If your acrylic paintings feel too bright, harsh, or “straight-from-the-tube,” this short color mixing lesson will help.
In this video, I’m showing you a simple way to mix muted, subdued, and more mature colors that feel painterly and harmonious. Tube color can often give paintings an immature look, especially for beginners—and the fix is easier than you might think.
I demonstrate how I use burnt umber mixed into red, blue, and yellow to create softer, antiqued colors that naturally work well together. This approach helps you:
-Calm down overly bright acrylic colors
-Create a more timeless, sophisticated color palette
-Improve harmony without memorizing complicated color theory
-Feel more confident mixing colors on your own
This is a great technique if you love a vintage, muted, or painterly look and want your paintings to feel more intentional and cohesive.
Mentioned in this video:
My Swan Painting Tutorial (on sale this month)
My Painting Membership, where I teach acrylic painting, color mixing, and mindset in a supportive, encouraging way
Links:
👉 Swan Tutorial: https://artbyamandahilburn.com/product/romantic-swan-a-self-study-studio-session/
👉 Painting Membership: https://artbyamandahilburn.com/join-my-creative-community/
If you’re a beginner or returning painter who wants their colors to feel calmer, richer, and more “grown up,” this lesson is for you.
Amanda , Thank you so much ! Yes this was a great help to me, please do more of these little classes.
Yay! I’m so happy you found it helpful! I’ll keep it up 🙂