Artists can never learn too much about color.  Color is at the core of the message your work emits.  A basic understanding of color is great place to begin your new pursuit of artistic expression.

There are three primary colors that cannot be created by mixing other colors.  Those three primaries are red, blue and yellow.  Aren’t they great?  Mixing these primary colors creates other colors called secondary colors.

Yellow and blue make green.  Red and yellow make orange.  Blue and red creates purple.  The exact hue of the secondary color is dependent upon the proportions of the mix of the primary colors.  The best way to become familiar with the seemingly unlimited color and hue possibilities is to experiment.

When the artist mixes three primary colors, the result is a tertiary color.  The hue of the tertiary again depends on the proportions of the mixture.  Have fun creating and learning your options.

Like the primaries, black and white is not created by mixing other colors.  However, they are not primary colors because they are not mixed to form other colors.  Black is added to darken a color and white is added to lighten a color.  Many artists do not use black or white at all.

There are various blues, reds and yellows, like cobalt blue, Prussian blue, lemon yellow, crimson, cadmium red and others.  These are different versions of the primary colors.

The important thing to remember about primary colors is that each primary creates a different result.  Each mix of primaries creates a slightly different shade of a secondary or tertiary color.

Here are a few basic color mixing realities:

• * It takes a small amount of a dark color to darken a light color, but it takes considerably more light to lighten a dark color.
• * Opaque colors have far greater strength than transparent colors so add just a bit of opaque to a transparent.
• * If you are mixing two colors, check to make sure each color consist of one pigment only.
• * When mixing tow colors on your palette, stop the process before completing the color.  The result will be much more interesting, and a bit inconsistent.

Mixing colors, creating new colors, altering shades and strengths can become a compelling exercise.  Many artists are consumed with the composition of color.  Learning how to create the perfect color and shade will greatly influence your oil painting.  Experiment, learn and enjoy the artistic flair that color brings to the palette.

Acrylic painting is a fairly new medium.  The use of acrylic paints was introduced in the 1950’s and has been a work in progress ever since.  The three most distinctive features of acrylic paints are that they are versatile, have a sense of permanence and acrylics dry quicker than other mediums.

The artist does not have to worry about the order the paints are applied so many artists like the freedom and readiness of acrylics compared to oils.  Because the acrylics dry so quickly, the artist can apply overlay colors more quickly and easier.  This versatility helps to create an immediate scene.

As the acrylics dry so quickly, the beginning artist will have to work rapidly and the artist’s paintbrushes require almost immediate cleaning or they will be unusable.  Brushes are cleaned with water.  Artists that are working outdoors may choose another medium because the acrylics can dry up quickly on the palette.

An interesting technique that artists employ with acrylics is the use of a squeegee.  Put a blob of acrylic paint on your canvas and spread with a rigid edged squeegee.  Acrylics are the perfect medium for this smear and mix technique.  Use one fluid motion for the best results.  Beginning artists especially enjoy this technique.

If you are interested in learning more about acrylic painting, why not try one of the new painting DVD art courses offered on the Internet?  The leading online course provider has recently launched a 20 DVD course that includes lessons in acrylic painting and oil painting. (you can read more in our Learn and Master Painting Review)

Art students can now learn how to work with acrylics in their won home, on their own schedule and at their own pace.  The course is designed by the accomplished artist and teacher while each DVD is professionally produced.  Each DVD represents one lesson and begins with the fundamentals and takes new students through the paces of three new paintings.

A handy reference book accompanies the DVDs.  This guide will serve as a valuable resource for years to come.  This is the way to learn oil painting and acrylic painting techniques.  It is fun, inexpensive and flexible, just like painting with acrylics.  There is no reason to hesitate.  If you have considered painting with acrylics or oil, this new DVD course is the opportunity you have been waiting for.  There’s a little artist in all of us.  Take the course and watch it all come out.