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Greetings! 

When we first begin painting, how daunting it all seems, memorizing the names of all the paint colors, trying out all sorts of brushes and other tools, learning to draw accurately, and of course struggling to mix the colors we needed. It is very exciting but also intimidating!

While learning about the various brushes and mediums can be a bit confusing, the leading challenge for me was how to accurately capture people, nature and real life objects on canvas with the correct colors.  How to make particular colors lighter or darker, not muddy or pasty? How to depict beautiful shadows and exciting highlights, and to find ways to capture nuanced skin tones and intriguing reflections?  Since I didn’t want to keep struggling to get accurate color, value, temperature and intensity, I began experimenting – to discover crucial basic facts and steps for color mixing.  

Through this blog, you’ll be offered a condensed version of what I’ve discovered over these last few years. Through assorted suggestions and sample exercises you’ll learn and practice foundational concepts to help you mix and use color more confidently and effectively, making painting easier and more enjoyable.   There will also be Step-by-Step photos of full paintings and sections of paintings.  Favorite books and DVDs will also be mentioned (along with links to find them). 

As you learn helpful ideas involving the fundamentals of color mixing - as well as other areas of painting instruction, it cannot be stressed enough, there is necessity of frequent practicing and applying of these new concepts and skills for them to really stick.  Once they are understood and mastered, you’ll be free to paint confidently with the colors and techniques you love!

Happy Painting!
May it bring you the double blessings of FUN and JOY!

With warmest regards,           

Diane