Paint and colour Notes, Quizzes & Revision

What is paint?

Paint is a liquid or paste that you spread on a surface (paper, wood, wall, cloth) that dries to form a coloured layer. It has three main parts:

• Pigment: the powder that gives colour (e.g. red, blue, yellow).
• Binder: a sticky substance that holds the pigment to the surface (e.g. acrylic, oil, natural binders).
• Solvent/Water: makes paint easier to spread and later evaporates (water for water-based paints).

Common types of paint (simple)

- Water-based (acrylic, poster paint): dries quickly, easy to clean with water.
- Oil-based: rich finish, slower drying, needs turpentine or special cleaners.
- Natural/Traditional: e.g. ochre and plant dyes used historically in many Kenyan communities.

Kenyan note: Many Kenyan artists use acrylics for school art and murals because they dry fast and clean easily. Traditional colours like ochre (earthy red/brown) appear in crafts and painted houses in some communities.

Colour basics

Primary colours: red, blue, yellow — cannot be made by mixing other colours.

Secondary colours: made by mixing two primaries:
- red + yellow = orange,
- yellow + blue = green,
- blue + red = purple.

Properties of colour

• Hue: the name of the colour (red, green, blue).
• Value (lightness): how light or dark a colour is. Add white to make a tint, add black to make a shade.
• Saturation (intensity): how bright or dull a colour is. Add grey to reduce intensity.

Colours all around Kenya

Use local examples to remember colours:

• Kenyan flag: black (people), red (freedom), green (land), white (peace), and the Maasai shield — useful for talking about symbolism.
• Maasai shuka: bright red with patterns — red stands out and is used for identity and decoration.
• Landscape colours: golden savannah, green tea fields (Kericho), deep blue Indian Ocean (Mombasa), earthy ochres in rural houses.
• Wildlife: lion tawny, elephant grey, flamingo pink at Lake Nakuru.

Basic painting techniques

• Brush strokes: practise long, short, thin and thick strokes.
• Layering: let one layer dry before adding another to avoid mixing unless you want that effect.
• Dry brushing: use little paint on the brush for texture (useful for grass or fur).
• Blending: blend two wet colours gently to create smooth transitions (good for skies and sunsets).

Care and safety

• Use water-based paints indoors for easier cleaning and safer fumes.
• Work in a well-ventilated place when using stronger paints or solvents.
• Wash brushes and palettes after use; store paints with lids closed.
• Use old clothes or aprons when painting to protect clothing.

Kenyan tip: Many schools use locally made water-based paints. Dispose of wash water responsibly (avoid drains if paints contain chemicals).

Quick practice tasks (for age_replace)

1. Paint the Kenyan flag on paper. Label each colour and write one sentence about what each colour stands for.
2. Mix red and yellow to make orange. Paint three shades of orange by adding white each time and name them.
3. Look outside: pick three colours you see in your neighbourhood (e.g. shop sign, tree, soil). Make small swatches of those colours.
4. Try a simple blending exercise: paint a sunset from yellow to orange to purple, blending while wet.

Quick check (questions)

• What are the three primary colours?
• How do you make a tint? How do you make a shade?
• Name a Kenyan object or animal for each colour: red, green, blue, brown.
• Why is ventilation important when painting?

Summary

Paint is a material used to add colour and protect surfaces. Understanding primary and secondary colours, tints and shades, and safe painting practices will help you make better art. Use Kenyan examples — flags, fabrics, landscapes and animals — to learn and practise colour. Enjoy experimenting with mixes and techniques!