Organizing watercolor paints involves arranging them in a way that makes them easily accessible and helps you paint efficiently. While the specific method depends on your preference and the type of paints you use (tubes, pans, or liquid watercolors), the underlying principles remain the same.
Here's a breakdown of common methods and considerations:
1. By Color
This is the most popular method, as it mirrors how artists typically think about and mix colors.
- Color Wheel Arrangement: Arrange your paints in the order of a color wheel (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet). This visual organization aids in color mixing and identifying complementary colors.
- Value Grouping: Within each color family, organize by value (light to dark). This helps quickly find the right shade. For example, within the "reds," you might have a light rose madder, followed by a medium cadmium red, and then a darker alizarin crimson.
2. By Pigment Properties
Understanding pigment properties can help organize your paints more strategically.
- Transparency/Opacity: Separate transparent colors from opaque colors. Transparent colors are ideal for glazing (layering), while opaque colors are better for covering areas or creating highlights.
- Staining/Non-Staining: Staining colors are difficult to lift or remove, while non-staining colors are easier to rework. Grouping these together can help you plan your painting approach.
- Granulating/Non-Granulating: Granulating colors create a textured effect, while non-granulating colors provide a smooth wash. Keeping these distinct allows for intentional textural choices.
3. By Brand or Series
If you use multiple brands of watercolor paints, you might consider organizing them by brand. This can be helpful if you're familiar with the specific characteristics of each brand's paints. This method is less common than organizing by color.
4. Organizing Your Palette
- Palette Layout: Consider the shape and size of your palette. Some palettes have wells arranged in a circular fashion, while others are linear. Choose an arrangement that suits your painting style.
- Darks and Lights: As suggested in the provided reference, organize darks and lights within your palette for easy access. Place darker colors (like Payne's Gray, black, ultramarine, cobalt) together.
5. Storage Solutions
- Palette Boxes: These boxes hold your paints and often have built-in mixing areas.
- Storage Containers: Use plastic containers or drawers to organize tubes of paint.
- Custom Solutions: Create custom storage solutions using wood or other materials to fit your specific needs.
Example Layout (Color Wheel/Value Focused)
| Color Family | Value | Paint Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Light | Lemon Yellow | |
| Yellow | Medium | Cadmium Yellow Medium | |
| Yellow | Dark | Yellow Ochre | |
| Red | Light | Rose Madder Genuine | |
| Red | Medium | Cadmium Red Medium | |
| Red | Dark | Alizarin Crimson | |
| Blue | Light | Cerulean Blue | Often granulating |
| Blue | Medium | Ultramarine Blue | |
| Blue | Dark | Indigo | |
| Neutral | Light | Buff Titanium | |
| Neutral | Medium | Payne's Gray | Useful for mixing subtle shades |
| Neutral | Dark | Ivory Black |
Ultimately, the best way to organize your watercolor paints is the method that makes the most sense to you and supports your creative process. Experiment with different approaches until you find the one that works best.
