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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.”
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:
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.
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.
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).
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.
Step 7. Remove the tape.
Do this before the paint dries (otherwise, the tape may lift paint from the canvas).
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.
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!
(If you want to learn more about color mixing, I go into more detail in my Painting Academy course.)
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).
Sara Carter says
fabulous
Sandi says
I agree, Dan is just the most brilliant sharer, his knowledge always inspires me.
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
Karen VanDam Michmerhuizen says
I made my charts several years ago, use them often. They are a great exercise and also a useful reference. Love them!
Diana says
Why do you need these charts?
Lainie says
Your explanations and examples are wonderful. They have enough info, but without being overwhelming. Some instructors (not necessarily art) tend to overlook small but crucial info because they’ve been doing it for so long. It’s become second nature and they assume it’s common knowledge and/or it’s done automatically without thought. Thank you!!
Diana MacDougall says
I’m learning so much from these emails and tutorials. I have a background in photography, drawing and color pencil “painting”, so the value/color/lighting theory experience has proven very helpful. Acrylic painting is new to me, and I’m loving it. It’s sometimes the small gems of tips I get from Dan that are helping me the most. I’m loving this!
C says
Good exercise
Adriana says
Is this the same in WC ?
Chris says
I believe in WC charts you will add water to make the color lighter, not white.
Louise says
I’ve started the chart with wc but have difficulty controlling water to assure color is correct value. Any suggestions?
Dan Scott says
Yes you should be able to do the charts in watercolor, but as Louise has pointed out, it is harder to control. Water is unpredictable by nature. If anyone has a good watercolor attempt, feel free to share (just flick me an email – [email protected]).
Kat says
When adding water it’s the viscosity that has to be consistent in watercolor. Anna Mason has a workable gauge: watery, milky, creamy, buttery.
Dan, my question is how do you replicate a “touch” each time you add paint to your mixes?
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
Diane says
Usually auto finishing shops also.
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
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.
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!
Deborah McCrary says
This is totally awesome. I can’t wait to start this. Thank you so much.
Rick Gentile says
Thanks Scott-
So do you next make charts where you mix columns together? This could go on indefinitely.
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
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
Sally says
I just finished a Zorn workshop!
carol says
I am sorry, my little dictionary dose not have the word Zorn, may I please show my ignorance and ask what it is.
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
Mimi Whitney-Hafft says
I will never do this extensively as you are doing now. But, I commend your efforts and appreciate you sharing this. Thanks a million.
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.
Mareta says
Brilliant and so useful…. thank you!
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
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.
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
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
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!
Barb says
This is exactly what I need. Thank you!
Diana says
Thank you so much for teaching us and taking your time to show us.
I have learned so much from you.
RONI says
thank you so much
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
Reza says
Hi Dan
Thank you very much for sharing. I will do the exercise.
Reza
Frances Urbina S says
Wonderful chart!
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.
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
Susan Pernot says
“Border Tape” or graphic art tape available at Amazon in different widths.
Dan Scott says
Thanks Susan! Will check that out.
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
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
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…
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.
Dan Scott says
Hi Rae – good idea!
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.
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
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!
Tariq Siddique says
Excellent sir. Right after reading this email I started….. basic chart has been completed. Thanks for such a fabulous tip.
Rosemarie Burnton says
This is awesome. Thank you so much Dan for all your time, passion and encouragement.
April says
Do I just keep adding white to the pure color and so on down the chart? Thank you Dan1
Dan Scott says
Hi April, basically yes. Just makes sure there are even steps in value. Thanks!
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.
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!
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.
Sharon says
Thank you so much…so helpful!
Webster says
This is good.
Madeleine Cobb says
Awesome Dan – and I love the the tidiness of the tape, plus it leaves room for colour names and mixes. Many years ago in great anxiety, overwhelmed, I charted my newly acquired oils in a very orderly manner starting with 4 blues, and was soon stunned to find it really trained the mind and eye profoundly. Did Prussian straight from the tube then mixing white down to palest in 5 squares, next row 5 squares again Prussian again with a smidge of Ultramarine, and down to palest, next row Prussian (!) with a dot of Pthalo blue down to palest, the next row of Prussian mixed a little Cobalt then down to the palest. Wrote underneath each row what they were. Kept going with Prussian the main ingredient, with all my colours (about 20) same method, four different reds, the cadmiums and lemon yellows, the gold and red ochres, browns, greens and 2 purples Then charted Ultramarine and white, next row ultramarine with a touch of Prussian and paling it, right through blues, reds the whole box again. then the systematic rows of every other colour. Kept the pages safely in a binder. It uses a nasty amount of paint and time – but the greatest value was it quickly and deeply taught me the mixing 2 oils and white without taking a lifetime to learn it. A bought chart doesn’t do that to you, trained eye and mind. Love your teaching.
Julie says
Doing color charts is the best time spent. I had tubes of paint I didn’t use until I did a color wheel for each one. I have also done a double primary color chart and that was intense but totally worth it to see how the cool and warm colors mixed. I think the Richard Schmid color chart is next!
Laura Haberer says
I just started these color charts and it is such a helpful tool to train my eye and brain in color mixing! Thanks for the tip!
Camille says
So I started this exercise but, only with the supplies I had. I wasn’t exact on measuring and didn’t leave a space free of paint around the border. Needless to say, things got messy taking off the tape, as well as the tape pulled up some of the surface paper I was using. However, these charts will greatly help me understand color theory. I learn easily through doing and seeing things for myself so I’m glad I came across this exercise! Thank you for sharing this simple, but wonderful exercise.
Barbara Ward says
I am a beginner artist and have just done a workshop with colour charts. Your tuition certainly shows me the value of doing this myself and spending time to absorb the learning of colours. Because it seems to be so simple and so difficult but is the essence of producing a painting that is well balanced in portraying colour and light dark and shades of colour. I really enjoy your posts and love the way you share your knowledge. Thank you so much.