Dreamy Colour Palette in Gouache - Amsterdam
There’s something magical about the way colour lives in the world—whether it’s the soft glow of sunrise, the whisper of pale petals, or the joyful row of canal houses in Amsterdam. Today, I want to take you on a gentle, “over-my-shoulder” creative journey as I transform a simple travel photo into a dreamy gouache palette you can use in your own work.
I’ve always believed that inspiration is everywhere—you just have to slow down and really look. In my new video, I share exactly how I approach this process: choosing key colours and laying down loose, playful swatches that capture the mood of an autumn morning by the water.
I’m so excited to share my latest creative escape with you!
You’ll learn how I:
Spot the loveliest hues in the photo.
Find calming colour combinations and balanced tones without worrying about perfection
Arrange quick swatches to see how those colours live together on paper
No theory lectures—just pure creative fun! If you’ve ever wanted to turn a favourite snapshot into your next painting palette, this one’s for you.
Watch the video now and let’s paint together!
Why You’ll Love This Video
Easy, approachable process
You don’t need a dozen tools—just a photo and some colour (paint, pencils, pastels… anything).
Instant creative spark
Seeing the palette come to life can jump-start your next piece.
Gentle over-the-shoulder vibe
No formal lectures here—just real-time colour play that feels like a chat with a friend.
A Peek at My Process
Finding Inspiration
Begin by downloading the photo of the Amsterdam houses HERE. I look for three to five areas where the colours sing to me. I’m definitely not trying to match all the major colours in the image. I’m using the photo as a springboard.
Make Your First Swatch
I’m not aiming for exact matches, but for the feeling of the place.
Play with Harmony
As I swatch, I notice which pairings feel calm, which feel joyful. In this palette, I’m muting the colours for two reasons. Firstly, I remember them being softer and secondly, I like using muted palettes in my art. This is for me. It’s not a colour matching exercise.
Capture the Mood
The final step is laying out my swatches on a clean page—each mark a tiny memory of that colourful canal scene.
Ready to try it yourself?
Download this mini guide with the photo reference and supplies list—and join me in the studio. You might discover a palette that speaks directly to your heart, and before you know it, you’ll have a fresh set of colours to inspire your next artwork.
You won’t be asked to enter any details.
If you haven’t already, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel and join the mailing list so you never miss a new video. And if you paint along, I’d love to see your swatches—tag me on Instagram at @Bernadette.Meyers!
Looking for supplies?
Click the links below to see what I’ve used
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Watch the full video now.
Happy painting!
Bernadette