Quick Takeaway
A bold and unusual colour palette for painting can transform your group art projects into playful, eye-catching creations. I’ve facilitated over 60 community and school-based collaborative art projects with more than 2,000 participants using my simple Pattern Play Collaborative Art framework, and I want to help you do the same with my helpful digital resources. In this post, you’ll discover how to explore the Utopia Colour Scheme and guide your students to create vibrant, fun group artworks.
A Creative Colour Scheme with Aqua, Burgundy, and Purple
The Utopia palette features a rich and contrasting colour scheme full of energy and a diversity of colours that work great together! It’s ideal for a visionary, futuristic feel and was inspired by the series of the same name. Use any three of these colours plus white, layering them over multiple sessions to build a vibrant, collaborative artwork full of energy and fun.
The images in this post come from a series of six collaborative paintings, which are still a work in progress. You’ll see photos from different artworks across the series, each exploring the Utopia colour scheme in its own way.
Colours to choose from:
- Aqua
- Burgundy
- Yellow
- Light Green
- Purple
Pick any three colours from the palette for a session and let your group explore by layering and combining them freely. You can use white to lighten and create soft variations of the colours, too.
As the facilitator, you’ll pre-mix and provide the colours. This removes the hassle for your painters and prevents the usual chaos: messy tables, wasted paint, and muddy results. It also helps keep the process streamlined and enjoyable for everyone. Their focus is on painting – not colour theory and mixing.
Just ask participants to let you know when their paint is running low — and you can top it up as needed.
✨ Simplify to amplify the joy!
🖌️ The Stages of a Utopia Creation
🎨 1. Underpainting – To Help Painters Relax and Connect
I begin each session with a loose underpainting, using one or a few colours from the palette. This helps painters relax and feel at ease — the blank canvas disappears, and in its place are soft, welcoming marks to respond to. I often include an arch, a circle, a spiral, and a snaking line across the surface. These visual prompts give painters something to copy if they feel unsure. They’re always a bit wobbly on purpose — people often worry about “messing things up,” but there’s no need! The magic comes from the group’s spontaneity and the joyful layers we build together.
2. Messy Playing – Big Brushes, Big Fun
Using 1-inch brushes, participants make bold, energetic marks—spirals, swoops, circles, and repeating clusters—exploring the colours freely. There’s no right or wrong here, just movement and play.
3. Exploring – Medium Brushes + Pattern Play
At this stage, medium brushes are used to add rhythm and structure. Suggested patterns might include those from the Pattern Play Cards, the Pattern Play Pages, or samples included in the free guide. Participants can pick patterns or follow prompts.
4. Exploring – Small Brushes + Pattern Play
Using smaller brushes, participants add finer pattern details. Again, suggested patterns come from your Pattern Play resources or personal favourites to build texture and interest.
5. BLING – Paint Pens + Pattern Play + Extras
To finish, paint pens and shiny additions like glitter glue bursts, dot stickers, nail polish dots, or gold leaf (depending on the vibe) are added to bring sparkle and pop.
✨ What’s Next?
I encourage you to keep layering using these stages and, over time, to experiment with your own creative additions. The most magical part of collaborative art is the dynamic energy of the group — it’s always unique. Even with the same people, every session feels different as you vary patterns, respond to colours, and explore the sequence in which you use them.
This playful spontaneity happens within what may seem like strict boundaries — and that’s where creativity truly thrives. Constraints inspire fresh ideas, and the “power of three” colours is surprisingly freeing! Give it a try and see the delightful surprises that emerge.
🛒 Want to Paint This Way Too?
This project uses the Utopia palette from
🎨 “7 Group Art Colour Schemes ” – a digital download that makes group art easy and fun.
What’s included:
✅ 7 inspiring palettes with printable guides
✅ The “Pick 3 + White” method that always works
✅ Real examples, beginner tips, and inspiration
✅ Use for classrooms, community groups, or at home fun
👉 Read the Product Description »
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