I loooooove all the colors, but here are five that I just keep reaching for. I like them because they're beautiful. But also because they're flexible. They mix well. Here are my faves:
Quinacridone Magenta – It's pink. But it's kind of red. It can go purple or light light pink. It's like the sophisticated older sister of hot pink. I'm all in on Quin Magenta.
Here is a bit of color mixing I did with Quin Magenta:
As you can see, you can get a real range of pinks and some gorgeous purples.
Pthalo Green – It's how I make teal happen. It looks good with everything. It's dark but not oppressive. Whenever I replenish my paints, I buy the big bottle of Pthalo Green and I reach for it often.
Here is some color mixing I did with Pthalo Green:
Lovely blues and whites and even a fabulous grey!
Yellow Oxide – It's a super yummy and opaque yellow. It's almost brown, but it can be so many colors. A little bit of mixing and it's bright and sunny. Go the other way and it's dark and sultry.
Here's a peek at some color mixing I did with Yellow Oxide as the focus:
Unlike other yellows, I feel like Yellow Oxide holds its ground when mixed with other colors.
Red Oxide – I have a thing for oxides! This is the newest favorite in my palette. Is it red? Is it brown? It's a neutral that feels earthy and warm.
Here's a bit of color mixing fun:
I like all of the pinks that can be mixed from Red Oxide, not to mention a surprising number of beautiful greys!
Payne's Gray – It's always a good choice to use Payne's Gray. It's blue and it's black. It's smoky and complicated. I could bathe in Payne's Gray. I like it so much that I buy it in the jar.
Here's my mixing card:
I feel like Payne's Gray makes anything you mix it with look classy.
By the way, you'll note that I didn't include black and white in this list. There's no doubt that I use black and white paint every single day. My go-to white is Blick Matte White paint (I buy multiples bottles at a time). It's super white and does a great job in lots of different applications, including stamping.
My go-to black is Golden Carbon Black paint. It's the blackest black and nice and strong. But you don't have to believe me. Check out this awesome mixing chart from the Flax Art & Design website:
You can see that different shades of black create different results when mixed with other paints. It's good to have more than one black in your stash. The same is true for white. Check out the Flax website to see what I mean.
The next time someone asks you why you have so many different kinds of black and white paint, you'll know the answer: Each one has a different purpose.
You can learn more about color mixing in either my Getting Started with Color Mixing class or my Limited Palette class.
What are your five go-to paint colors?
Already a BIG fan of Quin Magenta — it plays so nicely with others! — and Payne’s Gray. But I’d been looking for a good yellow, and the red oxide is intriguing. Thanks!
Already a BIG fan of Quin Magenta — it plays so nicely with others! — and Payne’s Gray. But I’d been looking for a good yellow, and the red oxide is intriguing. Thanks!
Already a BIG fan of Quin Magenta — it plays so nicely with others! — and Payne’s Gray. But I’d been looking for a good yellow, and the red oxide is intriguing. Thanks!
Already a BIG fan of Quin Magenta — it plays so nicely with others! — and Payne’s Gray. But I’d been looking for a good yellow, and the red oxide is intriguing. Thanks!
Already a BIG fan of Quin Magenta — it plays so nicely with others! — and Payne’s Gray. But I’d been looking for a good yellow, and the red oxide is intriguing. Thanks!
Already a BIG fan of Quin Magenta — it plays so nicely with others! — and Payne’s Gray. But I’d been looking for a good yellow, and the red oxide is intriguing. Thanks!
Already a BIG fan of Quin Magenta — it plays so nicely with others! — and Payne’s Gray. But I’d been looking for a good yellow, and the red oxide is intriguing. Thanks!
to think I had all the basic colors but now I know I don’t. most of your posts I’d like hard copies of filed so I could refer to them any time. your information is vital to me. I know I can find them again in your blog history but I want all the info and inspiration in my hot little hands.
to think I had all the basic colors but now I know I don’t. most of your posts I’d like hard copies of filed so I could refer to them any time. your information is vital to me. I know I can find them again in your blog history but I want all the info and inspiration in my hot little hands.
to think I had all the basic colors but now I know I don’t. most of your posts I’d like hard copies of filed so I could refer to them any time. your information is vital to me. I know I can find them again in your blog history but I want all the info and inspiration in my hot little hands.
to think I had all the basic colors but now I know I don’t. most of your posts I’d like hard copies of filed so I could refer to them any time. your information is vital to me. I know I can find them again in your blog history but I want all the info and inspiration in my hot little hands.
to think I had all the basic colors but now I know I don’t. most of your posts I’d like hard copies of filed so I could refer to them any time. your information is vital to me. I know I can find them again in your blog history but I want all the info and inspiration in my hot little hands.
to think I had all the basic colors but now I know I don’t. most of your posts I’d like hard copies of filed so I could refer to them any time. your information is vital to me. I know I can find them again in your blog history but I want all the info and inspiration in my hot little hands.
to think I had all the basic colors but now I know I don’t. most of your posts I’d like hard copies of filed so I could refer to them any time. your information is vital to me. I know I can find them again in your blog history but I want all the info and inspiration in my hot little hands.
Wow yes, thanks for the information on different whites and blacks. I became aware of this via choosing house paint and as a lifelong sewist working with fabrics. There are many different kinds of whites and blacks. This is a helpful reference chart too.
Wow yes, thanks for the information on different whites and blacks. I became aware of this via choosing house paint and as a lifelong sewist working with fabrics. There are many different kinds of whites and blacks. This is a helpful reference chart too.
Wow yes, thanks for the information on different whites and blacks. I became aware of this via choosing house paint and as a lifelong sewist working with fabrics. There are many different kinds of whites and blacks. This is a helpful reference chart too.
Wow yes, thanks for the information on different whites and blacks. I became aware of this via choosing house paint and as a lifelong sewist working with fabrics. There are many different kinds of whites and blacks. This is a helpful reference chart too.
Wow yes, thanks for the information on different whites and blacks. I became aware of this via choosing house paint and as a lifelong sewist working with fabrics. There are many different kinds of whites and blacks. This is a helpful reference chart too.
Wow yes, thanks for the information on different whites and blacks. I became aware of this via choosing house paint and as a lifelong sewist working with fabrics. There are many different kinds of whites and blacks. This is a helpful reference chart too.
Wow yes, thanks for the information on different whites and blacks. I became aware of this via choosing house paint and as a lifelong sewist working with fabrics. There are many different kinds of whites and blacks. This is a helpful reference chart too.
This is such good information, Julie! I am astonished at the colors you’ve mixed up! Makes me want to go try it myself. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
This is such good information, Julie! I am astonished at the colors you’ve mixed up! Makes me want to go try it myself. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
This is such good information, Julie! I am astonished at the colors you’ve mixed up! Makes me want to go try it myself. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
This is such good information, Julie! I am astonished at the colors you’ve mixed up! Makes me want to go try it myself. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
This is such good information, Julie! I am astonished at the colors you’ve mixed up! Makes me want to go try it myself. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
This is such good information, Julie! I am astonished at the colors you’ve mixed up! Makes me want to go try it myself. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
This is such good information, Julie! I am astonished at the colors you’ve mixed up! Makes me want to go try it myself. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Quin magenta and apt halo green were my first two expensive paints that I invested in. Payne’s Gray is awesome. I also love Quin Nickel Azo Gold.
Quin magenta and apt halo green were my first two expensive paints that I invested in. Payne’s Gray is awesome. I also love Quin Nickel Azo Gold.
Quin magenta and apt halo green were my first two expensive paints that I invested in. Payne’s Gray is awesome. I also love Quin Nickel Azo Gold.
Quin magenta and apt halo green were my first two expensive paints that I invested in. Payne’s Gray is awesome. I also love Quin Nickel Azo Gold.
Quin magenta and apt halo green were my first two expensive paints that I invested in. Payne’s Gray is awesome. I also love Quin Nickel Azo Gold.
Quin magenta and apt halo green were my first two expensive paints that I invested in. Payne’s Gray is awesome. I also love Quin Nickel Azo Gold.
Quin magenta and apt halo green were my first two expensive paints that I invested in. Payne’s Gray is awesome. I also love Quin Nickel Azo Gold.
Thank you for this information. I really liked seeing the colors you mixed with each one. Really helpful. I work in watercolor but think some of the same interesting colors could come from them also. You have inspired me to try.
Thank you for this information. I really liked seeing the colors you mixed with each one. Really helpful. I work in watercolor but think some of the same interesting colors could come from them also. You have inspired me to try.
Thank you for this information. I really liked seeing the colors you mixed with each one. Really helpful. I work in watercolor but think some of the same interesting colors could come from them also. You have inspired me to try.
Thank you for this information. I really liked seeing the colors you mixed with each one. Really helpful. I work in watercolor but think some of the same interesting colors could come from them also. You have inspired me to try.
Thank you for this information. I really liked seeing the colors you mixed with each one. Really helpful. I work in watercolor but think some of the same interesting colors could come from them also. You have inspired me to try.
Thank you for this information. I really liked seeing the colors you mixed with each one. Really helpful. I work in watercolor but think some of the same interesting colors could come from them also. You have inspired me to try.
Thank you for this information. I really liked seeing the colors you mixed with each one. Really helpful. I work in watercolor but think some of the same interesting colors could come from them also. You have inspired me to try.
What a great post! So informative! Love your color mixing with these color choices. I will be taking your color mixing class when my studio is finished.
And I love FLAX! Thanks for the link. Mostly, thank you for all that you do and share.
What a great post! So informative! Love your color mixing with these color choices. I will be taking your color mixing class when my studio is finished.
And I love FLAX! Thanks for the link. Mostly, thank you for all that you do and share.
What a great post! So informative! Love your color mixing with these color choices. I will be taking your color mixing class when my studio is finished.
And I love FLAX! Thanks for the link. Mostly, thank you for all that you do and share.
What a great post! So informative! Love your color mixing with these color choices. I will be taking your color mixing class when my studio is finished.
And I love FLAX! Thanks for the link. Mostly, thank you for all that you do and share.
What a great post! So informative! Love your color mixing with these color choices. I will be taking your color mixing class when my studio is finished.
And I love FLAX! Thanks for the link. Mostly, thank you for all that you do and share.
What a great post! So informative! Love your color mixing with these color choices. I will be taking your color mixing class when my studio is finished.
And I love FLAX! Thanks for the link. Mostly, thank you for all that you do and share.
What a great post! So informative! Love your color mixing with these color choices. I will be taking your color mixing class when my studio is finished.
And I love FLAX! Thanks for the link. Mostly, thank you for all that you do and share.
Thank you for sharing this! Great information!
Thank you for sharing this! Great information!
Thank you for sharing this! Great information!
Thank you for sharing this! Great information!
Thank you for sharing this! Great information!
Thank you for sharing this! Great information!
Thank you for sharing this! Great information!
Mine are very similar, I love Quinacridone Magenta and Payne’s Gray, but my favorite is Prussian Blue, and my other two most common would be Burnt Sienna, and I use Gold Acrylic alot.
Mine are very similar, I love Quinacridone Magenta and Payne’s Gray, but my favorite is Prussian Blue, and my other two most common would be Burnt Sienna, and I use Gold Acrylic alot.
Mine are very similar, I love Quinacridone Magenta and Payne’s Gray, but my favorite is Prussian Blue, and my other two most common would be Burnt Sienna, and I use Gold Acrylic alot.
Mine are very similar, I love Quinacridone Magenta and Payne’s Gray, but my favorite is Prussian Blue, and my other two most common would be Burnt Sienna, and I use Gold Acrylic alot.
Mine are very similar, I love Quinacridone Magenta and Payne’s Gray, but my favorite is Prussian Blue, and my other two most common would be Burnt Sienna, and I use Gold Acrylic alot.
Mine are very similar, I love Quinacridone Magenta and Payne’s Gray, but my favorite is Prussian Blue, and my other two most common would be Burnt Sienna, and I use Gold Acrylic alot.
Mine are very similar, I love Quinacridone Magenta and Payne’s Gray, but my favorite is Prussian Blue, and my other two most common would be Burnt Sienna, and I use Gold Acrylic alot.
Love Quin Magenta – actually any of the quins. and Paynes grey is definitely a staple. I usually have a blue or 2 but I love the blues you got from Paynes grey and especially Phthalo green! wow. the phthalos are very strong – a little goes a looooong way so this is a great value and way to get some beautiful color. And that yellow oxide looks like an opaque yellow ochre. I see you are using a matte white. do you prefer the matte finish to the usually more shiny finish (especially with golden)?
Love Quin Magenta – actually any of the quins. and Paynes grey is definitely a staple. I usually have a blue or 2 but I love the blues you got from Paynes grey and especially Phthalo green! wow. the phthalos are very strong – a little goes a looooong way so this is a great value and way to get some beautiful color. And that yellow oxide looks like an opaque yellow ochre. I see you are using a matte white. do you prefer the matte finish to the usually more shiny finish (especially with golden)?
Love Quin Magenta – actually any of the quins. and Paynes grey is definitely a staple. I usually have a blue or 2 but I love the blues you got from Paynes grey and especially Phthalo green! wow. the phthalos are very strong – a little goes a looooong way so this is a great value and way to get some beautiful color. And that yellow oxide looks like an opaque yellow ochre. I see you are using a matte white. do you prefer the matte finish to the usually more shiny finish (especially with golden)?
Love Quin Magenta – actually any of the quins. and Paynes grey is definitely a staple. I usually have a blue or 2 but I love the blues you got from Paynes grey and especially Phthalo green! wow. the phthalos are very strong – a little goes a looooong way so this is a great value and way to get some beautiful color. And that yellow oxide looks like an opaque yellow ochre. I see you are using a matte white. do you prefer the matte finish to the usually more shiny finish (especially with golden)?
Love Quin Magenta – actually any of the quins. and Paynes grey is definitely a staple. I usually have a blue or 2 but I love the blues you got from Paynes grey and especially Phthalo green! wow. the phthalos are very strong – a little goes a looooong way so this is a great value and way to get some beautiful color. And that yellow oxide looks like an opaque yellow ochre. I see you are using a matte white. do you prefer the matte finish to the usually more shiny finish (especially with golden)?
Love Quin Magenta – actually any of the quins. and Paynes grey is definitely a staple. I usually have a blue or 2 but I love the blues you got from Paynes grey and especially Phthalo green! wow. the phthalos are very strong – a little goes a looooong way so this is a great value and way to get some beautiful color. And that yellow oxide looks like an opaque yellow ochre. I see you are using a matte white. do you prefer the matte finish to the usually more shiny finish (especially with golden)?
Love Quin Magenta – actually any of the quins. and Paynes grey is definitely a staple. I usually have a blue or 2 but I love the blues you got from Paynes grey and especially Phthalo green! wow. the phthalos are very strong – a little goes a looooong way so this is a great value and way to get some beautiful color. And that yellow oxide looks like an opaque yellow ochre. I see you are using a matte white. do you prefer the matte finish to the usually more shiny finish (especially with golden)?