta, cyan, & yellow) that are used for process colors, (full color), these are transparent colors, when they are over lapped on a printing press they form what ever color you wish.
    Let me explain a little further about how process color (full color} is done in the printing business.
    A photograph is made into a halftone, which is a series of dots of different size that forms the overall picture. This is photographly transferred to a metal plate for the press. The process colors are transparent so you have overlapping dots that form the different colors, like in art where you use a wash of other colors to create what you want.
    This will probably confuse everyone. But I am using my pantone color charts to mix my artist colors.
    If anyone has any other questions let me know and I can explain further
    Charlie: In the Ozark Mountains of Missouri USA

    • Nan says

      Brilliant. My husband has owned a printing company for 45 years and I have never thought about that

  24. Pam says

    I love this! I have done this with other mediums, like pencils and some acrylics. I have not gone in depth like this though. When doing your charts and you were mixing the two colors together are you using a specific ratio.

    • Dan Scott says

      Hi Pam. Generally around 80% dominant to 20% other color. However, judgment is needed because some colors are stronger than others.

  25. Chris Whitehouse says

    Dan,
    Thanks for sharing this. A couple of questions. Does this mean that you paint (in your paintings) only using mixes of any two colors plus tinting with white? Are there not times that you would need to paint with mixtures or three or more colors in a mix? Or can you achieve any color you need using only two colors plus white (and does that help to eliminate making mud?

    Right now, I’m mostly only painting in acrylics, which uses multiple layers of different paints.

    Thanks,
    Chris

    • Dan Scott says

      Hi Chris. Good question. When I am actually painting – I am much less structured with color mixing. I will often mix numerous colors together. The idea of the charts is to see what is possible with just a few colors. But that doesn’t mean you are limited to using those colors. It also keeps the charts simple. Thanks! Dan

  27. Debra K Guess says

    Cool! I made a similar chart (tho w/o the tints) for myself years ago, after I’d been painting for only a short time. I still use it, along with my notes describing “great color mixes/complements”. I created my chart by first drawing a penciled grid on a canvas board, dabbing the unmixed “master colors” across the top and down the side, and then applying each color mix within a corresponding square. So I’m curious: Why bother taking the time to mark your grid with tape? Is it helpful, or necessary, to have neat, clean edges on each color block? I’m a kinda messy [abstract] painter; maybe using tape only for the sake of neat, clean edges gets a little too fussy for me. Regardless, creating such a color mixing chart IS a fun, very useful, and very meditative exercise!

    • Dan Scott says

      Hi Debra. The grid just helps keep it organized. I do not care so much about it being “neat”. Also, the grid helps keep the colors separate (you don’t want any unwanted mixing). Thanks! Dan

  28. Mary Coulstock says

    Thank you so much for sharing these colour (Australian spelling 😊) charts. I can’t wait to get stuck into my charts. They are so going to be heaps helpful!

    Thanks again Dan

  29. Mikael, Finland says

    Hi Dan! Nice work! I have also work in progress. Not so clean like yours. I am using thick paper for oil painting, but same size tape like you! Using size A4 and putting chart in clear plastic pocket and thinking to take charts with in one file if going plein air for first time when ready. But I have 19 hue…

  30. Rae says

    I just thought id suggest making one stencil instead of using tape over and over.
    Mark out where the tape would go onto something waterproof (like a clear projector sheet), then cut out the squares with a stanley knife. Then just clamp or tape the edges when using the stencil.

  31. Ruthann says

    I did something similar only in watercolors when I was fairly new to the medium. I had made a ¼-½” vertical black strips (drawn with permanent black marker) drawn on a half-sheet of 140# cold pressed watercolor paper to show the transparency of each color. I made the left side straight from the tube and the lightest color I could get on the right side of the line. Made a great reference chart.
    I’ve never done one for my oils yet, but this I definitely want to do. Thank you to Cynthia’s comment. I like the way you said you did yours. I have a tablet of Canvas Paper and think I will use that.

    Dan, I hope you never tire of doing this! I have learned so much and been inspired. Keep the emails coming. I’ve been so frustrated with the brushes I’ve bought in the past that I finally order several from Rosemary and Co. and can’t wait until they arrive to try them out! Thank you.

  32. Alice Murray says

    Apologies if this has already been addressed but are the colours named anywhere on the chart so you can easily see what you mixed to get a particular colour?

    • Dan Scott says

      Hi Alice. Yes the charts SHOULD be named, but I have been lazy. Will name them soon 🙂 Dan

  33. Beverly Kerwin says

    Thanks Scott! I have Alla Prima 11 and I have been wanting to make the charts. A few people I take an art class with would like to get together to make the charts. We’ll being doing this next month. Thanks for the directions and encouragement to get it done!

  34. Tariq Siddique says

    Excellent sir. Right after reading this email I started….. basic chart has been completed. Thanks for such a fabulous tip.

  35. Rosemarie Burnton says

    This is awesome. Thank you so much Dan for all your time, passion and encouragement.

  37. Jane says

    I think its useful to write down the pigment numbers that are shown on the paint tubes, especially for watercolor charts. Also, I thinks its easier just to blur the mixes at the edges to eliminate the taping. You get one big sheet of color gradations, like on your computer.

  38. Jackie Cicora says

    Just wanted to be sure I was still on the mailing list. I appreciate all the help.

    • Dan Scott says

      Hi Jackie! Just checked – you are still subscribed. I have just been less-frequent with emails lately. Thanks!

  39. Beryl Vowles says

    Many thanks for all your excellent tips on watercolours.
    I am an oldie’ having a great time experimenting in this new medium. Wish me luck.

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