Love a Limited Palette - Acrylic painting

Painting the Same Subject in Different Colourways

In this project we strip colour back to its essentials. Using just one colour plus black and white, you’ll paint the same simple subject more than once, exploring how different colour combinations change mood and energy. This is a brilliant way to build confidence with colour without feeling overwhelmed.

You’ll explore:

• mixing colour tones

• mood and contrast

• observation skills

Time: 30–40 minutes

Resources: paint, brush, paper, one colour, black + white

Colour can feel overwhelming, especially when everything is available at once. This project narrows the focus. By choosing just one colour plus black & white and painting the same subject multiple times, you begin to see how colour alone can transform mood, atmosphere, and energy.

You might choose warm colours for one version and cooler colours for another, or simply adjust the balance by mixing more black or white. Painting the same subject repeatedly removes decision fatigue and allows you to concentrate on colour relationships instead.

This is a powerful way to build colour confidence without needing complex theory.

To expand the project:

• Try the same exercise using collage papers instead of paint

• Swap your black or white for a different colour and notice the shift

• Apply the limited palette idea to future drawings or prints

• Create a small series rather than a single image

What colours could I use?

I chose 2 primary colours (red and blue) and one secondary colour (green). Why not try swapping out the black for another colour and trying two primary colours? Red and Blue would give you a purple when mixed. Or why not choose warm/cool colours: red orange and yellow (warm), Purple, blue, green (cool).

Upload your colour variations to the Art Hub