Painting Tips and Tricks with Marianne Vander Dussen

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The Top 5 Acrylic Color Mixing Mistakes and How to Fix Them

If you’re an acrylic painter who’s frustrated by color mixing, trust me when I say you’re not alone. After over a decade of working with acrylic paints, I’ve seen firsthand the unique challenges of color mixing with acrylic. Some of the reasons you’re struggling may be really obvious, while others might surprise you. So today, I’m sharing the top five color mixing mistakes I see with acrylic painters and how you can fix them.

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Acrylic Painting on Paper - Key Tips for Beginners

Acrylic painting on paper is a fantastic way to create vibrant, expressive artwork, especially for sketchbook entries. Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting out, there are some essential techniques that can help you achieve better results when working with acrylics on paper. In this guide, I'll walk you through my best tips for painting on paper with acrylics, from surface preparation to color mixing and blending.

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Do I Need to Varnish an Acrylic Painting?

I varnish all my paintings, not only as an insurance policy against the ravages of time but also to even out the final sheen and resaturate my colors. I’ve noticed that my darker shades tend to flatten and become matte as they dry, and varnish restores their depth and luster. The result is an even finish, vibrant colors, and a painting protected from UV light, dirt, and pollutants.

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