Unlock Your Creativity: Why Every Artist Should Swatch Paint Colors
I’ve been putting it off for a few weeks now, and I am not sure why exactly because I enjoy the process! But I finally color-swatched my Neocolor II water-soluble crayons. The only part of this process I struggle with is in the beginning when I need to measure out a grid to swatch onto. But once I figure that part out, laying down the color is so relaxing. My brain shuts off, and I can just compley relax and almost mindlessly paint in squares. IT’S GREAT! If you are interested in Neocolor II water-soluble crayons, you can check out my blog post to see how I use them. But truly swatching your paints, crayons, oil pastels, markers, or pencils is just good practice, and here is why:
Understand color behavior:
By color-swatching your medium, you can get a good foundational sense of how your colors interact with paper, water, and/or brush. It allows you to understand the opacity, texture, and drying time of each color. This knowledge is essential for planning your artwork and achieving the desired effects. And one thing I love is texture! Swatching has always helped me to see how the colors lay down the texture
Evaluating quality and performance:
Swatching allows you to assess the quality and performance of different paint brands and types. You can compare the pigmentation, smoothness, and durability of various paints, helping you make informed decisions about which products to keep investing in.
Reference for future projects:
Having a swatch chart serves as a handy reference guide for future projects. It saves time and allows you to quickly find the exact color you need and helps maintain consistency in your work. This is especially useful if you have a large collection of paints or if you are working on a series of pieces with a consistent color scheme.
Swatching paint colors isn’t just a fun and relaxing activity; it’s a powerful tool to enhance your artistic journey. By understanding color behavior, experimenting with mixes, and building a reliable reference library, you’ll find yourself more confident and creative in your projects I promise! So why not grab your paints and start swatching today?
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