As soon as I finished the Creative Gathering February video, I jumped right into this project. The original plan was simple: swatch my Arteza Gouache set. I ordered a set of square stencils. I pulled out a Strathmore Visual Journal, I thought it would be the perfect size for easy reference.
And then, because apparently I don’t know how to leave well enough alone. I had the ambitious idea to swatch my colored pencils and acrylics, too. Heck, why not all of my “color” supplies?
The idea was to have everything in one easy-to-reference guide. Instead of having little pieces of paper scattered here and there. It seemed like such a good idea at the time. 😂
Of course, this is going to be an ongoing project. And honestly, I probably won’t get back to swatching in the book until after the next February Gathering. There are only so many hours in a day! (It’s taken me months just to get this post up! Haha)
Swatching took MUCH longer than I expected. But the actual painting part was surprisingly meditative. And it is really helpful to see which colors are more transparent and which are more opaque & heavily pigmented.
I also printed a black-and-white copy of the swatch pages. This helps me see the values, which I still struggle to judge on my own. I can tuck the copy into the sketchbook for a quick reference when I need it.
Now, about those paint tubes…
The Arteza Gouache Paint Set of 60 comes in a HUGE box. The tubes are all tucked neatly into plastic trays, which is great for shipping and storing.
But for everyday painting? Not so much.
The sound of those plastic trays scraping against the sides of the box is as bad as cardboard scraping. Yikes! So I ordered a set of six clear 4 x 6 photo storage boxes to hold the paint tubes instead. So. Much. Better.
They snap securely, stack neatly, and I can easily see what’s where. I put my most-used colors in one box, and organized the rest by color family. No more digging through ten noisy trays!
I feel better prepared. Set-up will be easier. And there’s one less little barrier between me and actually sitting down to paint!
I already have a theme in mind for the September Creative Gathering. I think I’ll work in both gouache and watercolor. But you know me. One thing leads to another, and plans might change completely. 😉
What a terrific project you set out for yourself. A whole lot of work but the effort will pay off as colors look different on paper. Also like the B/W idea. I have some Arteza and like the color assortment, kind of muted forest colors, and the creaminess of the paint itself. Also bought some Pebeo and Himi. I have a new pan that holds all the colors, but just need to fill it. Have all sitting out patiently waiting to be color coordinated and put in. So you have inspired me to swatch as I fill. Did you blend colors or swatch with white and black? Probably need to do both. No wait swatch isn’t color,charts, two different forever projects, haha.
Hi Nelvia! I’ll be interested to know what you think of the Pebeo and Himi. ;o)
I just swatched the pure color and tried to use more water on one side.
I would like to (one day) do a color chart. Not for all 60, but the ones I will use most.
I like the creaminess of the Arteza as well. 🙂
Sheila, you’ve been on a roll lately—hats off to you! I can totally identify with the meditative quality of painting color swatches. I got caught up in a slightly different angle of color-swatching last summer and found it to be addictive in the best of ways. I admire your taking on the project and admire you’re recognizing when it became too much in the moment. Your intermediary organizational steps sound excellent.
Hmmm, stencils with squares. Hadn’t thought of that possibility. It could be very useful to me!
The discussion about having 60 colors but mostly using what becomes a favorite subset of 12 reminds me of the conundrum I typically face when I pack to go on a trip. I KNOW I’ll end up wearing only the same four or five items once I’m away but I also know there is no way to determine which few items will best serve me until I’m in place. So I pack way more than five items!!!
Haha. I am that way too, Dotty. ;o) I try not to, but I usually come home with clean clothes that were never worn. LOL.
The stencils were a solution to a problem. They sell notebooks designed for swatching, with space for labeling and other features.
But None of them worked for me, and they are much larger than the sketchbook I used.
But I also used the stencils for a couple of my paintings in July. ;o)
I absolutely get nowhere with anything unless I’m organized. Well done.
Yup, me either. Thanks, Sea!
Wow – what a intense labour you have set yourself. As I tend to use the same colours all the time, I have trouble seeing why anyone needs 60 colours but I bet you will have fun playing with them. I have also figured out what I will be doing in September and I might even get an early start to have enough done if we go to visit our daughter. Looking forward to it!!!
I don’t think I will ever use all 60 colors. Other than to maybe play. I think my most used came down to about 12.
I’m so excited to hear you will be back, Val! Woo who! That sounds like a plan to me, and totally “legal”.
I always try to have one or two done early. Or at least started. For days when I have an appointment, or something
comes up. And something always comes up. LOL. See you soon!