Paints
A word about the paints I use…
Traditions Artists Grade Acrylic Paint manufactured by DecoArt is used for all of my acrylic paintings. It is a very pigment rich paint with a viscosity I find perfect for the painting I do. Straight from the bottle it’s not too thick and not too thin. The paint does not separate and you don’t need to shake it. I use Extender Medium to slow the drying of the acrylic paint which gives more open time to the paint and makes it easier to blend and achieve an oil painting look.Glazing Medium is often used to protect layers of paint once you are satisfied with your work and can be used at any given point. It also helps to add depth to the layers of paint as it allows light to pass through them.
There are 33 pure pigment colors in the line and a number of mixed colors that are included for convenience sake. Because the paint is so pigment rich all of the pre-mixed colors can be mixed from the pure pigment colors with 100% satisfaction. All colors are available in a 3 oz. bottle and a few come in an 8 oz. bottle. There is also a 1 oz. starter set that includes 10 colors. It is a misconception to think that all acrylic paint is pretty much the same – there are significant differences and acrylic paints are manufactured to different specifications. I have painted with this brand of acrylic exclusively for the past 10+ years (since it was first developed and manufactured) and strongly recommend this brand of paint.
http://store.artapprenticeonline.com/traditions-artists-acrylics/
I have used the Permalba Oil paint for my oil painting packets and classes and recommend it, however you can successfully use what you have available when painting my designs. Permalba is an artist grade oil paint yet still more moderately priced than many brands on the market.
http://store.artapprenticeonline.com/oil-paint/
For the watercolor paintings I have used Mijello Mission Gold Watercolors which are known for their brilliance and intensity! I have also used the Traditions Acrylic Paint mixed with the Watercolor Medium found in the line. This helps the acrylic to perform more like watercolor paint which does not have binders in it. This is an acceptable option if you just want to try a watercolor painting now and then but if you are going to get into it very much I recommend purchasing the watercolor paint.
http://store.artapprenticeonline.com/watercolor-paint/
For your convenience Traditions Acrylic, Golden Open Acrylic, Permalba Oil, and Mijello Watercolor paint are all available from our online store. We also carry the new Chalky Paint that is all the rage! This is the direct link to the Chalky Paint and the Golden Open Acrylic: