Easy-to-follow tips for developing greater control and confidence in your paintings.
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FAQs
What
are Complimentary Colors?
Colors of maximum contrast opposite each other on the color
wheel. For example, the Complimentary Color of a primary color
is the mixture of the other two primaries
What
are Cool Colors?
Colors such as blue and green are considered cool colors.
Cool colors appear to recede into the distance due to atmospheric
conditions.
What
is a Focal Point?
The main area of interest in a painting.
What
is fugitive?
Colors which fade over time because they are not light fast.
What
is Granulation?
A mottled effect left by coarse pigments as they settle into
the grain of the paper when the paint dries.
What
is High-Key Color?
Colors that are brilliant and saturated.
What
is Color Hue?
The description of the color such as “blue” or
“red”.
What
is Low-Key Color?
Colors that are muted or unsaturated.
What
is Masking Fluid?
A solution of latex in ammonia used for masking out particular
areas of a painting.
What
is Perspective?
A way of suggesting 3-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional
surface. Aerial perspective creates a sense of depth by using
cooler, paler colors in the distance and warmer brighter colors
in the foreground. Linear perspective reduces the size of
objects as they get further away.
What
are Primary Colors?
Red, blue and yellow. They cannot be produced by mixing any
other colors.
What
is Sgraffito?
A textural effect made by using a scalpel or sharp knife to
scrape of the painted surface.
What
are Secondary Colors?
Green, orange and purple. Each is produced by mixing together
any two primary colors.
What
are Tertiary Colors?
Colors which contain all three primary colors.
What
is a Tint?
A color thinned with water to allow more of the white paper
surface to show through.
What
are Warm Colors?
Colors such as red and orange are considered warm colors.
Warm colors appear to advance towards the viewer due to atmospheric
or aerial perspective.