A palette refers to a set of colors. I have recently found the joy of exploring the unlimited potential of a limited palette. Particularly the 'Zorn Palette'.
The basic idea of a limited palette is to be able to mix all(most) the colors you need to finish a painting. A limited palette usually consists of about 5 colors.
In the case of the Zorn palette, there are only 4 colors. Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red Light, Black and White. These are the primary colors that can be used for most portraits and even landscapes and often produce an unlimited range of colors. Let's try explore and enjoy this wonderful palette and understand the genius of Anders Zorn.
Some works of Zorn:
This is my first ever painting (from a cropped painting of John Singer Sargent), painted entirely with the Zorn Palette.
The concept is that you should be able to mix most of your colors using a finite set of colors, and the zorn palette helps us do just that. I feel a limited palette also enables for better color harmony overall and provides a good experience even for beginners to mix their colors.
Less colors, less complications. This is also a fantastic way to read colors and avoid overthinking.
Another major advantage that is often overlooked is the fact that we only have to carry 5 paints with us, which in my opinion is a huge plus!
Another set of 'limited' palette with infinite potential will be Allizarin Crimson, Lemon Yellow, Ultramarine Blue, Ivory Black and Titanium White.
This will produce a slightly brighter set of colors than the Zorn palette and can be used widely for portraits as well as landscapes.
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