Hipster hippo

I was halfway through coloring this hippo when I found those color palettes online (see previous post), and realised I should have probably used a more limited palette.

This picture uses gradation of Tuscan red/pink/light brown,  purple/pink and blue/green, along with vermillion and a couple other shades of brown.

Still too many colors? 

I wouldn't say it's a disaster. After I checked out the online color palettes, I decided to use the Tuscan red/pink/light brown combo on more areas in the body of the hippo (as opposed to going with still other colors). As a result, the combo still shines through, instead of being overwhelmed by the strong green bands.

I have to work at using fewer colors in my next few outings. The other day, I saw an online work of an owl that used only three or four shades of grey, black, white and a deep orange for the eyes. The effect was understated, sophisticated, and the eyes really popped in the monochromatic palette.