Acrylic Painting Tips and Techniques – Beginner to Advanced Painters
| June 10, 2011 | Posted by Jacob Devies under Acrylic Painting |
Acrylic or polymer paints are the most important innovation in artistic materials since Jan van Eyck invented oil paints. Attributes such as their quick-drying and non-toxic properties have made acrylic paints the preferred medium, replacing oil paints in many studios. Acrylic paints are made of emulsions of pigments, water, and clear, non-yellowing resins – they dry quickly, without changing color, and do not harden with time.
Developed in the mid-twentieth century, our knowledge of their ultimate value in fine arts painting is somewhat limited because we don’t have the conclusive evidence regarding permanence which can only be documented over time. However, after five decades of use, they have lived up to their technical expectations and no technical faults have developed in works created with acrylics. Restoration efforts, however, in the coming centuries may be difficult because an effective way of varnishing acrylics paintings with a removable clear film has yet to be developed.
Acrylic paints are the chameleons – straight from the tube, acrylics can look like oils; thinned with water, they are used like traditional watercolors. Painting in the twentieth century and into this new millennium consist of a wide variety of schools and techniques from experimental to traditional – making acrylics a versatile paint for multiple uses.
Improve Your Acrylic Painting with Terry Harrison
Special Effects with Acrylic Paints
Tube Color: When thinned with water, paint will dry to a semi-gloss finish, depending on the amount of thinning and the absorbency of the ground. For uniformity of the finish, use a medium for mixing instead – available in matte or gloss finishes. For special effects imitating the effect of oil colors, such a the impasto technique, the use of gel medium is recommended.
Watercolor: Thin paint with water and use watercolor painting techniques such as wet-on-wet. A close approximation of watercolor but acrylics cannot match the brilliance of watercolor pigments.
Gouache & Casein: Closely matched by using straight tube colors.
Tempera: Use diluted colors on panels primed with real gesso.
Painting with Acrylics
Arnold Lowrey presents a lively, inspirational introduction to acrylics which illustrates the versatility and beauty of this wonderful medium. Acrylic paint is easy to use, it dries quickly and many different effects can be created from washes and glazes to exciting textural finishes. It is an ideal medium for anyone starting to paint, but it also offers challenges to the more experienced artist because of its quick drying properties and versatility. Watercolor and oil painting techniques can be used, either on their own, or combined to create paintings full of depth, mood and atmosphere, and there is the added benefit that the paints are water-soluble.
Using over 100 step-by-step photographs in a sequence of simple demonstrations, Arnold shows how to paint landscapes, seascapes and buildings, and he also illustrates how to change daylight into night and sunlight into mist using transparent glazing effects. With his help you can create sparkling pictures full of life, atmosphere and depth.
Health Hazards
Although one of the safest of painting media, acrylic and polymer paints should always be used in well-ventilated areas. Acrylic paints dry through the evaporation of water which carries some of the polymers with it. Ever noticed that peculiar odor that acrylic paints omit while they’re drying? That’s polymer that has evaporated into the air with the water – work in well-ventilated areas only.
Overthinning Acrylics
Overthinning is a term that many painters associate with oils but it’s also possible to overthin your acrylic paints by using too much water.
The water thins the acrylic color by diluting the acrylic binder but if too much water is used there will be insufficient binder remaining to bind the pigment. You know that you’ve use to much water if specks of pigment appear to be “floating” in your diluted paint. The paint will coat unevenly, lack a vibrant color, and its dull finish will be susceptible to scuffing and damage when dry.
The solution is simple – use acrylic medium, available in matte, gloss, and specialty types, when mixing your acrylic paints. Medium is specially designed to dilute the pigment but ensure that the pigment and binder are held together.
Keeping Watercolors and Acrylics Moist While Painting
- Place a dampened paper towel over your palette and use this area for undiluted paints, straight from the tube or jar.
- Re-moisten the paper towel and you paints with a mist of water.
- Taking a break? Place a dampened paper towel over your palette.
Priming Canvas
Canvas is a support or painting ground for oil and acrylic painting made of flax or cotton. Linen is the favored type of canvas – made from flax it is strong and durable, Cotton duck, while less expensive, is more absorbent and less receptive to size such as gesso. The canvas is stretched on a stretcher bar frame and primed with sizing or gesso in preparation of painting.
Beginner painters often question whether it is necessary to prime canvas before painting. If you paint directly on it with oil paint, the oil will eventually destroy the fibers of the fabric and the painting will deteriorate. When you prepare the canvas with hide glue or gesso the fabric is insulated from the paint. Additionally, the whiteness of the canvas means that it will reflect as much light as possible. By applying several layers of gesso, and sanding between applications, will produce a smooth surface for detailed or high-realism work.
Brush Techniques for Acrylic Painting
Learn how to use brush stroke techniques to paint with acrylics in this video art lesson.
Choosing Acrylic Brushes
The most important factor in brush selection for acrylic painting is what type of painting you plan to do:
- Sable: Use for watercolor techniques or any work with thin, diluted paint.
- Hog Hair: Use for “oil techniques” when you’ll be using thicker paint and want your brushstrokes to be apparent.
- Synthetics: These are the most popular types of brushes for acrylic painting – mainly because they are less expensive than natural-hair brushes. Buy an assortment of styles and sizes.
Brush Care
Try some of these simple tips to prolong the life of your brushes.
White Paint Brushes
Mark one good brush (e.g., with white tape) for use with white paint only. You will always have clean, white strokes. Never use this brush for any other color.
Washing Brushes Used for Acrylic Painting
Dip brush in alcohol after removing any excess paint with a rag. Dip and swish around in mild soap and water. Dip for a few minutes into white vinegar. Wash thoroughly in water. Shape with fingers when wet-dry and store upright in a glass or similar container.
Drying Brushes Quickly
Clean, dry brushes are needed for a number of techniques such as color blending, glazing and other wet-painting techniques. This quick drying tip works regardless of the medium you’re using.
Clean the color out of the brush with several rinsings in turpentine or mineral spirits – or water if you’re using a watermedia.
Dip brush into a container of acetone, rinse well and wipe with a cloth. Acetone removes all traces of turps and dries almost instantly. Caution should be taken when using acetone in your studio – the vapors are highly flammable.
This tip will give you a relatively clean and, more importantly, a dry brush so that you can continue painting. It does not substitute for a thorough cleaning. Wash your brushes thoroughly after your painting session.
Acrylic Secrets: 300 Tips and Techniques for Painting the Easy Way
Aimed at all painters, from beginners to the more experienced, this book is packed with expert advice on all aspects of acrylic painting. Discover how to set up a studio space and use household materials to save money. Beginners can follow processes step-by-step, while more experienced artists can dip in and out for help with specific problems. “Try it” and “fix it” panels placed throughout the book suggest ways of practicing and developing new skills, and avoiding or correcting common painting errors. Includes ten projects designed to help readers practice the skills they’ve learned.
Learn how to:
- Achieve clarity, contrast, and depth by determining color characteristics
- Create subtle and dramatic effects by mixing acrylics with various media and additives
- Pick the right paints, brushes, and equipment to suit your project
- Shop for cheap alternative products that still perform at high quality
- Choose a proper subject and make that subject look their best
Using Polymer Mediums & Acrylics
Two types of polymer mediums are available: regular and matte. The regular or gloss type is identical to the vehicle used in acrylic colors. It is added to the color to maintain strength and uniform gloss when the paint is thinned with water.
The matte type is used to produce a duller finish and is best used as a final protective coating when a reduced gloss effect is desired. Mixing your paint with the matte type and using for underpainting can result in spotty areas on the surface of your painting. This spottiness cannot be evened out by either a gloss or matte medium overpainting.
Storing Leftover Paint
If you have a quantity of paint on your palette after a painting session, you’re probably reluctant to trash any remaining paint – art materials are just too expensive. This quick and simple remedy is also great if you’re afraid of matching a color you’ve mixed in your next session.
- Cover the palette with plastic wrap and in the freezer. Watercolors, acrylics, and oils will keep indefinitely.
- Simply thaw for about 1/2 hour to an hour before your next painting session.
Preventing Mold in Paint Jars
Prevent mold from forming in jars of watercolor and acrylic paints by:
- Mold is caused by bacteria activity – the most common cause is pouring unused paint back into the jar.
- The culprit is bacteria in the water you’ve used. Switch to distilled water or boil tap water before use to kill bacteria.
- A few drops of denatured alcohol added to the to the paint jar will help prevent bacterial activity.
- Jars should be tightly sealed when not in use.
Acrylic Landscape Painting: Tools & Techniques with Hugh Greer
Editorial Review
Get a great start in acrylic landscape painting with award winning artist Hugh Greer. The beginning level acrylic painting lessons in instructional video, Acrylic Landscape Painting: Tools and Techniques, will get you excited to take your acrylic painting to the next level! Learn Hugh Greer’s acrylic painting style and the techniques and tools he uses in his landscape painting.
Hugh Greer demonstrates the flexibility of acrylics as both an opaque and a transparent medium. He covers a variety of tools, presents a versatile money-saving limited palette, simple color mixing tips, creating lively blacks and demonstrates several basic landscape images that will get you off to an enthusiastic start. This is the first of three acrylic painting videos with Hugh Greer. Also see the intermediate level acrylic painting DVD, Landscape Studies in Acrylic, and the advanced acrylic painting video Create Mood & Atmosphere with Color & Value. Hugh Greer’s book, Acrylic Landscape Painting Techniques is an excellent companion to the videos.
Acrylic Painting Tip: The No-Risk Method for Testing Your Ideas Mid-Painting
In this video, Hugh Greer demonstrates a simple way to test out new ideas mid-painting, without the risk of ruining what you’ve painted so far. And guess what – all it takes is a clear piece of plastic Mylar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I mix oil paint and acrylic paint together?
A. No.
Q. Can I paint oil paints over acrylic paints?
A. Yes, but not the other way round.
Q. What can I do if I forget to wash my brushes after use and they get hard?
A. It may be possible to clean hardened brushes using a brush cleaner but this can damage your brushes. So make it a habit to wash them with soap and water when you finish.
Q. Can I use a palette knife with acrylic paints?
A. Yes, in the same way as with oil paints.
Q. Can I mix one brand of acrylic paints paints with another?
A. Yes, but it is better to stick to one brand as shades can differ between brands.
Q. Is it possible to slow the drying process ?
A. Yes, there is an acrylic retarder you can purchase which will slow down the drying process.
Q. Can I use acrylic paints as watercolors?
A. Yes, just use extra water in the same way as you would when mixing watercolors.
Q. When dry, can acrylic paint be removed?
A. The quick answer is no, but you can paint over it
Q. What can I paint acrylic paint on?
A. This is where acrylic paint shines! You can use stretched canvas, canvas boards, paper, copper, glass, leather, parchment, marble and slate. Just about any surface that is grease and dust free.
Acrylic Painting Books
Acrylic Paint School: A Practical Guide to Painting with Acrylic by Hazel Harrison
A step-by-step introduction to painting with acrylic, Acrylic School is a complete at-home course. 300 color photos.
Acrylic Painter’s Book of Styles & Techniques by Rachel R. Ward
The works and techniques of seven master artists show the different methods for using acrylics to portray everything from still lifes to outdoor scenes to expressive abstracts.
Acrylic Painting Techniques: How to Master the Medium of Our Age by Stephen Quiller
Explores the full range of what painters can achieve with these durable, inexpensive, easy-to-use, fast-drying paints. Advice on the most up-to-date materials, various paints and mediums, brushes, palettes, and painting surfaces.
Acrylics, Learn to Paint Series by Parramon’s Editorial Team
Instructions on tools, color mixing, and the many different techniques to achieve both stylized and realistic effects with acrylics with specific examples of finished work including a seascape, a landscape, and a nude.
Creative Acrylic Painting Techniques, Creative Techniques Series by Eaglemoss Editors
Step-by-step instructions which illustrate basic and advanced techniques of acrylic painting. Additional tips and techniques are demonstrated in the paintings of various artists.
Introduction to Acrylics by Dorling Kindersley Staff
Fundamental techniques are shown through twelve projects that explore the methods of the great masters. Each painting is broken down in step-by-step color photos that show every stage of its creation.
Painting Acrylics, First Steps Series by Vicki Lord
Introduces acrylics with simple and effective features, like “Composition Dos and Don’ts.”
How to Paint with Acrylic Paint: Sunset Painting Tips
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hello i really enjoyed your hints,having tried watercolours i will have a go at acrylics, the informal nature of the information was nice thanks again
I have just started painting, and i was told acrylics was the easiest for a beginner. I found your article really helpful, as i had not yet discovered what all the equipment was for! I hope to get some lessons, and your article helps me a lot.
Good article, the only things I can think to add that I don’t think you mentioned here, (probably because they’re mostly obvious or covered somewhere else) are: Soft brushes work best with acrylics, better at holding water and are excellent on hard smooth surfaces. Stiff bristle brushes ore OK to but should really only be used on soft and or textured surfaces.
Another trick: Retarder medium is a great way to make your paint on your palette last longer. It can also be used like water on dry water colours, to moisten newly dry paint on your image and work back into it.
Another good use for it I have found: I often mix a colour and store it for later use, adding a dash of Retarder medium ensures that it’ll keep for a couple of years if the container is airtight.
Transparent properties: Many beginners and oil paint users hate the transparent properties of acrylics (mistakes and changes show underneath). The simplest way around that is to paint over any mistakes or changes with white paint, then fix it. Finally, detergent is also useful as a paint extender, (it’s part of the paint) it doesn’t dilute the pigment or wreck the paint substance as much as water can. To get your brushes in tip top shape wash them in warm water with shampoo and then conditioner.
I wish you would have put in some comments about painting using the texture techniques of alla prima dry brush as well as pointillism.
This is a great article, concise and full of great tips! I never even thought of the overthinning one.
I think this tip might be a good one to include (I didn’t see it, so sorry if you mentioned it): When you don’t need to use a brush, stick it in it’s canister with the bristles sticking UP UP UP (after cleaning it well, of course). I don’t know why this is such a hard concept for so many people. If you smush the bristles at the bottom of a jar or can, they stick that way and after a while, it’s ruined.
I’m an artist that works in a whole bunch of mediums, including acrylics. If you’re having problems with the drying properties of acrylics (on the painting surface), Liquitex makes a retarding medium which extends the drying time at least 50%. Texturing gels and mediums also help, but the retarder works the best. As for colors drying on your palette, simply spray your paints with a water bottle. If you find you’re spraying often, try working in a room that’s more humid, or cut your water with some gloss medium to prevent breaking down the pigment/binder ratio in the paint.
I’d also like to add that using black out of the tube isn’t always the worst option for darker tones. If I have two mixed blacks adjacent to one another that just aren’t pulling away from one another enough (despite the differences in hue), a little wash of pure black (ivory for warm hues, Payne’s grey phalo for cool hues)around the edges really does wonders. It all depends upon what you feel the painting needs.
Sorry for the lengthy note – hope it helps some of you!
Actually, i found this didn’t help with the biggest question: how does a non-painter become a painter? it addresses some of the larger problems – the ones to know about before you start – but nothing to assuage the frustrations of having your first ten paintings look like muddled globs because there’s no actual idea of how to get the image in your head out onto the canvas. I’m not looking for happy trees here, just some idea of how to make a leaf look like a leaf, and how to keep it from looking like a rock. Not a lot of help, but i appreciate the effort and the scope of what you tried to confer.
I am a watercolor artist that now wants to learn to paint in acrylic. I am losing some of the fear and am anxious to get started.
great article! i think it should prove itself very useful! i do have a word of advice for beginners, however. (and i am speaking from experience here) if you want to learn how to paint, and have the resources to employ an instructor, take from as many different instructors as you can so that you can learn about several different styles of painting and develop your own.
I really like this site too, there are not too many sites that actually show how techniques work. I have paintde with acrylics for many years and have actually printed some of my works in the form of Madi Gras posters (I am from New Orleans, Louisiana). For me acrylic paintings do come “back to life” with color with the addition of a final varnish.I have always used Gloss Medium as a fina varnish with great results.You must use 2 parts gloss medium and 1 part water. Always use a big brush and go SLOWly from top to bottom. If you mis a spot wait for it to dry and apply next coat, always going slow to avoid bubbles and streaks that could be permanent! Do not keep brushing too much either it may cloud your varnish. You will see the rich tones of the wet paint colors again AND you will protect you work. Good luck to all. I am in the process of painting a new design for a jazz poster. Wish me luck!!! and keep painting! It’s good for you.
I found this info very helpful and motivating. I have been working on a large piece of canvas (5′x5′) and have started over at least 10 times. I should have stock in gesso! The information on blending by mixing up a lot of paint in 4 or 5 shades was very useful. I would love more information regarding paint strokes. Thanks for helping me not to feel like a failure each time I start over… now, I realize its just another learning adventure.
I’m a professional artist who’s used acrylics exclusively for years (but I’m always looking to learn more, that’s why I read your very good article). Two points that are missed though, are
1) acrylics tend to dry darker and duller than they appear wet, causing some frustrations with my students when they’re first starting with them. The solution is to color correct on the canvas by paint just a touch lighter and brighter and sealing the canvas later with a clear coat (I like a gloss myself).
2) Also acrylic works very well with techniques that use scraping and lifting work. Try using a complementary color (or more) under the color the object will eventually be and lifting and scraping up layers of paint.
I gave up painting after suffering a couple of strokes. I liked working with oils for their versatility but I am no longer able to do the cleaning up afterward. I found watercolour fussy and was unable to express myself, although the fault is entirely mine. Your inspirational article has given me renewed hope and I have today purchased a small starter set of Daler-Rowney system 3 acrylics and some Cryla brushes, also a Rowney stay wet palette. It’s nice to know I can use my old palette knives again!
Hi. I can’t wait to print this out and study it more carefully. I do have a request though. Could you talk about varnishes? My acrylics dry darker than what I mix them and go flat after it is all dry. If I wet a spot with water they come alive again and have that glow that I am going for. I have yet to find a varnish that, once dry, gives the wet look. Am I not applying the right amount of coats? What do you use? Thanks
When painting with acrylics, another really useful item is a spray bottle filled with water. Because acrylics dry so fast, my palette always started to dry into a crusty mess in the middle of painting. You can just use this bottle and spray the entire palette with a bit of water to keep it from getting crusty. It might dilute the colors a little, but it’ll help you quite a bit if you’re working on a budget.
I am currently working on a speech about acrylic painting. I paint myself but haven’t done so for a couple years now. I was looking for techniques that I could discuss to my class and your site was very helpful! I definately want to express thanks for making such a basic how to site that helps everyone in all stages of painting! Way to go!
This article was extremely informative for me. I have been using acrylics on wood for some time but needed to find some new techniques. Thanks again
i have been painting with acrylic paints for a while now this page gave me alot of new ideas and tips for the future. thanks.