Key learning points

1. Acrylic or oil paints can produce vibrant, opaque colours that enhance visual impact and depth in artwork.
2. Acrylic paints can be blended quickly before drying to create gradients and smooth transitions.
3. Understanding the properties of different paint (thickness, opacity, drying time) helps you choose techniques & surfaces
4. Understanding colour theory supports successful mixing to create a balanced and harmonious palette with any paint

Keywords

• Opacity - how much a paint covers the surface beneath it

• Viscosity - the thickness or flow of the paint

• Ground - the initial layer of paint applied to a surface before the main artwork is created

• Gradient - a smooth transition from light to dark or between colours

• Complementary colours - colours which sit opposite each other on the colour wheel

Common misconception