Getting Started with Acrylic Painting: Beginners’ Guide and Tutorials

Acrylic painting is a versatile and exciting art form. No matter what your interests are—landscape, wildlife, portraits, or modern art—acrylics can take your creativity to the next level. This guide will help you start your journey as a beginner, highlighting some great resources and techniques to help you succeed.

YouTube and Online Tutorials

YouTube is a goldmine for beginners. The platform is packed with tutorials, from detailed step-by-step instructions to showcase videos. One of the best series is 'Learn to Paint,' which breaks down the entire painting process, from start to finish. Other excellent resources include Dick Blick, an art supplier, and the Masters Academy, both of which offer a variety of tutorials.

Surface and Preparation

The surface you paint on is critical. While canvas is a traditional choice, you can also paint on paper, wood, metal, or nearly any other surface. For beginners, pre-made primed canvas is a straightforward option, but for budget-friendly practice, you can paint on paper. Here's a technique for stretching paper:

Quickly wet the entire sheet of paper on both sides. Place it on a piece of plywood, smooth side down. Lay water-activated paper tape around the edges, securing the paper to the plywood. Thoroughly dry the top of the paper tape with paper towels to avoid curling. Position the paper and let it dry, ensuring it stays flat.

For better stability and smoothness, consider using polyester canvas. This type of canvas is stable, won't expand or contract, and can be stretched over strainer bars without sagging. Pre-coated acrylic gesso is a recommended primer, but it’s optional for beginners. Ensure you use high-quality gesso for best results.

Sketching and Drawing

Before you start painting, you might want to make a sketch to lay out your composition. Pencil or a light acrylic wash can be used. However, feel encouraged to start painting right away. You can always correct mistakes by repainting. Starting with a mark incites the creative process.

Getting the Paint Where You Want It

When it comes to acrylic paints, there are no hard and fast rules. Experiment and discover what works best for you. Here are some tips:

Start with the largest brush and only use smaller ones when necessary. Work from general to specific, from composition to detail. Thick 'heavy body' acrylics are popular and mimic oil paints, but soft body acrylics are easier to use and more intuitive for beginners.

Don't be afraid to try different additives and mediums, as these can significantly affect the paint's texture and application.

Conclusion

Patience and passion are key to mastering acrylic painting. Embrace the creative process, make mistakes, and learn from them. With practice and dedication, you'll develop a unique style and technique. Happy painting!