As an artist who loves working with watercolors, I can truly relate to the therapeutic and enlightening process of creating a detailed color mixing chart. When my own art fair was canceled last year, leaving a gap in my usual sales, I found myself inspired to dive deep into experimenting with my palette instead of dwelling on the setback. Making a chart with hundreds of tiny squares where I mixed every possible combination of colors not only helped me gain better control and understanding of my paints but also reignited my passion for painting. This hands-on experience improved my ability to predict how colors behave when combined — a skill that’s invaluable for watercolor painting, where transparency and layering matter so much. Each square on the chart became a little discovery, showing subtle shifts in hue and intensity. Using cadmium-free yellows and other specific tubes encouraged me to think more critically about the pigment choices I make for health and environmental reasons, too. For other artists, I cannot recommend creating a color mixing chart enough. It forces you to slow down, observe nuances you might otherwise overlook, and develop a deeper relationship with your palette. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to spark new creativity, especially when you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed. This kind of focused activity can turn mental chaos into inspiration, much like the artist painting every bird in North America, finding joy in both the process and the subjects. If you’re juggling your own challenges or just want to hone your watercolor skills, grab your paints and start mixing! The act of building your own customized color chart is a personal journey that teaches patience, discovery, and ultimately, artistic growth.