The eyes are better suited to seeing in Grey Scale, then in color. So, its easier to work in black and white then jumping right into color. [Grin]

Actually, I do less with what i showed here. I actually wasted about 30-35% of that paint. Usually my dabs are much smaller then this. I thought I was going to get more done in a shorter amount of time then I did, and part of that paint dried out. I usually mix a bunch, and scoop out small amounts with my palette knife as needed. The rest is sealed up in my "Moisture Container" (An air tight deviled egg box, with wet pieces of paper towel in the egg holes, and the paint is placed on a piece of glass fight to the box. Keeps acrylics wet for weeks/months).

The paints I use are high quality, archival, and somewhat concentrated. They have a much higher pigment count then your average/more common brands of acrylic paint. I use "Golden" brand artist heavy body acrylics almost exclusively. Usually, from a 2oz, or 5oz tube. A little goes a long way: http://www.dickblick.com/products/golden-heavy-body-artist-acrylics/

They are considered the best the world over. Once I started using them 2 years ago, I will never use anything else for acrylic painting. They are the most amazing paint I have ever used. Thick, smooth, and very consistent! [Grin]