Low staining and lightfast, this transparent black-brown is a palette basic. From its rich, deep state in concentrated strokes, Sepia can dilute to a subtle mushroom hue. Enjoy this transition in washes from near to far or from shadow to light in plowed fields and farm subjects.

Fence posts-the wet, West Coast kind-are fun to paint, as are bulrushes and cattails. Try each wet into wet.

• ASTM Lightfastness Rating: Excellent
• Transparency: Transparent
• Granulating: Yes
• Staining: Low