Easy Acrylic Painting for Beginners

Acrylic paints, the versatile superstars of the art world, have captured the hearts of many artists far and wide. Whether you're brand new to painting or have been in the game for a while, acrylic paints offer a wide array of techniques and textures to all skill levels and even medium types. Thanks to its versatility, vibrant pigments, quick dry time, and buildable nature, acrylic paints have become the sweetheart of artists at every skill level. Join me in demystifying the allure of acrylic paints, uncovering the secret techniques of painting on a canvas surface, and exploring the various easy acrylic painting for beginners on canvas. 

What is Acrylic Painting?

Let's kick off our journey with a brushstroke of wisdom. Acrylic painting is a dynamic and expressive form of art that utilizes acrylic paint as its primary tool. Acrylic paint is a water-based paint known best for its fast dry time. This type of paint is also a much thicker consistency than other paints, making it extremely easy to manipulate with many different techniques that we will dive into later in this article. This advantage allows the artist to incorporate unique textures and intricate details into their paintings, depending on what their piece calls for (3). 

Choosing Acrylic Over Other Mediums

But aside from its quick dry time and thick consistency, acrylic paints are distinguished by an extraordinary range of vivid and intense colors. The exceptional brightness and vibrancy of acrylic paints can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, acrylic paints are known especially for their high pigment concentration. Pigments are finely ground color particles found in paint, and in the case of acrylics, these pigments are suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. Acrylic Polymer emulsion is a binding agent that has a translucent quality when dry. Thanks to this transparent binder, the pigment colors in acrylic paint maintain their brilliance even when fully dry. 

Additionally, acrylic paints dry especially fast, which also contributes to the overall intensity of the colors. Typically, acrylic paint can go from wet to dry on your canvas in anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes depending on how thick your layer of paint is. As the paint rapidly dries, the pigments stay close to the surface, preventing them from becoming mute or dulled during the drying process. This characteristic of acrylic gives it a particular advantage for layering and achieving dynamic color effects. 

Versatility is the name of the game, and artists can create textures and effects with acrylics that add depth and dimension to their works of art. 

Types of Acrylic Painting: Beginner to Advanced Techniques

Now, let's talk techniques. It's like choosing your artistic superpower. If you are a beginner, do not fear! We’ll start with the basics – the superhero origin story, if you will. As you continue to grow in your artistic practice, you will have the opportunity to explore more advanced techniques like impasto and washing, turning your artistic journey into an epic saga (2). 

Let’s start first with some beginner-level techniques

Color Blocking

Begin with the basics by exploring the technique of color blocking. This technique not only helps you understand color composition but also allows you to experiment with different color combinations. Start with a light sketch of something simple like a building, coffee mug, or piece of fruit. As you draw, be sure to keep the outlines simple and focus on defining the major areas that will be filled with different colors. Once your sketch is ready, start painting in each block of your piece with the corresponding colors you have chosen. Be sure that the colors neighbor each other and not to blend. 

Color blocking is a fantastic technique for beginners as it provides an opportunity to explore color theory, understand the impact of contrast, and develop a keen eye for composition. It's a versatile method that can be adapted to various styles and subjects, making it a valuable tool in the artist's repertoire.

Dry Brush Technique

The dry brush technique is a fan favorite and involves using a brush with minimal or no paint to create a textured and scratchy effect on the canvas. The first way to utilize this technique is to wet your paintbrush with a very small amount of paint, removing excess on a palette or paper towel. Lightly brush over the canvas, allowing the texture of the surface to catch the paint. This technique is excellent for adding texture to surfaces like tree bark or creating weathered effects.

The second way to utilize this technique is with blending. Once you have put paint down on your canvas and are ready to blend your colors, quickly grab a completely dry and clean paintbrush. Remember, acrylic dries fast, so you will want to start blending before the paint starts to dry. Use your dry brush to blend the wet paint on the canvas, creating a textured blurred effect between the colors. 

Gradient Wash

Master the art of blending colors seamlessly with the gradient wash technique. Begin with two or more colors, preferably shades that transition smoothly together. Apply one color to a section of the canvas, then quickly blend into the next color while both are still wet. This technique is very similar to the dry brush technique, however, this technique creates more of a seamless blend whereas dry brushing creates a more textured blend. Gradient wash is perfect for creating smooth transitions in skies, water, or other gradient-heavy scenes.

Splatter Painting

Unleash your inner child with the messy and exhilarating splatter painting technique. Dilute acrylic paint with water until it reaches a liquid consistency. Load a brush or toothbrush with the thinned paint and flick it onto the canvas by running your fingers or another brush over the bristles. Experiment with different colors and levels of dilution for a playful and dynamic effect.

Masking Tape Abstracts

Similar to color blocking, you can create clean and defined geometric shapes with the help of masking tape. Apply strips of masking tape onto the canvas in various patterns or shapes, wherever your creativity leads you. Paint over the entire canvas, using various colors as desired, covering even the tape. Once the paint is dry, carefully peel off the tape to reveal the untouched areas. This technique allows for sharp lines and bold contrasts, making it ideal for abstract compositions.

Remember, the key to mastering these techniques is practice and experimentation. Feel free to combine them, tweak them, and make them your own. As you gain confidence, you can gradually progress to more advanced acrylic painting techniques. Speaking of which, let’s dive into more advanced level acrylic painting techniques. 

Advanced Acrylic Painting Techniques

Impasto Technique 

The Impasto technique is interesting because it allows the artist to play with a lot of texture in their work. Impasto involves applying thick layers of paint, usually with a brush or palette knife, to create a textured, three-dimensional effect on the canvas.

Sgraffito Technique

Sgraffito is a technique used by painters where the artist will etch or scratch into the top layer of paint to expose the layers beneath. This is a highly advanced technique that requires a great deal of precision and vision of the depth you are trying to add to your painting. Sgraffito technique most often requires a strong metal palette knife and a few layers of paint must have already been already applied first. 

Washing Technique 

Lastly, is the washing technique. Washing is similar to Sgraffito, but instead of etching into the top layer of paint, washing instead involves thinning down the top layer of acrylic paint to slightly expose the layers underneath, creating a translucent look. This technique is great for creating subtle gradients in color and atmospheric effects - especially clouds! Washing is unique in that it is a great tool for beginners, but can become quickly complex when working with careful details. 

What to Look for When Choosing an Acrylic Painting Idea as a Beginner

Navigating the sea of acrylic painting ideas can be as tricky as finding your keys in a bottomless purse. Fear not, my dear artist! Let me be your artistic compass, guiding you to ideas that match your skill level, preferences, and artistic vision. Think of me like a personalized GPS for your creative endeavors.

Simple, Straightforward Color Palette for Beginners

Less is more, especially when you're starting. Dive into the rainbow, but maybe stick to the shallow end for now. A simple color palette means less stress and more room for creative play. If you are a beginner level, consider purchasing only the colors you need for your painting. Acrylics will keep for years and years if stored correctly and can be used for future projects - not to mention save you the headache of color mixing! 

If you are, however, more of an advanced artist looking to take it to the next level, consider only purchasing five colors - red, yellow, blue, white, and black. With these colors, you can mix to any shade of any color you want. But more on color theory later! 

What Do I Need? Acrylic Painting Essentials

Before you unleash your inner Picasso, let's talk essentials. From paint and brushes to canvases and water cups – it's like gearing up for an artistic heist, only legal and far more rewarding. We've got your checklist, so you can focus on crafting your masterpiece without the distraction of a missing paint tube. 

Acrylic Painting Essential Checklist:

• Acrylic paints in the colors of your painting. Be sure to include black and white paint in case you want to lighten or darken any of the colors you already have. 

• Canvas or acrylic paper 

• Paint brushes. Try and have 3-5 different shapes and sizes to give yourself some options 

• Water jar. Be sure it is a jar you can use for craft paint only. 

• Paper towel or old rag to dry your brushes off 

• Some beginners may consider covering their floors or table tops with an old sheet to avoid accidental paint splatters. 

Don't Take It Too Seriously: Embrace Mistakes and Abstract Art

Remember this – the Mona Lisa wasn't painted in a day. Embrace the quirks, the oops moments, and the abstract beauty of your art. Making mistakes is the only way we can learn and improve (1). And just so you know, even the masters dabbled in abstract – it's like a secret handshake in the art world.

10 Simple Painting Ideas for Beginners:

Below are some acrylic painting ideas on canvas - great for beginners! Each idea comes with a side of witty commentary and a dash of humor – because who said art can't be entertaining?

1) Vibrant Sunset Silhouette

Watch as the sun kisses the canvas in hues of orange and pink. A silhouette masterpiece that'll make you feel like you've captured magic in a bottle.

2) Whimsical Tree Line

Channel your inner arborist with a playful tree line that dances across your canvas. 

3) Abstract Ocean Waves

Ride the acrylic waves with a splash of blue and a swirl of white. It's like a beach vacation for your canvas.

4) Colorful Geometric Shapes

Squares, circles, triangles – oh my! Dive into the world of geometry and let your canvas become a vibrant kaleidoscope.

5) Serene Mountain Landscape

Paint yourself into the tranquility of mountains. Channel your inner Bob Ross. Happy little clouds, anyone?

6) Silhouette of a City Skyline

Bring the city lights to life with a skyline silhouette. It's like having your own mini metropolis on canvas.

7) Dreamy Abstract Flowers

Who needs a garden when you can create a floral masterpiece? Paint your own paradise with dreamy acrylic blooms.

8) Beloved Animal Silhouettes

Capture the essence of your favorite fuzzies with a playful silhouette painting.

9) Cosmic Galaxy Exploration

Take a trip to the stars with a cosmic masterpiece. It's like painting the universe, one swirl at a time.

10) Textured Abstract Gradient

Use any color that catches your eye, load up your paint brush with paint, and take it to the canvas in thick brush strokes, and slowly take your chosen color from light to dark for an excellent gradient wash.

Final Thoughts

In the grand finale of our acrylic escapade, you've donned the beret, grabbed the paintbrush, and dove head first into a world where creativity knows no bounds. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a seasoned visionary, let acrylic painting be the carnival of color waiting for your unique touch. So, my fellow art adventurer, go forth, paint boldly, and may your canvas be a reflection of the brilliance within you. Happy painting!