diff --git a/src/painter.py b/src/painter.py
index 71fffa4..e116bd4 100644
--- a/src/painter.py
+++ b/src/painter.py
@@ -38,6 +38,9 @@ class Painter(Widget):
         # shape of particle to add next
         self.shape=Cross
 
+        # color of particle to add next
+        self.color=(0,0,1)
+
         # underlying lattice
         self.lattice=None
 
@@ -232,7 +235,7 @@ class Painter(Widget):
 
             # create new particle
             if touch.button=="right":
-                new=self.shape(touchx,touchy)
+                new=self.shape(touchx,touchy,color=self.color)
                 # snap to lattice
                 if self.lattice!=None:
                     new.move(self.lattice.nearest_delta(new.elements[0].pos))
@@ -440,6 +443,9 @@ class Painter(Widget):
 
     # set color of selected particles
     def set_color(self,color):
+        # set color for next particles
+        self.color=color
+        # set color of selected particles
         for particle in self.selected:
             particle.color=color
         # redraw