With regards to the mixing of colours, I find it hard to find the mixes and hues that I want. Is there some way that I can get over this problem?

E John Robinson replies: "Every time I purchase a new (to me) colour I make colour patches with it. Each patch (approximately 2" x 2") will be a mix of the new colour with one of my already familiar palette colours. In this way I can see how each interacts and what new blend with come of it."