What You Need to Know to Start Painting with Acrylics

Apr 30, 2023 | Art supplies | 0 comments

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Do you have a passion for art but don’t know where to start? Are you drawn to the vibrancy and durability of acrylic paints but feel overwhelmed by the thought of mastering its use?  

Understandable! Painting with acrylics has a set of unique characteristics when compared to other painting media, so it’s important to break it down and learn what works best with this multimedia.  

In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at all the basics every beginner artist needs to know before diving into their first project using acrylic paint

Introduction to Acrylic Paints 

Acrylic painting is a versatile and exciting art form that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their level of experience. Acrylic paints are water-based, which means they dry quickly and can be easily mixed with water to create a variety of textures and effects. 

One of the benefits of starting with acrylics is their accessibility – they are relatively inexpensive and easy to find at art supply stores. Additionally, they are cleared up easily with just soap and water, making them a great choice for beginners. 

Getting Started 

If you want to try your hand at acrylic painting, the first step is gathering the necessary materials. You’ll need acrylic paint, brushes, water and some sort of surface to paint on. Once you have your materials, finding the right workspace is crucial. 

Look for a well-lit and ventilated area that is free from distractions. If you’re using a canvas, make sure it’s clean and properly prepped before you begin. This might involve applying a layer of gesso or sanding the surface to create some texture. 

By setting up your workspace and preparing your materials properly, you’ll be on your way to creating beautiful acrylic paintings in no time. 

Basic Techniques 

As a beginner artist, it’s important to start with the basics. Learning the fundamental techniques will give you the foundation necessary to create any artwork. Brushwork, for instance, is a simple but essential skill that you should master. It’s about controlling the movement of your brush to achieve the desired effect on your canvas. 

Another important technique is blending and layering colors. This method creates depth and richness in your artwork to bring it to life. You can also play around with different mediums and additives to add texture and character to your piece. 

By mastering these techniques, you’ll be able to create stunning artwork that is truly unique. 

Choosing a Subject 

When it comes to choosing a subject for a painting, there are endless possibilities. Three classic options are still life, landscape, and portrait paintings. Still-life paintings typically showcase a collection of objects placed together, whereas landscape paintings capture the beauty of nature and the world around us. 

Portraits, on the other hand, focus on capturing the likeness of a person or animal. When choosing which of these subjects to paint, consider what speaks to you the most and what you are most comfortable creating. 

Don’t be afraid to try something new or challenge yourself, as each subject offers unique opportunities and challenges. With a little practice and exploration, you’ll find yourself creating beautiful works of art that capture the essence of your chosen subject. 

Starting with Acrylic Paints 

Acrylic painting is an exciting and rewarding art form that anyone can enjoy, regardless of experience level. With the right materials and workspace setup, you’ll quickly find yourself mastering basic techniques like brushwork and blending colors to create unique works of art. 

Whether you choose still life, landscape or portrait paintings as your subject matter – with some practice and exploration – you’ll soon have beautiful artwork that captures the essence of what inspires you. So don’t wait any longer: get started on your acrylic painting journey today by going to our online shop and grabbing all the basics you need!