Behind every strong painting is a quiet preparatory work: color samples and sketches. When we at Artiley visit studios – and when we ourselves quality-assure motifs for our canvas paintings – we see the same patterns over and over again. The works that last over time are almost always built on wise decisions made long before the first clear brushstroke on the main canvas. In this article, we share how artists work with color samples and sketches, and how you can use the same thinking when choosing wall art for your home.
Why paint samples are an artist's best insurance
Color swatches, or small color tests on paper/canvas, are more than just a warm-up. They are a way to ensure harmony, contrast, and light. In practice, it's about minimizing uncertainty: seeing how pigments react in different layers, how a color changes in daylight versus evening light, and how neutral bridge colors can glue a palette together.
From our experience in producing large paintings and abstract paintings, we notice three recurring winners:
- Small palette maps: squares with primary colors + blends (including warm/cool neutral grays).
- Value scales: from deepest darkness to brightest contrast – crucial for legible composition.
- Glaze tests: thin layers on top of dry surfaces to test depth and luster.
A practical tip: if you want to understand the tonalities of a piece of art, photograph it in black and white. If you still see clear contrasts, the value balance is strong. This method is used by many painters to ensure quality before scaling up.
Sketches as a composition laboratory
Sketches are not just for figure studies. They are the artist's way of exploring composition, rhythm, and focus. We often see three levels in sketching:
- Quick thumbnails (mini-sketches): 30–90 seconds to test the structure and eye-catching nature of the idea.
- Value sketches: with only 3–5 gray values, the artist locks in the visual hierarchy.
- Direction and flow: simple lines that ensure the eye moves elegantly across the image.
When we compare original sketches with the finished print, we often notice how a few strong decisions at the beginning (where the focus lies, how dark/light alternates) make the work calm despite the power of color. This is why some abstract motifs feel intuitively readable – the structure is already anchored at the sketch level.
From sample to canvas: how the process is visible in modern wall art
A clear parallel to the importance of color samples is seen in abstract wall art where the palette carries the emotional conversation. One example is Chromatic Collapse : an expressive motif where chaos and beauty meet. Behind such works are often meticulous color tests to avoid powerful colors overwhelming each other. Instead, the artist looks for pauses – a muted gray, a soft break – so that intensity can contrast with stillness.
When we make proof prints for the launch of new canvas prints, we therefore test not only sharpness and texture, but also how the palette is perceived in different room lights. A work with rich colors can be dramatic in a room with warm lamps, but airy in northern daylight. This check ensures that the work behaves as intended in everyday life.
The way professionals work – so you can use it at home
You don't have to paint yourself to benefit from the method. When choosing paintings for your living room, kitchen or hallway, small "home-based color samples" work great:
- Print the work on A4 (or display it on the screen) and compare it against the wall color, textiles and floor.
- Test in different light: morning, afternoon, evening light and with lights on.
- Assess value contrast: does the work feel too heavy in an already dark corner, or does it provide much-needed weight in a bright room?
- Mix palettes sparingly: let the main colors of the painting reappear subtly – in a plaid, book spine or ceramic – without the room revolving solely around the work.
For large paintings, we also recommend a simple sketching technique: tape a measuring tape or paper of the planned size of the work to the wall. This way, you can get a clear idea of scale and balance before you decide.
Do you want to delve deeper into the process?
If you find the artist's path from idea to finished work exciting, we recommend our in-depth article: From Idea to Finished Artwork: How Artists Develop Their Projects . There we break down more elements of the workflow and show how professional decisions affect expression.
Summary: courage + method = sustainable images
Color samples and sketches create a safe framework that allows expression to take place. That’s why works with complex palettes – like abstract paintings – can feel both vibrant and well-balanced. By borrowing the artist’s methodology when choosing wall art, you’ll have a home where the images don’t just match – they breathe with the space.