Every artist, whether professional or hobbyist, eventually builds up a colorful collection of paints. To effectively manage this collection, it's important to maintain an organized inventory. One method, which not only keeps you organized but also enhances your understanding of each paint's unique properties, involves creating a paint swatch for every new color you acquire. Here's a simple guide to help you create your personalized paint inventory system.
Paint Swatches – Your Personalized Paint Catalog
Every time you buy a new color, immediately create a swatch. This practice not only helps you familiarize yourself with the color but also serves as a constant visual reminder of what you have in your collection. Paint the swatch on a piece of paper that's similar to what you typically paint on, ensuring that you're seeing the color as it will appear in your work.
Step 1: Label and Paint A Graded Wash
On each swatch, write down the paint's name and brand. Now, apply a graded wash to each swatch. A graded wash shows the color at full strength at one end, gradually diluting to a very light wash at the other end. This is a fantastic way to understand the tonal range and transparency of your colors.
Step 2: Arrange Swatches – Tailoring to Your Preferences
Arrange your swatches in a manner that makes the most sense to you. Some artists like to organize their swatches by color families (reds, blues, yellows, etc.), others prefer to sort by brands, while some opt for a combination of both. You could also categorize them based on whether they are warm or cool shades. There's no right or wrong way to do this; just choose a system that you find most intuitive and beneficial.
Step 3: Fill Your Palette – Translate Your System
Translate your swatch arrangement system into your palette. Your palette should be a reflection of your swatch system, allowing you to intuitively know where each color is and how it will behave when applied to your work.
The aim of this process isn't just about organization. It's about getting to know your paints, their properties, and how best to use them in your art. Every paint color has its own personality, and creating a swatch system allows you to uncover that personality.
Painting is an expressive and exciting journey. By establishing your personalized paint inventory, you're equipping yourself with the tools to navigate that journey confidently and creatively. Happy painting!