The Acrylic Painting Academy: Color Theory in Action

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This course features:
4 Hours of Instruction
15 Videos
14 eBooks
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Lesson Description

A look at implementing color theory in an acrylic painting. Monochromatic, analogous, split complementary, and complementary schemes are explored.

Lesson Materials

Stretched canvas, "HB" graphite pencil, ruler, kneaded eraser, acrylic paints (Ultramarine, Alizarin Crimson, and Cadmium Yellow Light), nylon brushes.

Lesson Resources

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Course Curriculum

Lesson 1: Introduction and Materials (7:59)Lesson 2: Light and Form (11:57)Lesson 3: Stretching Canvas (7:27)Lesson 4: Direct Painting - Part 1 (18:25)Lesson 5: Direct Painting - Part 2 (23:29)Lesson 6: Color Theory and Mixing (21:11)Lesson 7: Color Theory in Action (25:49)Lesson 8: Acrylic Mediums (12:09)Lesson 9: Underpainting - Part 1 (27:06)Lesson 10: Underpainting - Part 2 (26:19)Lesson 11: Glazing - Part 1 (18:44)Lesson 12: Glazing - Part 2 (13:31)Lesson 13: Painting with a Knife (19:17)Lesson 14: Abstraction / Non-Objective (11:12)Lesson 15: Conclusion (3:49)

Lesson Discussion

    • To download the videos, you must follow the “Download Page” link. On the page that comes up, scroll to the bottom and click on “Clip Info/Download” From here, you can choose your file size. To download any file (ebook or video) to a specific location on your computer, right-click on the file and choose the destination folder on your computer.

        • Hi Esther,

          Videos are streaming only. Years ago, we offered video downloads, but this feature was abused and some of our videos were posted on third-party websites without our permission. As a result, we had to remove this option to protect the program that we offer.

  2. Hi Matt,
    I’m drawn to the work and palette of Vanessa Bell, and while I understand that she worked in oils as opposed to acrylics I wonder if you might be able to advise me how to achieve a similar effect. “Studland Beach” is a particular favourite. Many Thanks, Lynn

  3. I thought this segment was very instructive. It might have been interesting for you to discuss your feelings regarding how the different color schemes affected your perception of the pear. you mentioned mood, and it would be interesting to explore this further. thanks!!!!!!

  4. It is fascinating to watch you work in layers – something I have no idea how to do (at least not yet). To what extent is the paint drying as you apply more? Are you purposely letting or not letting it dry before you add more?

    • Hi Mary,

      The paint is drying very quickly here – within a few minutes. I’m not really purposely letting it dry – it’s just drying very quickly while I continue to work. Without slow drying additives, this is the nature of acrylics. They are suited for multiple layers added in a short period of time.

  7. Thanks Matt, I learned quite a bit and will certainly be useful on my next project. Makes it much easier to understand how to apply the paint/colors which will give better results than I have been getting. The drawings can be spot on…but the wrong colors/scheme can undo my detailed work in a heartbeat. Thanks again. So glad I purchased this package!

  8. Thanks Matt! Love how you go over the same ground in each little square. It really helped to reinforce what needs to be done and also, once again, shows the importance of taking time and persevering to gain the end result. You say in other videos that new painters need more patience and need to keep going to see the finished result (I’m so guilty of that and can easily get discouraged). Thanks again for your encouraging words. Your videos are so easy to watch and I love the music in the background. Enjoying the course immensely!,

  9. How long did each of these take? The red pear took me about two hours and I’m about to start on the blue and green one. Building up that illusion of form with layers is a big challenge for me so far. I’m using canvas pad paper for the exercises. Is that okay to do?

  10. I am trying to do the acrylics. But I can’t do the lesson The acrylic painting academy lesson 7. I tried it a couple of times. I can’t make the pears come out like looking like a pear. Do you have any suggestions?

    Also what is the difference between the paint, basic vs heavy duty.

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