What Is a Watercolor Dot Card?
A watercolor dot card is a card put out by paint manufacturers showing a whole range of their colors as small dot swatches, letting you see what a color actually looks like without buying a full tube of each one. It's a budget-friendly way to explore new colors before committing to them.
Why This Matters
This isn't something a beginner needs to worry about. A dot card is most useful once you've been using the same colors for a while and want to explore something new for your palette. Rather than guessing at a color from a tiny swatch online or buying full tubes just to test them, a manufacturer's dot card lets you see dozens, sometimes over a hundred, colors at once for a fraction of the cost.
Try This
If you've been reaching for the same colors for a long time, look into picking up a dot card from a watercolor manufacturer you already like. Use it to scout out a few new colors you're drawn to before committing to full tubes.
Ready to Build Your Color Confidence?
If you're looking for more ways to grow and refresh your relationship with color, my free "Map to Color Freedom" guide is a good place to keep exploring.
If you're curious about my overall approach to teaching watercolor, you can find that on my about page.
