Oil Painting Class No. 2 | Making Color Charts
Welcome to one of my favorite parts about oil painting – playing with color and making color charts to reference and hang in your studio!
In this video, I show examples of different kinds of color charts, share how they are useful to improve your color mixing scales and get to know the colors in your palette, show how to tape off a chart and make a two-color color study. I also share some of my top painting book picks for beginners.
List of Materials
- Paints (I’ll be using oil paints, but you can use acrylics, watercolors, gouache) in any colors! I would suggest using colors that you want to make a part of your regular palette. You need at least two colors and white. I used Burnt Sienna, Veridian, and Titanium White.
- If you’re using watercolors or gouache, you just need a brush and a mixing surface. If you’re using oils or acrylics, you’ll need a palette and a palette knife, preferably one with about a 1″ blade. A brush is okay if that’s all you have.
- Paper or a canvas panel (I use a 9×12 canvas panel)
- Paper towels
- 1/4″ masking tape or 1/8″ masking tape (Again, this is optional. It makes the squares nice and straight, but you can still make a color chart if you don’t have it.)
Making Color Charts Video
Join the Art with Miss Mustard Seed Facebook Group
If you’d like to share your work, ask questions, and connect with other artists, you can join our Facebook group HERE.
I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.
Now Available for Preorder
Move Slow & Make Things
A book about creativity, intention, and making things with care. Sign up to receive updates, preorder details, and exclusive bonus content.
From the Studio
Artful pieces for your home and everyday life.
From original paintings and art prints to Pup Club releases and curated goods, each piece is created or chosen to bring warmth, creativity, and character into your home.
From the Studio and Home
Shop the Feed
A handpicked collection of items styled and shared throughout posts, projects, and social feeds. Every product is thoughtfully chosen to reflect a timeless, collected aesthetic.
