Analogous colors, also called “adjacent colors” are those that are closely related, or adjacent to each other on the color wheel, particularly those which share common hues. Analogous colors may be classified as “warm” (red, orange, yellow) or “cool” (green, blue, violet). It is recommended that the artist work with either a warm or a cool palette as these colors are more compatible. Analogous color schemes are commonly found in nature.

The most important thing to remember when working with analogous colors is to pay attention to the amount of contrast between the colors. Too much contrast can make a painting look garish or unstable, while too little contrast can make it look dull and lifeless. The best way to find the right balance of contrast is to experiment. Try different combinations of colors and values until you find a combination that you like.