One way I teach my students to open up to new color palettes In art is by observing the broader design world. They can find color inspirations from this! Your palette choices can be inspired by ANYTHING!

Today’s color challenge is this image:

 You may be thinking huh?  

What do I do with this?

Well, the first thing you don’t do is copy this image as a painting. What I need you to do is look at your palette. Then, from your palette box, choose colors that exist within this flower arrangement. Choose a reference from your own. Alternatively, use ones I have shared here before. Paint a new painting with these colors.

I love finding new color languages and combinations.  I look everywhere for them – fabric, ribbons, floral arrangements, fashion, anything!   This is a fun way to teach yourself to let go of the color in a reference. It will lead you down new paths!

This beautiful photo and floral arrangement has many values and hues.  We have dark darks and light lights and values in between.

I have even played along! Here is my palette I chose and the painting I painted.  

First, I picked out my palette based on the photo. During the painting of the scene, I pulled a few more colors to flesh out the piece.  The photo is just inspiration!  I didn’t strictly adhere to JUST those colors (although it’s pretty close).  I added some warmer greens as “bridge values” between the golden light and the cooler green trees.  

It’s also important to note that even though the darkest area of the inspiration photo is the dominant color, it takes up the most space. You can arrange the colors and give them the desired weight you want. Highlight the golden colors or the darks or the cool blues!  Anything is possible.  This is just an inspiration challenge to get your juices flowing.

These are a few of my favorite things:

I would recommend you choose a reference you’ve already painted and are comfortable with for these first go-rounds.  That way you’re not struggling to figure out form and shape, shadow and line…you’re just focusing on color since you’re familiar with your scene.   This is a scene I’ve painted before, though I did change something! (not just the color).

I want you to paint these colors just as if you’re Van Gogh using inspiration from another artist.  

Just remember, don’t paint the flowers (unless they’re a photo of your flowers you took).  Just use these colors!

I am excited to teach  you to broaden your color language. Color palettes in art is a fascinating study and one I’m always studying.

I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

xoxo,

Bethany

P.S. Happy Painting! If you’re really into color theory and love playing with color wheels, check out this fun site!