Hello Friends,

Today I want to talk about how to create the perfect acrylic paint palette. Acrylics can be an intimidating medium. But I believe that if you begin with a basic palette of colors you will be happier with your journey.

Let’s talk about costs:

Many people have expressed to me that they are reluctant to spend a large amount of money on art supplies.  I completely understand; art supplies are expensive. But, creating a painting with student or craft paint can lead to frustration.  Many of the student and craft paints are intended to be used straight out of the bottle or tube.  When they are mixed together, they tend to result in a gray, dull color.

Why buy professional (or the more expensive paint)?

Professional grade paint is made with pure pigments which means they are made with very little binders and other materials. They are created for professional artists who enjoy creating their own unique colors. Therefore, they are made with the intent to be mixed together.  The colors that are created are vibrant and the structure of the pigment does not change.

The brands that I recommend are Golden, Liquitex, Winsor & Newton, Holbein, and Utrecht.

What colors do I need to create the perfect acrylic paint palette?

With only a few tubes of professional grade paint, you will be able to create a multitude of colors. Here are the pigment colors that you will need in order to create the perfect acrylic paint palette. (see photo below) 

• Mars Black

• Titanium White

• Lemon Yellow

• Cadmium Red Medium

• Ultramarine Blue

• Viridian Green

Most of the colors mentioned can be found in a starter set of professional acrylic paints which can be found in your artist supply store and online. 

Here are the additional art supplies needed:

• acrylic brushes

• canvas paper pad

• disposable paint palette

• plastic container for water

• paper towels * I use the blue shop paper towels

Now you are ready to begin your first painting project.

Enjoy falling in love with art again.

Until next time.

Tamara