How to Build a Palette That Works for You with Debra Huse

How do you decide which colors belong on your palette?

Debra Huse, Ep.98, uses what she calls her "Keep You Out of Trouble" Palette—a collection of 10 colors she developed over years and hundreds of paintings.

But building a reliable palette is more than trial and error. It requires intention, understanding, and a willingness to adapt. Let’s explore what makes a palette truly work, not just for your paintings but for you as an artist.

As painters, we often assume a good palette is just about mixing beautiful colors. While that’s crucial, it’s not the whole story. Sometimes, a color that technically works can still lead to frustration or ruined pieces because it doesn’t align with how we work or instinctively use it.

Have you ever found yourself overusing a favorite color to the point that it overwhelms your painting? Or struggled with a hue that doesn’t quite mix how you imagined? If so, you’re not alone—these are common struggles in building a palette that truly supports how you work.

Put it to Practice:

Your palette is more than a set of colors—it’s a tool tailored to your instincts, preferences, and painting process. Here’s what to keep in mind as you build yours:

First, Mixability Matters: Ensure your colors can create the secondaries and tertiaries you love. A palette that mixes beautifully will give you endless possibilities without overcomplicating things.

Second, Know Your Instincts: Pay attention to how you use certain colors. Some hues might work beautifully in theory but trip you up in practice. For example:

A bold accent color might be perfect in moderation but tempting to overuse.

If you consistently overdo it with a color, consider removing it from your palette—or focus on using it more intentionally.

Third, Balance Is Key: A great palette isn’t just about color mixing. It’s about how the colors work together as a whole and how they suit your unique artistic tendencies.

Ultimately, your palette should feel like an extension of you—supporting both your creative instincts and your technical needs.

Review your palette and start noticing how it serves you—and how it could be better. Soon, you’ll have your own “Keep You Out of Trouble” Palette that feels like second nature and helps you create work you truly love.