Want to simplify your life? Buy less colors.
Here’s how I use a very limited palette to mix every color I need.
Why use a limited palette when you can buy every color under the sun premixed for you?
Besides saving money, when you mix your own colors you do two main things.
- The painting will be more harmonized because all of the oranges, purples, greens, greys, and browns come from the same blue/yellow/red.
- You start learning how to use color more intuitively (which is very empowering!)
Years ago I started painting outside and quickly realized that it’s extremely difficult when you don’t know how to mix colors. So I made it my mission to use a very limited palette which would force me to learn how to mix my oranges, purples, greens, greys, and browns.
But, can you really mix everything you need with only 6 tubes of paint??

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What’s in my Portable Painter Micro:
- Schmincke Lemon Yellow
- W&N Quinacridone Magenta
- W&N Ultramarine Blue
- Schmincke Helio Turquoise
- W&N Lamp Black
- W&N Titanium White
Portable Painter Micro with custom pans (available through their website). I also added a full pan for white.
If you’re concerned about the paint leaking out, just put some cling film over the paint, close tightly and wrap in a rubber band.

Yes, you can mix all the colors with a limited palette, but this depends greatly on which primary colors you choose. Last year I experimented with a bunch of different combinations. But I think I’ve finally settled on 6 tubes that allow me to paint everything I need.

I have two blues because each one adds something unique, particularly with greens. I’d happily add Schmincke Titanium Gold Ochre to this list if I had space, but white is super important and I use more of that than any color, so it gets two spaces. Could I live without black? Yes, of course. But it makes life easier especially to quickly neutralize any mix and for making earthy tones.
So here’s just a small taste of what I can mix with this tiny palette:


As you can see there are a HUGE amount of colors that are possible even with only six tubes. And this isn’t even everything. The main color I struggle to mix is a match for cobalt turquoise light, which is a very special color and I use it a lot for seascapes. I can get close with ultramarine, helio turquoise, and lemon yellow (maybe a bit of white). And when that is placed next to a reddish tone, it looks more turquoise, so it works.
I hope this inspires you to try a limited palette. I like using this little Portable Painter Micro for quick studies outside.

Hi Sarah! I’m new to gouache and wondering if these are still your top picks for a limited pallet. I just noticed it’s a couple of years old. Thanks so much!
Oh! Never mind this looks like the most recent one. 🤦🏼♀️😂
This is definitely still a great limited palette. Perhaps the only thing I’d change is swap burnt umber with black.
Amazing! And I can see the lamp black and ultramarine produces an excellent earth colour. Thank you for all your work! By the way, after quite a few emails Jacksons have said they will stock the Micro Palette extension pass!!! They expect them in April, so keep a look out and maybe you can put a link on your supplies list…I told them I was sure there would be a great demand! Clare Garrett
PS I seem to have to fill in my details every time to comment.
That’s great news! I wouldn’t be surprised if they quickly sell out.
Hmm I’ll look into the spam settings on my comments (I think that helps reduce bots), thanks for letting me know.