Buying Acrylic Paints

Projeck

Hey, guys! I'm going to go buy some acrylic paints tonight, for painting, and I was wondering what brands you might recommend, or what an essential working palette might consist of? Which color paints are necessary for a full breadth of color?

Iruka

Do you have a price range? Are you buying online or do you plan to go to the store?

Projeck

I'm going to a store (probably Michael's unless I need to hit up a specialty shop). I'd like to keep things relatively affordable, less than $100 (the cheaper the better). I already have brushes and disposable palettes and etc.

saltiness

Liquitex is a good brand. As for colors, are you painting something specific? Usually you'll choose the hues based on subject matter.

It's been a while since I did the basic utility palette but if I recall correctly I would use:
Mars Black
Titanium White
Yellow Light Hansa
Cadmium Yellow Medium (Hue)
Alizarin Crimson
Cadmium Red (Hue)
French Ultramarin Blue
Pthalo Blue

(Hues are going to be more affordable and less toxic than true Cadmiums).

Aurora Borealis

I would add Raw Umber, Burnt Sienna, and a Van Dyke Brown to that list. Depends on what you're painting, but sometimes you really need to start with some neutrals.

Also, buy big tubes of black and white, and tiny tubes of everything else. Once you know what colors you use the most, you can buy bigger tubes of them.

Figgy

And if you're going to Michael's, bring one of their 40 or 50% off coupons from their website.

Not because you'll save a ton of money buying your paints there, but that is at least by how much their stuff is overpriced.

SLyM is mai masin pertnar in the Mejora's Mesk Phellah

DiannaoChong

@Figgy has it right. Check to see if your Walmart has those brands. I learned quickly in my area for basic arts and crafts Walmart/any non specialty store will sell it for at least 50% cheaper.

Projeck

All good advice. Thanks, everyone! I should be able to make an informed decision now.