Preorder Move Slow & Make Things, and enjoy a collection of thoughtful bonus content created just for you!

Mixing your paint

First of all, thank you to everyone who has started to follow me! I have big plans, so please invite your friends and keep the comments coming!

I have been thinking about tips and tricks I could share, specifically about decorative painting. One thing I almost always do is mix Burnt Umber with all of my paints.

I like my furniture to look soft and classic. A lot of the paint colors available in acrylics are pretty bright, so I use the burnt umber to tone them down. Here are a couple examples of a red and blue mixed with the burnt umber.

Just add a squeeze and mix it with the end of your brush handle. This will give your decorative painting and much softer look. Lots more “seeds of wisdom” to come, so keep checking back!

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

you may also like

2 Responses

  1. I love that red desk and aqua end table…I'm certainly looking forward to seeing what else you will have to share with us! (Because I'm following your blog now too!)

    : )

    Have a beautiful day!
    Julie M.

    ps Burnt Umber is one of my favorite paint colors to use too!

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

next art sale

May 20th, 2026 at 1pm EST

Now Available for Preorder

Move Slow & Make Things

A book about creativity, intention, and making things with care. Sign up to receive updates, preorder details, and exclusive bonus content.

From the Studio

Artful pieces for your home and everyday life.

From original paintings and art prints to Pup Club releases and curated goods, each piece is created or chosen to bring warmth, creativity, and character into your home.

From the Studio and Home

Shop the Feed

A handpicked collection of items styled and shared throughout posts, projects, and social feeds. Every product is thoughtfully chosen to reflect a timeless, collected aesthetic.

Recent Video

Spring Posts

Explore the Shop

Explore the Blog

Categories

Looking for more encouragement?

the notesbooks on my desk

I take a hybrid approach when it comes to running my life and organizing my thoughts.  I like paper, pencils, and pens for writing down ideas, planning, and managing my day.  While old-fashioned notebooks are my preference for most things, I rely heavily on a digital calendar and reminder alarms

Read More

four things | seventy six

It’s been a full, exciting week.  I’ve been walking each morning, caring for the garden beds, working on commissioned paintings, packing prints, and recording some test audiobook samples for Move Slow and Make Things.  I’ve also been arranging some fun giveaways as we get closer to the launch, and this

Read More
error: Content is protected.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This