I can't paint so I won't be giving you any painting tips.  That said, I did once come up with an idea which has saved Deb quite a bit of money over the years. 

Several years ago when Deb was first trying out acrylic paints she commented that it was going to be more expensive because of the need for more palettes.  Apparently the residual enamels dry hard enough to mix a different colour on top but the residual acrylics don't.  My solution was simple - give up on palettes completely and use all those free CDs which come with magazines and newspapers etc.  They work just as well and don't cost a thing!

Cheers!

Bridget
www.militaryfigures.co.uk