Consider pre-mixing a full range of colors and values. Many artists feel strongly that they can work faster and more accurately if they pre-mix a full palette of colors before beginning to paint on canvas.
Are You Mixing Your Colors Right?
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Selecting and Mixing Color
An eloquent and unexpected use of color is often what divides beginning painters like me from the greats. But we can build on several basic rules of thumb to propel ourselves and our paintings onto higher, more sophisticated ground, artistically speaking.
With practice and attention, one of the most challenging aspects of painting — selecting and mixing colors — can become a rewarding one, too. Here’s how.
Start painting with just one or two colors
When you start off with just a few colors in your arsenal, you understand how they differ in opacity, temperature and tinting strength. Most instructors recommend students start painting with a limited palette of colors so they become familiar with those, before tackling 20 to 30 more tube colors.
The experience helps us remember whether the colors are warm or cool, transparent or opaque, slow drying or fast drying, etc.
Gather Your Supplies:
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Dixie Belle Paint (choose your desired colors)
- Brushes (flat or round brushes work well)
- White Lightning
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Clean cloth or tack cloth
- Scrubby Soap for brush cleaning
- Wax or topcoat (optional)
- Drop cloth or newspapers to protect your work area
Prepare Your Furniture:
Proper preparation is essential for a smooth painting process. Start by cleaning your furniture piece thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt, or grease. You can use White Lightning. If your furniture has a glossy finish, lightly sand the surface to create a better adhesion for the paint. Remember to remove any hardware or cover them with tape to avoid painting over them. For slippery surfaces, we recommend two coats of Slick Stick.
Apply the Base Coat:
Begin by selecting your base color and start painting. Dixie Belle Paint is highly pigmented, so one or two coats are often sufficient for coverage. Stir the paint well before starting and apply it in thin, even coats using a brush. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. If you prefer a distressed look, you can sand certain areas lightly between coats.
