Watercolor Starter Colors

Colors to Buy When Starting Out

When you first begin painting with watercolors, you might be tempted to buy ALL the colors. However, you really only need a few colors to start with.

Cool Red Warm Red Cool Yellow Warm Yellow Cool Blue Warm Blue

Absolute Must Have Colors

Cool Red Warm Red Cool Yellow Warm Yellow Cool Blue Warm Blue

These 6 Colors Can Make Every Color You Need!

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Cool Green Warm Green Burnt Sienna Burnt Umber Payne's Gray

You Might Also Want to Add These Colors

White and Black

Colors to Skip

White isn't necessary when painting with watercolor. It just makes the color opaque. Black is also not necessary. Pure black is too harsh.  It's better to mix your own.

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From There, Add Special Colors

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Here are Some of My Favorites:

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Subject Matter Convenience Colors Special Properties Your Favorite Colors

Other Considerations

If desired, you can make your own palette with these colors. This makes painting very convenient!

Learn even more about painting with watercolors!

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