Current Colors in My Palette

A detailed list of all the colors in my watercolor adventure palette. Listed by frequency of use and position in the palette.

The colors in my adventure painting kit stay relatively similar from one season to the next. As I shift and change colors out, I’ll update the list accordingly, as well! I list out the colors two ways; first by use frequency, and second based on how they are arranged in my palette.

When I first started painting, my initial palette was this lovey set of dried pans from Windsor and Newton (their professional grade paints) that my parents gave to me. Over time I needed to start refilling the palette, and switched to Daniel Smith tube paints on the recommendation of a fellow artist and mentor. I began with 10 colors, and slowly added more over time. And, I am still super slow to add and try new colors because of the expense, and because it takes me a long time to get used to the personality and mixing abilities of a new color.

If you would like to see color swatches of everything in my palette, I made a more in-depth video of my kit and the colors on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/M41q2_gvCeM

And, I also have an ongoing series of classes - the Adventure Art Academy - where I share my entire painting process in step-by-step painting lessons filmed outside and on-site in beautiful landscapes. You can learn more here: www.adventureartacademy.com

Lastly, I buy all of my paint from Blick, because this is where I consistently find the best prices on Daniel Smith Paint.

Colors Listed by Frequency of Use

Colors Listed by Palette Position (Rows)

My colors are arranged mostly by color family, with the blues, reds, yellows, etc next to each other. While some artists will arrange their palette further by warm and cool colors, my arrangement is driven more by the need to minimize mixing them up because so many look the same or very, very similar when dry. This is why the teal blue is positioned where it is, for example- it is a super obvious visual reminder that Phthalo Blue green shade is to the right. And then the cerulean blue divides phthalo blue red shade from blue shade so I can always choose the right one, etc.

These positions have been quite consistent for the past two years! I VERY rarely add another color to my palette.

I hope this is helpful! If you have any questions please drop them in the comments below!