Painting with a limited palette means selecting the fewest paint tubes possible to achieve the widest range of mixed colors on the visible spectrum. Twelve or fewer colors qualify as a limited palette. Most masterful artists, past and present, sing the praises of a limited palette.

Kindred Spirits

My series of cat paintings, Kleo Kats, are examples of limited palette paintings. Kindred Spirits, the newest addition to the series was painted with “my favorite oil color palette” listed below which consists only of eight colors. These colors created the glowing jewel tones that are characteristic of Kleo Kats.

The Benefits of Using 12 or Fewer Colors

It simplifies color mixing because you have fewer choices to consider for getting the results you want.
You’ll know how your colors will look when mixed together, giving you confidence in your choices.
You’ll achieve good color harmony. Fewer colors means fewer color variations, so your painting’s colors will be unified.
You can more easily control your values and color temperatures.
Fewer paint tubes are easier to store and haul around, and simpler to set up on your palette.
Fewer color puddles on your palette leave more room for mixing.

My Favorite Oil Color Palette

I have experimented with various color palettes and paint brands over the years, but recently curated my favorite palette so far. From the following eight tubes I find I can mix anything, from vibrant to dull, from dark to light, and across the spectrum of hues. It includes a warm and a cool version of reds and blues, a yellow, a green, and three neutrals. Notice that the Fuchsia, Ultramarine blue, and the Viridian green are transparent colors; the others are opaque.

Charvin Cadmium Red
Charvin Quinacridone Fuchsia
Charvin Cadmium Yellow
Charvin Ultramarine Blue
Charvin Cerulean Blue
Charvin Intense Viridian Green
Burnt Umber (any brand)
Bob Ross Soft Titanium White, or any brand

Tips

Make black by mixing Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Umber
It’s ok to add one to two extra colors as your artistic needs lead you. For example, if you often paint landscapes consider adding a cool lemon yellow for mixing a wide range of greens.
It’s ok to substitute paint brands, even if their color names differ somewhat.

Additional neutral colors to consider for convenience

Burnt Sienna (any brand)
Yellow Ochre (any brand)
Gamblin Portland Grays, light and deep. These are beautiful grays for toning down colors, and they look gorgeous when a bit of color is mixed into them.
Black. I do not recommend using black out of the tube because it tends to make colors look dreary, but many artists like this convenience.

Additional intense colors for specialized needs

Gamblin Radiant White. This is an opaque glowing white keeps the vibrancy of the colors mixed into it so pale tints don’t become grayed down. It’s a great white to use for highlights, too.
Charvin French violet
Pthalo Blue (any brand)

Have you had success with using a limited color palette? Share it in the comments below.

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