This step-by-step guide will take you through the ten steps you oughta get started with painting.
So sit back, grab your favorite drink(optional of course!)
and get ready to step into the beautiful, joyful world of painting with acrylics.
Cherry Blossom Tree
Here are some of the basics, along with some nice to have.
Fortunately, choosing paint for your first canvas painting is easier than you think.
Acrylic paints come in two grades: professional (or artist) and student quality.
The downfall is that theyre more expensive than the student-grade ones.
But since theyre cheaper, youll save money while you learn the basics of acrylic painting.
Just like Acrylic paints come in different grades, brushes do too!
Acrylics can be hard on brushes made out of animal hair especially when its soaked in water.
Because your brushes will be the single most important tool you have as an artist.
Palette knivescan be used to replace or complement paint brushes used in Abstract painting.
They create very distinct, creamy and modern-looking strokes (compared to brush strokes).
As a beginner, I would just stick to brushes at the beginning of your painting journey.
Its a similar feel to icing a cupcake without any darn calories and sugar!
Step 3 Get your Palette
Youll need a surface to grab and mix your paint from.
Plastic or other waterproof material works well- since youll need some water to clean them afterward.
I use aplastic palette similar to this oneso I can work with a variety of paints all at once.
If you want to minimize cleanup, thesedisposable paper paint palettesare great!
Ive used them, and makes cleanup happen in a jiffy!
Another great surface thats often overlooked ispainting your walls!
Most of them in art stores are pre-primed but read the label just to confirm.
Gesso is a base for acrylic painting and allows for the paint to glide easier.
These canvas boards can even be framed for display later on!
Step 5 Get your water container.
Expert tip:
An even better approach is to use 2 cups of water.
Once the water does become murky rinse out the cup and fill up with clean water.
Its also a good idea to keep a paper towel on hand for dabbing away excess water.
I also flip it upside down on the easel to get a different perspective.
Its harder to do this when your canvas in laying flat on a table.
Easels come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
First off, you want to pick something thats not too hard.
But if youre confident and want a challenge, try your hand at somefamous painting ideaspainted by the masters.
If youre looking to host a paint night, thesepaint and sip ideaspost will help.
Simpleflowersare also a great subject matter for beginners.
If tutorials arent your thing, here are some more ideas.
This trick can also be applied to photography, to capture more interesting pictures!
Its called the rule of the thirds.
This will guide you better as the painting progresses and everything will stay in proper proportion.
Your eyes cant see what is going amiss, especially if youve been at it for a long time.
It can often help you figure out what is bugging you about your art piece.
This will give you a fresh set of eyes.
It sounds weird, but trust me, it works!
This technique has saved many of my paintings and my sanity!
Read to stop acrylic paint from washing off objects.
you could use an inexpensive varnish-likeLiquitex Gloss Varnish.
Also, as a word of caution: avoid letting acrylic paints dry on your brushes.
you might also use soap and water to wash your painting pallet.
If its already dried on, try peeling it off or you’re able to just leave it.
If it doesnt bug you, it wont affect.
Got some acrylic paint on your fav outfit?
Young students should be monitored and taught safe handling techniques.
And sometimes when things dont turn out according to plan, it can get a bit disheartening.
Your paintings might not turn out the way you think they will the first few times.
This is to be expected!
My advice, from someone whose been there, DONT GIVE UP!
It has been both my therapy as it has my creative outlet.
My wish for you is to find the same joy with painting.
All it takes is a perspective change (just like when troubleshooting your acrylic painting above).
Are acrylic Paints the Best Option for Beginners?
Watercolor vs Acrylic Paint
Many beginners often wonderis acrylic painting easier than watercolor?
The short answer is acrylics are much easier for beginners.
Some watercolor teachers even recommend their students take a couple of classes on acrylics before jumping right into Watercolor!
If youre looking to paint with watercolors then thiswatercolor painting ideaspost will help you get started.
Acrylic paint vs Oil Paint
Oil Paint is a very popular paint chosen by professionals.
Fortunately, you’re able to get a very similar result using Acrylic.
Acrylic paints can be mixed together to create different colors/tints/shades, much like oil paints.
Can you tell which painting below is painted with Oil paints and which one is painted with acrylic paints?
Answer: Its hard to tell isnt it?
You probably still want to know which is which, right?
The first picture (the winter scene with the cabin and winding road) is painted with oil paints.
The second painting (the mountain scene ) is painted with acrylics.
Frequently Asked Questions about Acrylic Painting
Q: What are acrylic paints made of?
Q: Are acrylic paints water based?
A: Yes, acrylics are water-based and therefore water-soluble I.e.
can be thinned and cleaned with water.
But once they are dry, they become water-resistant and the texture of soft pliable plastic.
Acrylic paints can be used on canvas, wood, paper, boards, rocks, and other materials.
Q: How long does acrylic paint take to dry?
A: It depends on the thickness of the paint.
But nothing like oil paintings were it can take 3-6 months to completely dry out.
Q: How do I paint over acrylic paint (I.e.
an old painting you want to repurpose)?
Also, never paint acrylic over top oil paintings, otherwise, it will peel or flake off.
Acrylic paints are great for beginners.
Q: How do I make my Acrylic Painting Shiny?
The medium will thin your paint and increase the dry time.
Paint mediumsare not a beginner technique but they are quite simple to use.
I have personally bought this set and love it!
It comes with6 jars of popular mediumsfor you to try.
Q: Can I use acrylic paint to paint rocks or other materials?
From kids, teens, and adults, rock painting is super easy, cheap, and fun!
All you need is a rock/pebble, some acrylic paint, and some inspiration!
To learn more about the basics of rock painting, check out my comprehensiveRock Painting 101-Ultimate Guide.
Looking for more kids-friendly painting ideas?
This83 kids painting ideaspost has plenty ideas for your young budding artists.
Im going to turn it over to you now.
Your blank canvas awaits…What will you fill it with?
And until next time, stay nifty and creative!
Jasmine
If you liked this post,c’mon pin it!
Cherry Blossom Tree
Pink Sky with Clouds
Galaxy Sky Winter Hill
Sunset Cityscape
Lilac bush
Red Poppies Abstract Acrylic Painting for Beginners
Source
Winter Scene Painting with Winding Road
Mountain Scene
