to get a palette of colors around my source input color:
.5 steps darker and 5 steps lighter,
.5 steps more saturated and 5 steps less saturated,
.5 steps brighter grey and 5 steps darker gray,
organized in tree blocks, divided by a black delimiter. The gradations
should fit into the available range of tonal values.
Actually I was able to design my own custom palette some time back. I
remembered to write down how I did it - if that is something that you
might be interested in. I also belong to Renderosity.com and I'm sure
that there is someone there who would be able to help you.
I told them about your post and posted a link back here so that they
will be able to reply to you.
Rose
The 3D Beginner
http://the3dbeginner.blogspot.com