Tips on How to Select Colors for a Basic Watercolor Palette

My New Pen & Ink Drawing Workbook: amzn.to/2CZjLVp
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My First Book: bit.ly/dunnbook1
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SOCIAL MEDIA
/ alphonsodunndrawing
Instagram: / alphonsodunn
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Colors I discussed in this video:
List of colors in this pic:
Reds: PR255-pyrrole scarlet, PR254-pyrrole red, PV122-quinacridone magenta
Blues: PB29-ultramarine,PB15:3-phthalo blue (green shade), PB16-phthaloturquoise
Yellows: PY154-benzimidazalone yellow, PY65-hansa yellow deep, PY35-cadmium lemon
Green: PG7/36- phthalo green blue and yellow shade
Violet: PV16 manganese violet
Earthcolors: PY42-yellow ochre, PBr7-burnt sienna
Neutral: Sepia (contains PBK9, PB15.1, PBR7)
In this tutorial I share some tips on key things to consider as you begin to put together a basic but effective palette of watercolor paints. What colors are essential? What should you definitely be included? What colors don't have to be? How do you determined that? Whats the reasoning behind these decisions? etc. I'll share my perspective that will hopefully provide a basic understanding of the essentials you need to know to apply to your color mixing whether you use acrylics, oil, gouache, or watercolor. Color theory in painting is essentially similar across the media
See my other videos on watercolor, drawing, anatomy, pen and ink drawing tips, tricks, and techniques :-)

[@marijadika6444]

I hope KZbin leaves older videos like this forever in the internet realms, because I found this in 2021 and is one of the best and most eloquent explanation on the colour mixing! Thanks Mr Dunn, I have your books and learn a lot, but this is a step above:)!

[@eagle-eye29]

2024 just started watercolor. Palette info is great on this video.

[@ohheydevin1992]

This is the best color theory video on youtube! I've been struggling with colors especially when mixing skin tones, I can't wait to try again with my new knowledge! Love your work Alphonso!

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks much! Glad I could help

[@onemig00]

Swatching your mixes also helps you to see if your chosen colors have great mixing power. Denis from In Liquid Color posted her top 12 colors in her KZbin and shows you how she swatches them and you see just how many colors you can mix with what you have

[@kalebsok2947]

onemig00 I just came from watching that video! It’s so helpful! I already know how to mix skin stones but I just gotta work on value

[@annabiing2570]

For skin tones (in addition to primary colours) you need earthy colours (raw Sienna, burnt sienna, oxide red etc) which are better to buy than mix yourself

[@Sas_HeatherC]

word

[@joanneclabelle4232]

After searching for a comprehensive video on palette building, (which lead me to a slew of videos highlighting an artist’s favourite watercolour brand or which palette -ceramic, plastic or metal, they preferred, ) I was relieved to find your informative video. Your approach was pragmatic and analogous to the viewers sense and sensibility of what could be seen as an intimidating task. Thank you for taking time to share your knowledge and your keen awareness of the learning curve. A newly Subscribed viewer.

[@juliustaal2555]

big brain words go boom boom

[@lessd685]

Never had this ever explained so complete and understandable in all the art classes I have taken over the decades. thank you.

[@joannegrrl]

I generally like a split primary palette, so warm/cool on each primary and then earth and some greens. Mind you, that's largely a landscape palette, but I think variations on that work well for many uses.

[@alphonsodunn]

I agree

[@Sas_HeatherC]

the epic 80's slow clap heard around the world in 2020. i have been an artist since i was little. i am 50. i need a refresher because i haven't painted for 20 + years. you sir have explained color theory with a pigment cross over that would make 1st graders understand. Holy crap dude! Bravo. thank you for making my refresher course simple and precise. You have a teaching gift. seriously. nit everyone can explain things the way you did. you have a sub and i will be spreading the word! THANK YOU

[@KommissarKrieg]

You released this video on the very day I sat down to try and figure out mixing my watercolours. Excellent timing, thank you!

[@alphonsodunn]

yay

[@generalvvarts]

ditto. I decided earlier today that I wanted to break away from my cotman half pan set and step up to some tubes for my paintings at home. I got so confused and indecisive about which two of each primaries I needed. I ended up just buying a cheap 24 set of SOHO 7ml tubes. I instantly regretted it. I will be taking it back tomorrow and getting a few tubes of a better brand

[@jimcordle7923]

May be the best demo I have seen on the Subject! Well done and concise . Great resource for reference to Learn! Thanks for sharing your talent.

[@Sas_HeatherC]

same! wierd huh?!

[@user-jj8kg5ef2t]

My palette: 9 primaries (3 for each primary colours) - bluish-red, Full-red, and orange-red. For the 3 secondaries (orange, violet-purple and green) i have two each, eg cool-green, warm green. Then i have all 4 earth (raw and burnt umber, raw and burnt sienna) white (if oil or acrylic, but not for watercolor) and 1 or 2 black (payne black and charcoal black)

[@BB-nz5sk]

Brilliant!!! Simple, clear, interesting!! This should be the #1 rated video on color theory and palette creation on YT. Hands-down! And you made us laugh. I will forever refer to intense violet as my ‘violent violet’ from here on out! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, time, and love of art with us!

[@greyknightsmk]

Just came across you channel sir and just wanted to say how great it is. Your way of teaching is amazing and you have some serious drawing skills as well. You have seriously inspired me to get stuck into drawing and get out of this rut. Thanks alot and best of luck!

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks much! We can all use a push now and again : )

[@maureenmccarthy2714]

I have been struggling with color selection for my palette. I foolishly have been trying to match the palettes of well known watercolorists but have become overwhelmed. Your teaching style is exceptional. Thank you for this super helpful video.

[@LironYan]

Great lesson. I'm focused mainly on watercolor right now, this was helpful! (: - Liron

[@alphonsodunn]

glad it helped

[@YISUSPT]

Epical two comment for my two favorite artists.

[@callmedeno]

Yes I have come back to this multiple times. Also focused on watercolour. The difficulty with watercolour is balancing the water while also mixing the correct ratios of each pigment!

[@LilDivette]

Wow. This is the most thorough and comprehensive explanation I've ever heard about color theory--thank you!!! I really excited to play with my watercolors now! 😊🎨👍

[@captainjan9638]

I spent days trying to figure out a pallet. Finally put one together. Made a color mixing chart. Wish this video was available earlier, I would have done it differently. Thank you so much for this valuable information..

[@alphonsodunn]

Never too late to learn more

[@Sas_HeatherC]

i just sat down to pick a limited pallet last night and couldn't decide on half! holy cow! art master smackdown!

[@MissRuthina]

Watched this a few years ago when i was just learning colour theory and a lot felt way over my head.. but its cool coming back and seeing how much I've learned because i understood everything!!

[@vee35233]

Thank you, this makes such a lot of sense!! Soooo much easier than any other tutorial I have seen. Love the way you simplified the myth of an efficient small palette.

[@SharonFoster852]

This is the best explanation of color mixing I have ever seen, and I've been messing with watercolors and colored pencils for a very long time. I feel like I finally have some understanding of where to start with colors.

[@Insidekimsworld]

This was more helpful than any color theory course I have ever taken.

[@alphonsodunn]

Glad you found it useful : )

[@99snapsnap]

I agree.

[@Sas_HeatherC]

BOOM

[@thebabymomo2709]

I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL I WISH I CAN SUBSCRIBE MORE THAN ONCE. BEST ART CHANNEL ON KZbin. YOU TAUGHT ME SO MUCH. GREAT TEACHER. THANK YOU

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks so much!

[@aldee2787]

Best palette video of all on KZbin! After watching other videos of artist just putting colors in that they liked or used most this video showed me why those colors are in there. Thank you!

[@jainetawton3852]

Thank you! This video is so helpful it has really helped to clarify how to plan my colour palette and reduce the amount of colours in it and create harmony in my paintings.

[@inkinikki]

How can anyone dislike this? I already knew this info before watching and I still like it!

[@alphonsodunn]

: ) thanks

[@pf8534]

Great explanation, as a beginner I am very happy with it! I've also watched a few other videos from you, great!

[@zaarteestdanaportiermorvan2453]

You are a natural teacher!

[@satixify]

Thank you!!! I've been watching SO MANY videos to help me set up my first palette. Each one has been helpful, but THIS video is all that AND a bag of chips! This explains all the reasons behind the choices. I understand now!!!

[@markellis4417]

This was fantastic. I’ve been trying to get my head around this for ages and you explained it so well. Cheers, much appreciated.

[@flutetobassmusician]

I’m so happy i found this. This makes color theory so much easier to understand and also help on making my own first pallet!

[@leslie-annepepin8927]

I am new to watercolour and I am a visual learner. I will be 67 soon! I have been avoiding learning about colour mixing because I need to see how it is done. This was excellent. Exactly what I needed. Thank you! Your book is supposed to be delivered tomorrow. Can’t wait!

[@rmeredithm]

Thank you so much! This is exactly what I was looking for before I order individual colors. I’m a pharmacist, and I love making art, but I have no formal education in the arts. The plethora of colors offered was mind-boggling for me, but now I feel much more comfortable with my purchase. Thanks again!!

[@Moioiland]

Hands down the most tangible explanation on the topic I've come across so far (I watched a LOT of videos). My hats off to you Alphonso. Thank you.

[@nicola.p]

Really helpful. I am new to watercolours and after trying to follow a couple of online classes I have ended up with over 48 colours that I have no idea how to use (and a wallet that is sobbing) I am now going to strip it down to the basics and just use this palette of 12-15. Very simple to understand and makes complete sense. Thank you.

[@alphonsodunn]

Yup, I know many people who found themselves in the same situation. Glad it helped : )

[@bordeauxlanestudio4427]

Love the diagramming and color wheel sketches and notation. Very illuminating.

[@starlaferguson1893]

The best demo and explanation for color palette! I have been studying all day and all the rest just show their favorite palette. This is so helpfully! Thank you!

[@CinemaSeven]

That crosshatching and shading on that cover is sweet. Amazing work.

[@patstokes3615]

I've been looking for a video like yours forever. You have no idea how much this information means to me. So any colors to choose for a pallet but not being able to get a handle on it. Here you did this video back in 2017, and its helping someone four years later in 2020. I will be Subscribing. I was lying on my couch watching video, not expecting anything extraordinary as I've watched scores of watercolor videos but now I need to get up, watch it again, and take notes. Thanks a bunch.

[@saxmam74]

Thanks for breaking down the color wheel & explaining the palette, Alphonso!

[@alphonsodunn]

Very welcome : )

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

I come back here every once in a while when i have gotten carried away buying paint I will never have time to use up...now I am lusting over the newest neutral blue..yin mn. It also serves to remind me to get your book off the bookshelf and use it for warm ups....and to work on a few things...like movement and perspective.

[@LupusCantus]

Great video. I have been thinking about resetting my palette to the basics so I can figure out the right paint brand for my needs and what colors I actually need. This is a great starting point and great info.

[@greekveteran2715]

Spot on brother! This video couldn't be better!!

[@gypsyjoy7]

I really enjoyed this and made mixing seem effortless. I especially like how you did not complicate it for us beginners. Thanks for the tutoring...looking forward to purchasing your book to add to my reference library.

[@tarekgouda9727]

Thank you, Alphonso! I made a great progress thanks to you! I just got your Book from Amazon and I'm very proud of it! Hopefully you will publish another one soon!

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks and thanks so much for supporting it!

[@donnafitzpatrick4379]

Oh my goodness, I have learned so much in the last 25 minutes. It has taken me years to learn less is more in watercolors. I am ready to start limiting my pallet. And you have made so much sense to me. Thank you.

[@jacquelinefarah936]

Alphonso, this was very useful for me. I have had many years of applying color theory with oils but having just started exploring watercolor, I found myself needing to go back to basic. This was terrific. I'll be looking for your other tutorials. Thanks.

[@ZenTeaNow]

Oh wonderful lesson. I learned a lot. Thank you!

[@thewanderess]

You're a brilliant teacher! ♥️

[@21FunkyMonkeys]

I love how you don't just tell us to use a certain palette :) You give us the tools to create our own and understand why we should choose the colours that we do! Great job, love all your videos, keep up the fantastic work!!! You and Aaron Blaise are my 2 fave youtubing artists ahaha

[@kristinstewart5556]

Excellent tips! Thank you!

[@suicidesquad67]

Who needs art seminars when you are subscribed to mr Dunn? Good and easy to understand. Kepp it up! Love from Sweden!

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks much! : )

[@Sas_HeatherC]

you sir deserve all the gushing kudos. don't let the jealous people keep you down!!

[@rich3419]

Best on KZbin. Simple and direct without unnecessary clutter. Very practical advice. Thanks!

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks much

[@M0odyBlue]

Thank you so much for this thoughtful, informative video. I must have 40 tubes of paint collected over the years. It seems that every time I took a workshop or class, the instructor specified different colors. Your very clear explanation will help me simplify and edit my palette. I love that you are sharing your obvious passion and knowledge.

[@alphonsodunn]

I’m happy this helps

[@sharonsands708]

Wow! Alot of welcome information. Thank you, this gives me more needed confidence when I go to the art store and am surrounded by so many choices.

[@dianapurdy9529]

I find that mixing your neutrals results in more vibrant browns, blacks. There is always an undertone that brings punch. Tree trunks are great with a brown that hints purple. Rocks pop with a brown that has an orange or yellow undertone.

[@phuonggiangnguyen82]

Your explanation is excellent! I've watched a number of color mixing videos, and this is one of the clearest and easiest to understand. You make the topic look less intimidating. Thanks so much for taking the time to put this information together.

[@rebekahcrossman4690]

Thank you so much for taking it back to the basics. I think I’ll paint your beautiful hands - it’s fun watching them😆❤️

[@alphonsodunn]

Haha thank you

[@swilliams8176]

I bought both books! They have been amazing!

[@Frieda_Kamstra]

Thank you! Just what I needed. I felt overwhelmed by all the colours but I will go back to basics and keep it simple. I want to learn and understand the colours an the colour mixing. You make it very clear. 🙏🏼

[@Lorsmont]

Love your class so much, it was super usefull, specially since I always have trouble picking up colors for a small palette, this help me tons!!!

[@spin1793]

Wow, I just found this video and I have to say it is the best one for understanding the basic watercolor palette! Thank you Alphonso for your excellent teaching work, I truly appreciate it. I am new to watercolor and this is most helpful.

[@Dony3791]

Thank you! This video is incredibly useful.

[@aliciaaustria9259]

Hello, I have a degree in architectural drafting which I have not used in many years, anyway I think you are an excellent teacher. The way you show how to use your equipment, the way you teach, is very understandable. I enjoy watching and listening to you and will continue to do so. There is still more I can learn. Thank you. Alicia

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks so much Alicia. Means alot: )

[@docm8427]

I started playing with acrylics and watercolors a few years ago. Until this month, truly, I didn’t even understand color theory. This video is the best one for color theory and mixing and not shaming the newbie for the newbie process. Thank you! Wish I’d found this video sooner, woulda saved me a lot of money in paint I don’t need.

[@sandraschulkers4004]

This has been so helpful you are so clear. You have made it easy to understand. After many years I finally have it. Thank you. I love your illustrations. Sandy

[@ReginaShakirova123]

This is the best approach! it suddenly makes sense! Thank you!

[@alphonsodunn]

🙂

[@sofialodigiani5328]

This video is so useful. Really, it's great. I came here cause I want to buy a colour palette choosing every colour, but I learned even more than expected. I truly need to study colour theory more, it is so important

[@jk2pooh]

Hello, I always want to say thank you to you. I watched almost all your pen and ink tutorial last year when I was very depressed due to something in my work. Your videos are not only great art learning materials, they also fixed my feelings and attitude about life and things. The water color videos are also very very insightful. I think you are an amazing teacher that make thinks crystal clear to students. Will continue to learn from your book and KZbin channel. Thanks again.

[@alphonsodunn]

Challenge or request lol

[@richrf01]

Thanks for the instruction Alphonso!

[@alphonsodunn]

Welcome : )

[@ceec165]

Wonderful explanation! Many thanks!

[@workforcemillionaire7210]

Powerfully helpful, thank you! 💙❤💛💚💜

[@sharonrazmzan8097]

Just found you and subscribed! New to watercolor and have been struggling with color choices. This has been the best video that I’ve seen so far. Thanks so much. Loved how you explained your choices. It is so helpful to a novice like myself.

[@artsylove89]

Fantastic video! Thank you so much. I'm planning out my palette now and this is invaluable information.

[@betsyweatherhead8069]

Great, great video. Yes, I've heard this all before but your perspective underscores it in a special way because I can hear the deep conviction in your voice and you supply the context and motivation for adhering to the basics. Really great. Thank you. Please come out with a color book. Also, would love to hear your favorite paints.

[@alphonsodunn]

Definitely will : )

[@idleseditionist2524]

thank you so much for this! i have a lot of trouble with colors and you've managed to explain everything in a way that i was able to follow easily.

[@alphonsodunn]

Glad I could help

[@ysafra55]

I'M LEARNING SO MUCH. YOU ARE A GREAT TEACHER. THANK YOU

[@kb9847]

This has been the most helpful colour theory information I've ever watched!! Thank you!! I thought that I would have to add so many more colours to my palette. I bought the Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketchers Pocket Box. I realize now that, for a beginner, I have everything I need. I could add a black and some kind of Violet, but I don't have to. I think I will take out the Chinese White and put in a black. I like how you explained that water works like a white. I really learned so much. thank you!!

[@peggydid]

You're great in explaning this, Alfonso! Thanks! I've watched two times, and recommended to my friends!

[@inthmurm]

Excellent video, really made sense of colour and colour mixing and stopped me splashing out unnecessarily on a large set of watercolours, thanks!

[@cadyweber4118]

love this... thank you very much, you explained with ease and this has been the most helpful thing I've found..

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks, glad I could help : )

[@meowmeow3208]

This is so helpful! Thank you!

[@alexandrahubner6736]

Thank you so much for this. I am trying to create a travel palette and this is the info I need! I got your book and workbook for my birthday by the way. It made its was to a German woman! How awesome is that!

[@lisariordan2784]

This is great! Very helpful.and inspiring. I want to get my paints out and play with color. Thanks!

[@ChristopheJammet]

Great guide, thanks!

[@wanderingstar5673]

Thank you for the video. I am just getting into watercolor and this helps me pick a basic palette. I want to start with a limited palette. This video explains the why as well as the what succinctly. I purchased your book after seeing it on a Christmas list video by on the Art Gear Guide channel a while back. It is a great learning tool to build my skills.

[@BornAgainFarmGirl]

I’m so glad I watched this Alphonso , so much easier to understand . It makes perfect sense !

[@alphonsodunn]

I’m glad it helped

[@courtneymazza9550]

Extremely informative. Thank you so much.

[@nickimontie]

I'm so happy that I found your channel! I've watched other vids, read books, took lessons, and this tutorial is by far the best explanation I've seen. We should call you Professor Dunn!! :-) Thanks!!

[@hopesmith8326]

Same here. I am totally impressed with the color theory. Brilliant explanation. I've realized I'm overcomplicating my palette w/ too many colors to begin. Many thanks...great job.

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks, glad it helped : )

[@nataliatg1972]

This video is a gift. Thank you soooo much!!!

[@alphonsodunn]

Very welcome

[@Eirenmist]

What an articulate, thorough, excellent communicator and teacher you are! Your enthusiasm is contagious too.😊

[@alphonsodunn]

thanks much : )

[@hamnhock]

Fantastic tutorial, thank you so much

[@fruitypebbles803]

Best. Video. On making a color palette. Ever!!!

[@photonsponge]

Wow, outstanding explanation. Thank you so much!

[@_ahmedshalaby]

I`m so thankful for you for such great videos, they`re reallly helpful.

[@alphonsodunn]

thanks.

[@gitikaasiwal6746]

Very Beautifully explained. Thank you Sir Alphonso Dunn

[@alphonsodunn]

+spiritual seeker very welcome : )

[@rafraf897]

I've orderd your book a few days ago and I cannot wait to have it. It takes a little longer to get in Germany, so I have to be patient. You are such an amazing teacher! My skills have been improving since I started watching your videos. Keep up the good work, you are doing a lot for many people! Thank you!

[@alphonsodunn]

+Amelie youre very welcome : )

[@tattinggirl4341]

An obviously well thought out treatment on this topic, presented with such clarity. I appreciate it & thank you so much.

[@alphonsodunn]

Very very welcome

[@robingorfine3317]

Incredibly helpful video- thank you!

[@snowpony001]

Excellent. This was very helpful and clear. Thank you!

[@koskey06]

This has really helped me. I "knew" this, but didn't really understand it I just found out. You made it so simple that it's easy to understand and use in life, even if your just a hobbyist. Im just getting info watercolor and art for that matter....

[@g_knee]

Incredibly comprehensive, down to earth & engaging video. you are a great teacher!

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks : )

[@mwestb1959]

Thank you so much for this lesson. I was always struggling and did not quite know why. I will practice!

[@alphonsodunn]

🙂🙏

[@neeyasworld]

I bought my paint in half pan and carefully choosing the basic color that I can really use. Try to keep it simple cz I'm still learning. How fortunate that I bump to your video and found out I'd choose the right colors! Thank you for giving more idea of basic color on neutral and earthy color! 🙏👍😄

[@alphonsodunn]

+Neeya's World perfect timing