Colour, Hue, Tone, Shade, Tint. What’s the Difference?

splashes of paint in different colours, tones, hues, shades and tints

The terms colour, hue, tone, shade and tint are often interchangeable in today’s language.  However, in colour theory there are distinct differences between them. 

If you google the definition of these terms you will more than likely find a broad description that would apply to all industries and activities that use colour such as printing, graphic design etc.  Not all these principles will necessarily apply to the painter.

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How to Mix Colours When Painting in Acrylics

colour wheel chart used for mixing warm colours, cool colours and complementary colours

Why I like to mix my own colours There are hundreds of different paint colours to choose from when you visit the art store. If you are like me, they all look so inviting you want to buy them all. However, good quality paints are expensive so you probably don’t want to buy a separate…

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The Myth About Creativity. Are You Born With It?

Street Piano painted by Jenny Buchanan

Creativity Is Inside You, You Just Don’t Know It Yet I always hear people say they would love to learn to paint but that they are just not creative.  Well, you know what?  The fact that you are interested in this subject means that you probably are creative, you just don’t know it yet.  Today…

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3 Easy Steps to Get Started in Acrylic Painting

get started acrylic painting, paint brushes, painting equipment, art equipment, paints and brushes

Firstly, What’s Been Holding You Back? Is acrylic painting something you have been thinking about taking up as a hobby? Maybe you are ready to get started in acrylic painting but are hesitant to make a big commitment? Are you afraid you won’t be able to find the time to complete an art course? Are…

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How To Define Your Artistic Style?

Moonlight Wave Painting in acrylics by Jenny Buchanan

What Is Your Artistic Style? Abstract, realist or impressionist. If someone were to ask what your artistic style is, what would you say?  Working out exactly what your painting style is can be difficult, especially if you are a beginner.   We are very fortunate today in that pretty much anything goes in art. There…

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Paint With Light Front of Mind

Painting of boat sheds in afternoon light

Painting With Light in Mind is Essential For Realistic Artworks Light is probably the most critical element of art you need to master if you want to paint realistic artworks. Here’s a little insight into why I believe keeping light front of mind is so important. You will also find a few tips on how…

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Painting Ideas For Original Artworks

surfer on wave painting reference photo

Your Best Painting Ideas May Well Be Right in Front of You Already Many budding artists spend hours scouring various online image websites such as Pixabay or Pinterest to find original painting ideas, either from photos or from other, more experienced artists. In my opinion, the best place by far to source images for painting…

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Choose Your Painting Medium to Suit Your Personality

tubes of acrylic paint needed to complete any painting

Choose your painting medium according to your personality and avoid handing out cash for a lot of painting supplies you are probably never going to use. If you’re thinking about taking up painting or even if you have already started your art journey, you may have been wondering about all the different materials that are available.…

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