Limited Color Palettes Make Your Art BETTER!
Welcome back to my YouTube/Blog series, Mixed Media 101, where I talk about everything foundational to my mixed media art practice. Today's subject, a Limited Color Palette, is near and dear to my heart because it is (I believe) so important to how and why I found my groove with mixed media art.
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Limiting your color palette can be a total game-changer in your art. Here’s why artists often choose to go with fewer colors:
Stronger Visual Unity A limited palette naturally ties everything together, because all your colors are related. It helps create a cohesive look and feel across your piece—nothing feels out of place.
More Focus on Composition and Value When you’re not juggling a million colors, you can zero in on contrast, shapes, lighting, and storytelling. It pushes you to think more about how you’re using color instead of just which colors.
Color Harmony Becomes Effortless Less choice actually makes your life easier. With a tight palette, your colors are likely to harmonize better without clashing. Everything comes out looking intentional and balanced.
Boosts Creativity Constraints fuel creativity. You’ll start mixing colors, creating variations, and experimenting more. You might discover beautiful combos you’d never try if you had every color at your fingertips.
Saves Time, Money (and Sanity) Not having to constantly pick from 500 supplies = less money spent on art supplies that you probably won't use, faster decision-making and smoother workflow.
Can Create a Signature Look Some artists are instantly recognizable because of the palettes they use. Limiting your palette can help develop a distinct style that people associate with your work.
Watch the video here!
Tell me, do you work with a limited color palette or does the thought of narrowing down your color choices make you break out in a cold sweat? What are your favorite colors?