Whether you are going to start some beautiful dotted mandala art, create on a canvas, or our favorite… paint a rock, it always start by picking acrylic paint colors!
![acrylic paint samples dotted mandalas and more](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/acrylic-paint-samples-dotted-mandalas-and-more-500x278.jpg)
This page contains affiliate links which means if you make a purchase using the link, I could receive a commission. Check out all the details here.
Before we go any farther I have to give a big Thank You to the lady behind this amazing content! I stumbled onto Lindy’s post in one of the dot mandala groups I am in. She created these wonderful acrylic paint swatches as a resource for other painters!
Lindy is an amazing artist! I hope you take a minute to check out her art! Find her on Facebook at Pet portraits by Lindy Clarkson & Beautiful paintings by Lindy Clarkson or on TikTok!
![acrylic paint bottles](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/acrylic-paint-bottles-500x278.jpg)
About Acrylic Paints
Below is a list reasons why so many artists choose acrylic paints for their art and craft projects.
- Water-Based: Acrylic paint is water-based, making it easy to clean up and mix with water for various effects.
- Quick Drying: It dries fast, letting you build layers or finish your masterpiece swiftly.
- Versatile Surfaces: Acrylics adhere well to surfaces like canvas, paper, wood, fabric, and more.
- Color Mixing: Start with just a few colors – red, blue, yellow, plus white – and mix to create a wide range.
- Layer Love: You can layer colors easily, allowing for intricate details and vibrant depth.
- Opacity Control: Alter opacity by thinning with water or using gel mediums for thicker consistency.
- Longevity: Acrylics are durable and resistant to fading over time.
- Flexible Finish: Choose from glossy, matte, or satin finishes to suit your style.
- Brushes Galore: Versatile for various brush types, offering textures from fine details to bold strokes.
- Overpainting: Correct mistakes by painting over them once they’re dry – no stress, just artistic freedom!
![acrylic paints storage](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/acrylic-paints-storage-500x278.jpg)
Picking Paint Colors
Choosing paint colors can be exciting and fun! Here’ are a few things to consider when picking your palette:
- Purpose and Mood: Think about the purpose of your artwork. Are you aiming for a soothing vibe, vibrant energy, or something in between? Colors evoke emotions, so pick ones that align with your desired mood.
- Color Wheel: Understand the color wheel basics. Complementary colors (opposite on the wheel) create contrast, while analogous colors (neighboring) offer harmony.
- Color Harmony: Stick to a limited color palette for a unified look. Triadic (equally spaced on the color wheel) or monochromatic schemes can create pleasing harmonies.
- Contrast: Consider the contrast between your background and main elements. High contrast can make elements pop, while low contrast can offer subtlety.
- Lighting: Think about where your artwork will be displayed. Natural and artificial light can affect how colors appear.
- Subject Matter: Reflect on the subject of your art. Natural scenes might call for earthy tones, while abstract pieces could be more experimental.
- Personal Preferences: Your personal taste matters. Choose colors that resonate with you and reflect your style.
- Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to try unexpected combinations. Sometimes, the best results come from taking risks.
- Test Swatches: Always test colors on a separate surface before committing to your artwork. Colors might look different when applied.
Remember, there are no hard rules – it’s about what speaks to you and your artistic vision. Happy color hunting!
Shop for Acrylic Paint on Amazon
![over 375 acrylic paint samples](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/over-375-acrylic-paint-samples-500x500.jpg)
A few Notes from Lindy
I snagged a few quotes from her Facebook post. This will answer a few questions you may be asking when looking at the swatches below.
-On each page, the left hand swatch is done over a white dot, the middle dot of colour is one “press” with paint and the right hand side one is a “loaded” dot, where I have dotted the same paint several times to make it “puffy”.
-There is a good reason why most of them don’t show a lot of difference. I made a point of purchasing paints which say they are opaque, so there “should” be little difference between them. Some do have more transparency than others though.
-JS refers to Jo Sonja tube paints
-Lindy
Acrylic Paint – Primary Colors
Red Acrylic Paints
![red acrylic paint samples](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/red-acrylic-paint-samples-500x750.jpg)
Yellow Acrylic Paints
![yellow acrylic paint samples](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/yellow-acrylic-paint-samples-500x750.jpg)
Blue Acrylic Paints
![blue acrylic paint samples](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/blue-acrylic-paint-samples-500x750.jpg)
Acrylic Paint – Secondary Colors
Green Acrylic Paints
![green acrylic paint samples](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/green-acrylic-paint-samples-500x750.jpg)
Orange Acrylic Paints
![orange acrylic paint samples](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/orange-acrylic-paint-samples-500x750.jpg)
Purple Acrylic Paints
![purple acrylic paint samples](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/purple-acrylic-paint-samples-500x750.jpg)
Acrylic Paint – Extras
Neutrals and Skin Tone Acrylic Paint Colors
![cream and browns and skin tones acrylic paint samples](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/crem-and-browns-acrylic-paint-samples-500x750.jpg)
![white grey black acrylic paint samples](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/white-grey-black-acrylic-paint-samples-500x750.jpg)
More Acrylic Paint Colors
![teal acrylic paint samples](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/teal-acrylic-paint-samples-500x750.jpg)
![pink acrylic paint samples](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/pink-acrylic-paint-samples-500x750.jpg)
Metallic Acrylic Paint Colors
![more metallic acrylic paint samples](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/more-metallic-acrylic-paint-samples-500x750.jpg)
![metallic acrylic paint samples](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/metallic-acrylic-paint-samples-500x750.jpg)
![metal acrylic paint samples](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/metal-acrylic-paint-samples-500x750.jpg)
Miscellaneous Acrylic Paint Colors
![misc acrylic paint samples](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/misc-acrylic-paint-samples-500x750.jpg)
Shop for Acrylic Paint on Amazon
CLICK HERE to see ALL of our FAVORITE rock painting supplies!
Pin this to your favorite Pinterest craft board!
I hope this information was helpful! Take a minute and pin it to share and save it for later!
![over 375 acrylic paint swatches for art and craft projects](https://rockpainting101.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/over-375-acrylic-paint-swatches-for-art-and-craft-projects-500x750.jpg)