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Watercolor Painting Tutorials

Beginner's Guide to Setting Up Your Watercolor Palette

Setting up a watercolor palette isn’t rocket science. Start structured so you can learn the basics, then break the rules and find your own way. Here’s how I do it in the garage studio.

How to Set Up Your Watercolor Palette for beginners

Setting Up Your Palette

Don't be stingy with paint. Seriously - squeeze out a generous amount in each well. More paint = less drying out.

My Color Layout (left to right):

  • Ultramarine blue, cerulean blue, cobalt turquoise
  • Cad yellow lemon, yellow ochre
  • Alizarin crimson, cad red light
  • Right side: Burnt sienna, neutral tint
  • White gouache stays in the tube (use as needed)

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The Tilt Trick

Use the palette lid to angle your board downward, away from your paint wells. This keeps excess water from flowing back into your colors. You can also use any object to prop it up - just make sure water runs away from the wells, not toward them.

Key Takeaways

  • Be generous when filling wells - more paint = longer life
  • Group colors by family (blues, yellows, reds, neutrals)
  • Always angle your board away from paint wells
  • The mixing area is for big washes and controlled dilution

Practice Exercise

Load your palette with generous amounts of paint. Practice angling your board using the lid or another prop. Mix a few washes and watch where the water settles.

Recommended Watercolor Materials

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