Perfect Pairs
2 colour creations
I recently picked up one of the new Daniel Smith themed triad sets; the Autumn Set.
A few days ago I shared a small painting on Notes using it, and it reminded me how refreshing it can be to work with fewer options. Limiting your palette is a tried-and-tested way to simplify decisions, and it often sparks more creativity than having every colour on hand.
This week, we’ll take that idea even further with a two-colour exercise inspired by Matisse’s paper cut-outs.
It’s a simple, playful way to explore bold shapes and compositions while learning what happens when just two colours do all the work.
Exercise
Pick any two colours. They can be warm and cool, light and dark, complementary or analogous. I tested all three pairings from my set, but any combination will do.
Sketch a few simple shapes, either from your imagination or from outlines of everyday objects. Leaves, birds, or household items work well.
Paint the shape (or the background) in your first colour. Let it dry completely.
Add your second colour to complete the composition.
Examples
Why
Even with just two colours, you’ll be practicing a range of important skills:
Composition: choosing objects and placing them within the frame.
Colour theory: noticing how colours interact; which ones harmonize, which ones compete.
Flat washes: painting solid shapes with either smooth or slightly varied backgrounds.
Brush control: carefully painting around your shapes when they get more intricate.
Choose wisely,
Patrick
Next up:
Video of a forest scene using the Autumn Set
Master artist spotlight
Ideas how to practice this further
