An apparatus for generating target color recipes includes a controller (202) using test chart data (100) including first and second sets of test patches to generate a flexible color model (214) for accurately predicting color response throughout the printer colorant space. The first set of test patches includes mostly patches distributed throughout colorant space. The second set of patches includes mostly patches in selected colorant space areas and with limitations on the number of chromatic colorants with non-zero tints. The controller generates recipes for target colors using the model generated after one measurement iteration.