Limited Palette

In this painting of the Coast Guard dock in Boothbay Harbor, painted on 9/11, I chose to use a limited palette.  Using just ivory black, yellow ochre, and burnt sienna, I was able to concentrate on values. 

More and more lately, I will choose three or four colors and mixtures of gray tones made from them to relieve myself of the decision about which colors to use.  Instead of reaching for colors from all over the spectrum of colors or opting in favor of local color, I find that using mostly neutrals and a few spots of purer colors to punch up the scene alleviates the anxiety about color choices.