Sometimes it helps to throw everything out the window and start fresh. Especially if you are stuck in a color rut. As artists, heck as human beings, we tend to gravitate towards what we know. We go to the same restaurants, dry cleaners and grocery stores. Try something new? Nope, maybe next time.

When was the last time you completely changed the colors you use? Or used just black and white. It’s a great way to freshen up your work and hone your color skills. Often I will put a student on a “color diet.” Whatever their favorite color is, I take it away. They have to complete two or three paintings without their favorite color. Or maybe they have to do three paintings in black and white only.

Try it for yourself. Take whatever color you can’t live without off of your palette for the next two or three paintings. See what happens.

And if you want to read a fascinating book on the story of color try Stephen Ball’s Bright Earth. Highly recommended!