[Chris Saper]

Dear Darla,

I would strongly and absolutely recommend that painters create their own palettes, based on formal, traditional color theory and color wheels (for example, Stephen Quiller's wheel; the Munsell wheel, and Hal Reed's analogous color wheel). You can mix virtually any color (with the exception of some extraordinary man-made colors like the quinacrodones, pthalos and dioxazines)from the six primary and secondary points on the wheel, plus white.

First, I think it's important to become proficient at seeing, deciding on, and mixing the color you are after; then if you want to add "convenience" colors, do so to your heart's content. At that point you will know WHY you are choosing Flesh #34.9 (or whatever)--because its temperature is cooler, the value is lighter, the hue is more saturated, etc. Every lighting situation, skin tone, and ambient color requires unique choices about color mixing. I just think if you get the principles of what you want, why you want it, and how you can get it, it is ultimately easier to solve the questions of color.

Notwithstanding all of this, let me say that I feel John Sanden is an extraordinary, fantastic painter, and I hold his work in the highest esteem.

Best wishes, Chris