Apex Rolfes

Apex Rolfes

Natural Bristle vs Synthetic Brushes

Choosing the right type of brush has a significant impact on paint application, control, and finish. One of the most common decisions artists face is whether to use natural bristle brushes or synthetic brushes. Each type has distinct characteristics that…

Mixing Primary Colours

Primary colours—red, blue, and yellow—form the foundation of all colour mixing. Understanding how they interact gives artists full control over their palette. Mixing Secondary Colours Combining primary colours produces secondary colours: Small ratio changes create dramatically different results. Colour Temperature…

Layering with Acrylics

Layering is one of the greatest strengths of acrylic paint. Because acrylics dry quickly, artists can build complexity and depth efficiently when layering is done correctly. Start with Thin Layers Early layers should be thin and diluted slightly with water…

Keeping Your Workspace Clean

A clean and organised workspace supports creativity, efficiency, and tool longevity. While mess can sometimes feel creative, consistent disorder often leads to wasted time and damaged materials. Why Workspace Cleanliness Matters Paint, dust, and residue can contaminate colours and damage…

Juxtaposition in Composition

Juxtaposition is a compositional technique that places contrasting elements next to each other to create visual interest, tension, or meaning. It is one of the most effective tools artists use to guide the viewer’s attention. What Is Juxtaposition? Juxtaposition occurs…

Ink vs Paint: What to Use

Ink and paint are both widely used artistic mediums, but they behave very differently and are suited to different types of work. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each helps artists choose the right medium for their project and avoid…

How to Hold a Brush

How a brush is held directly affects control, comfort, and painting style. There is no single correct grip, but understanding different approaches helps artists work more effectively. Close Grip Holding the brush near the ferrule provides precision and control. This…

Shading Basics

Shading is the technique used to represent light, shadow, and form. It allows artists to turn flat shapes into three-dimensional objects and is one of the most important skills in drawing and painting. Understanding Light and Shadow Before shading, it’s…

Tint, Tone & Shade Explained

Understanding tints, tones, and shades is essential for controlling depth, mood, and realism in artwork. These three concepts explain how colours change in value and intensity and form the foundation of shading, highlighting, and colour harmony. What Is a Tint?…

Colour Mixing Tips

Colour mixing is one of the most important skills an artist can learn. Understanding how colours interact allows you to create harmony, depth, and consistency in your artwork, while also reducing reliance on pre-mixed paints. With a solid grasp of…

How to Apply Gesso Correctly

Gesso is a primer used to prepare surfaces for painting. Applying it correctly improves paint adhesion, prevents surface damage, and gives you control over texture and absorbency. While many ready-made canvases come pre-primed, applying gesso properly can significantly improve the…