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 Reflections on Water

Painting Reflections on Water in Acrylics A lot of people ask for help when painting reflections on water.  As with most subjects, especially when painting from nature, there are many variables to consider and there is no one right answer because reflections can look different every time.  It is no wonder that many painters struggle…

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Which Brushes Are Best For Painting in Acrylics

best paint brushes to buy for acrylics

If you are confused about which art brushes you should buy to get started painting in acrylics, then you can find my recommendations below. Before I get into that, though, let’s talk about the different brushes that are available. Brush Sizes Brushes are sized by numbers, starting from the smallest which is generally 000.  You…

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Painting Skies in Acrylics, 5 Colours To Use Other Than Blue

beach sunrise with red sky caused by vog from the volcano on the big island of hawaii

Ideas For More Painting More Dynamic Skies in Acrylics When painting skies in acrylics, blue is not the only colour you should be thinking of. If you have seen my 7 Painting Rules to Remember post then you will be familiar with Rule No. 7, “The Sky Is Not Always Blue” In this article, I…

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