Title: Mid-Century Mood, Modern Joy: How I Build Color Palettes

Color is usually the first thing people notice in my work. And honestly? It’s the first thing I notice too!

ROCK AND ROLL

Before the shapes make sense… before a composition “clicks”… color is already speaking. It sets the mood. It tells the truth. It creates the energy in the room.

My love for mid-century modern design plays a big role in that, those bold choices, clean contrasts, playful geometry, and that unmistakable confidence in color. But I’m not trying to copy mid-century. I’m letting it inspire me as I create something current, personal, and full of joy.

Here’s a peek into how I build color palettes in the studio.

I start with a mood, not a formula

Some days I want the painting to feel:

• sunny and upbeat

• calm and grounded

• electric and bold

• tender and quiet

• retro and playful

  
  

So I ask myself: What do I want this painting to feel like when someone walks into the room?

That feeling becomes my palette “compass.”

I choose an anchor color first

Most of my palettes begin with one strong color that sets the tone.

For me, it might be:

• a warm, saturated yellow

• a teal that feels fresh and modern

• a deep black that creates drama

• a creamy neutral that lets everything breathe

  
  

That anchor color becomes the heartbeat. Everything else either supports it, contrasts it, or creates rhythm around it.

Then I build contrast (because contrast is what makes color sing)

Mid-century design understood contrast. It’s part of what makes it pop.

In painting, contrast can be:

• warm vs. cool (coral against teal, ochre against blue)

• light vs. dark (creamy neutrals with deep charcoal or black)

• clean vs. textured (a flat color block next to messy brushwork)

• bold vs. quiet (one loud color paired with softer supporting tones)

Contrast creates tension and harmony at the same time, and that’s where the magic lives.

I keep a “supporting cast” of colors

Once I have my anchor color, I usually choose:

• 1–2 supporting colors (that play well together)

• 1 neutral (to give the eye rest)

• 1 “spark” color (something unexpected that brings personality)

  
  

That spark color might be a tiny hit of bright red, a punch of turquoise, or a surprising pop of chartreuse. It’s like jewelry on an outfit - small, but it changes everything.

I let the painting vote.

This might sound funny, but it’s true: I don’t fully control the palette.

As the painting develops, it begins to tell me what it needs.

Sometimes a color I planned to use feels wrong once it’s on the canvas. Sometimes a color I didn’t expect becomes essential.

I’ve learned to listen when the painting says:

• “Too much.”

• “Too sweet.”

• “Not enough energy.”

• “You need to calm down that corner.”

• “Bring in something deeper.”

Color isn’t just decoration. It’s communication.

How this translates into your home

If you’re choosing art for a space, here’s a little collector tip:

You don’t always have to “match” the room.

Sometimes the best art does one of these three things:

1. Echoes your room (picks up a color already present)

2. Balances your room (adds what’s missing, warmth, contrast, energy)

3. Elevates your room (becomes the bold statement that brings the whole space alive)

Mid-century homes often love art that’s confident, clean shapes, strong contrast, and color that feels intentional rather than timid.

A simple invitation

If you’ve ever wondered why certain colors make you feel something ...pay attention. That’s your eye and heart responding to beauty.

And that’s part of why I paint: to create spaces that feel alive… and joyful.

If you’d like help choosing a piece that works for your home (whether you want a statement moment or something quieter), feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help you find the right painting for your space.