Two-Color Palette Materials List

Two colors and white: everything you'll need for my Limited Palette class with ultramarine blue and burnt sienna.

Below is my recommended materials list. Bring what you have, and over time you can pick up the rest.

Palette

Use a gray palette. You can make one by painting the back of a piece of plexiglass with gray acrylic, or buy one from your local art store.

Brushes

Any professional brushes in these sizes are fine.

  • Hog hair or natural bristle, flat and/or filbert — #4 (2), #6 (2), #8 (1)
  • Kolinsky sable or synthetic, pointed — #4 (1)
  • Rosemary & Co. brushes — the ones I use (my basic set)

Paints

No student grade; 40 ml tubes or larger.

No other colors or black are needed. We mix our darks from ultramarine and burnt sienna, adjusting the balance to make them warmer or cooler.

Painting Surface

You'll need two surfaces: one for the Week 1 color chart and one for the Week 2 portrait study.

Surface options

  • Masonite (hardboard) panels
  • Canvas panels
  • Linen panels
  • Stretched canvas or linen

Color chart: a primed panel or a sheet of oil-painting paper, at least 8 x 8 in, for a grid of seven columns and seven rows of one-inch squares. Portrait study: common sizes are 8 x 10, 9 x 11 or 11 x 14 in, white or neutral gray toned.

Pre-gessoed (easiest)

Toning or preparing your own surfaces (optional)

Mix a neutral gray halftone and apply it with a fine nap roller or a smooth brush.

Mediums

Brush Cleaner

Any professional odorless mineral spirits are fine. My preferred is Gamblin.

Additional Materials

Optional

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Value Scale

Print it out and paint one yourself.