I try to simplify as much as possible. For one...I wait until 8th grade to
introduce acrylics. I like the Chromacryl half-gallon jugs with the
convenient pumps, and use styrofoam plates. I get a warm and cool blue,
warm and cool yellow, warm and cool red, white and black. All of my color
theory works around learning to think in terms of color temperature. The
jugs and pumps are easy to use, to manage, and clean-up. For long time
storage, I wrap plastic around the pump spouts and mask tape them tight.
For all grades, (K-12) I use Crayola temperas, mixing them and having them
in convenient Rubbermaid plastic catsup bottles. Again...using foam plates.
My favorite use for them is teaching kids to quickly sketch out subject with
a colored pencil, go over with a permanent "Sharpie" marker, and then do
washes of color. I start that from about second grade on up. The washes of
tempera are as thin as watercolors. In fact, tempera thinned down makes a
nice substitute for those watercolor cakes that are getting more and more
expensive. I do have watercolors...but reserved for special projects.
I explain and demonstrate the convenience of their watercolor-like use when
used as such...to my high schoolers, who might resent otherwise having to
use "elementary" school paint. They actually appreciate seeing it used this
way.
For my advanced painting students, I have several rolls of freezer wrap
paper, and have them tear off a sheet...shiny side up, and tape it down to
their desk tops to use as a palette. Good for acrylics or tempera.
I've never had a problem with Chromacryl "Yellow" globbing up, Meredith.
Might want to try them.
For my own use...I like the Galeria 200ml plastic bottles with the pull up
convenient pour spout. Economical at about $9.50 per bottle, yet good
pigment.
