How I Develop My Color Palette for a Painting

One of the most essential aspects of my creative process as a painter is developing a color palette that not only defines the aesthetic of the piece but also evokes the intended emotional response. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a personal method for selecting colors, deeply influenced by nature, experience, and foundational texts like Nature's Palette and Stephen Quiller’s insights on casein painting.

Nature as My Guide

Much of my inspiration stems from the natural world. Nature’s Palette, a beautifully detailed book that explores the range of colors found in flora and fauna, has become a key reference. The book organizes colors based on natural specimens, providing real-world context for hues that often appear abstract on a painter’s palette. By referencing specific flowers, minerals, and animals, I’m reminded of the emotional resonance these natural tones carry—soft lavender suggesting calm and nostalgia, deep ochres signaling earthiness and age, or vibrant greens evoking freshness and vitality.

When developing a palette, I often begin by identifying the emotional tone I want the painting to convey. Then, I explore analogous colors in Nature’s Palette that echo those feelings. This grounding in nature keeps my work tethered to real, tangible color harmonies while giving me endless room to explore.

The Quiller Wheel and Casein’s Unique Voice

Stephen Quiller’s book on casein painting has also been instrumental in my process. His color wheel, which focuses on watermedia compatibility and includes pigment-specific insights, has helped me better understand the interaction between colors—especially the way certain pigments influence temperature and opacity in a composition.

Casein, with its velvety matte finish and fast drying time, demands deliberate choices. Because it behaves differently than oils or acrylics, I rely on Quiller’s advice to avoid overworking colors and instead let the purity of selected hues shine. He encourages building palettes around a dominant color temperature—either warm or cool—and enhancing it with complementary accents. I’ve found this method incredibly effective for guiding mood and directing the viewer’s eye.

My Process in Practice

When starting a painting, I begin with thumbnails or quick value sketches. Once I have a composition, I pull out both Nature’s Palette and my Quiller color wheel. I’ll choose a dominant hue that aligns with my concept—perhaps a cool blue for introspection or a warm sienna for comfort—and build a supporting cast of colors from there.

Next, I test combinations on scrap paper, layering and glazing with casein to see how the pigments interact. I pay close attention to edges, transitions, and saturation levels, making sure nothing feels forced. If a color starts to dominate in an unintended way, I revisit my references to recalibrate.

The Emotional Impact

Ultimately, every color choice is about connection. The palette becomes the language I use to speak with the viewer. A limited palette can create intimacy and cohesion, while bold contrasts can stir energy or conflict. Nature teaches us balance, and Quiller reminds us of discipline and intention.

Combining the timeless beauty of the natural world with the technical mastery found in Quiller’s teachings allows me to approach every painting with confidence and curiosity. It’s a process that continues to evolve, much like the hues in a sunset—always familiar, yet endlessly surprising.

References:

• Nature’s Palette: A Color Reference System from the Natural World by Patrick Baty

• Casein Painting with Stephen Quiller by Stephen Quiller