10 Acrylic Painting Tips for Beginners

As children, we were taught to express ourselves by dipping our hands in paint and unleashing our creativity on a blank canvas. As we got older, we refined our methods (for the most part) and channeled that same joy as before.

Roughly half of Americans are involved in artistic activities, with painting being among the most common. If you’re looking to release your inner child, acrylic painting is the way to go. 

But before you get started, there are some acrylic painting tips you should be aware of. Following these tips can help you feel at ease, so you’ll be able to focus on letting your imagination run wild.

Keep reading to learn all of the best painting tips and tricks.

1. Use High-Quality Paint

If you’re a beginner painter, it makes sense why you wouldn’t want to immediately buy the most expensive paint options. With that said, craft paint isn’t the way to go either. If you can afford it, look for professional brands within your price range.

Progressional grade paint contains more pigment which provides better coverage and makes it easier to blend. Even though we’re sure that you can create a masterpiece using any type of paint, do yourself the favor of choosing high-quality options.

2. Use Synthetic Brushes

Learning to use paintbrushes is one of the most important things you need to do as a novice painter. Once you learn about the different types of brushes and how to use them properly, you’ll be able to get a better understanding of how to create great art. 

There is an overwhelming amount of brush options and they don’t come with a manual that instructs you on how to use them. Luckily, understanding the basics is quite simple.

You’ll want to use synthetic brushes for acrylic paint since they work best with the components of acrylic paint. Select five options that you’ll need as a beginner, learn how to use them, and see what’s missing as you continue to progress.

3. Clean Your Brushes

Now that you’ve got all your tools, you’ll want to know how to maintain them so they last. Acrylic paint is pretty simple—make sure that you keep them at room temperature and that you close the caps tight so they don’t dry out.

Brushes need a little more love and attention, but nothing you can’t handle. 

Dried paint is almost impossible to get out of brushes, so you’ll want to use mild soap and water after each painting session. Once they’re clean, lay the brushes flat to prevent water from getting into the ferrule. 

As tempting as it is, you don’t want to leave your brushes sitting in water for extended periods of time. Water can cause the lacquer to peel on the handle and the wood to swell.

It may add some steps to your routine, but maintaining your tools will save you money in the long run.  

4. Take Notes 

One of the best ways to improve your skillset is to take some notes. Throughout your artistic life, you’ll be working with a variety of paint brands, canvas types, techniques, etc. Making note of what paint brand cracks, what the best brushes are and other details can help save you time and money in the long run.

It’s also important to take notes because you won’t be able to remember everything on your own. The accumulation of all of your paint experiments, materials, and techniques can help you grow as an artist and be more efficient. 

 

5. Work in Layers

Learning to layer acrylic paint can feel challenging at first. Acrylic paint tends to dry pretty fast, especially compared to other popular mediums like oil. This quick drying is a good thing when it comes to building up paint layers.

Layering paint is important because it helps add interest, depth, and realism to your work. 

Be sure that you wait for the layer to dry before you start painting on top of it. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a muddy mess.  

6. You Only Need a Dab

It’s easy to get overexcited and pour out a ton of paint on your palette before you get started. Common beginner mistake. There’s no need to waste all of your precious new material! Instead, start with little dabs of paint.

Although it may not seem like enough at first, you can continue to add small dollops as you need them. Otherwise, you may end up wasting paint that you spent good money on!

7. Mix Colors

As you continue to take your painting to the next level, you’ll want to broaden your color horizons. Spend the time learning how to mix your own colors and shades. Not only will this help you save money, but you’ll be able to learn a lot about color theory and how it can enhance your work.

8. Use Hairdryer for Quick Drying

Acrylic paint is known for how quickly it dries. Some artists love it, and others prefer other mediums because of it. Despite how quickly your paint is drying, it may not be quick enough..that’s when you bring out the hairdryer!

Hairdryers are a great way to speed up time, at least for your art piece, so you can get to layering as quickly as possible. 

9. Start With Basic Colors

You don’t need every color of the rainbow to start your artist journey. Any color can be made from the primary three: red, yellow, and blue.

Save those fancier colors for when you start reaching new heights in your artistic journey. 

10. Don’t Get Discouraged

The most important tip of all, drumroll please, is to not get discouraged! You’re likely to make a lot of mistakes, get frustrated, and not get the results you want.

All of that is normal for every artist, no matter what stage they’re in. Continue to practice and remember to always have fun with it!

Acrylic Painting Tips for Beginners

The first step in any new hobby or interest is getting excited and doing your research. There’s a lot to learn within the world of acrylic painting, but that’s half the fun! Whether you’re looking for a way to release stress, express yourself or bond with loved ones, you’re sure to enjoy all of the benefits that come with painting. 

Following these acrylic painting tips will remove many of your initial concerns. Now you’ll feel ready to get started. Pour out some paint, grab those brushes, and let your creativity fly!

If you’re looking to get the most out of your new painting lifestyle, look no further than Creatively! From our impressive products to our unique experiences, we’re here to help release your fears so you can focus on fun.