Wet-into-wet

A favourite technique of oil painters and often cited as a chief reason for not using acrylics in the mistaken belief that it is not possible with water based paints. Wet in wet is the application of a fresh color or tone into an already wet area of paint. By this means soft transitions of color or tone can be obtained. Unfortunately it can also lead to deadened or overworked paint, so the artist always must bear in mind that where possible, the first stroke is always the freshest. Wet paint also enables easy softening of edges between colors and tones. Acrylics can also be worked wet-into-wet. The first method is simply to work like lightening and not work too large an area at once. Another and more logical method is to add drying retarder to the paint, slowing it the required amount in the desired area. Working at night when the paint naturally slows down in drying time is also helpful.