So you’ve decided you want to try your hand at painting. But where do you start? There are so many different kinds of paint, brushes, canvases, and techniques! It can be daunting, but don’t worry—we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started with painting in acrylics.
Acrylic paint is a synthetic polymer made of pigments suspended in an acrylic resin emulsion. Acrylics were first developed in the 1930s but didn’t gain popularity until the 1950s. They are prized for their versatility—acrylics can be used on everything from canvas to paper to wood—and for their fast-drying time. Acrylics also have the advantage of being water-soluble when wet, but once they dry, they are indistinguishable from oil-based paints.
Basic Supplies
-A set of brushes (a variety of sizes is ideal)
-A palette knife
-A selection of canvases or paper
-A container of water
-A small cup or jar for holding your brush while you’re working
-Acrylic paint
-Paper towels or rags
Optional supplies include:
-A tripod or other support for your canvas
-Tarps or old sheets to protect your workspace
-An easel
Preparing Your Space
Before you start painting, it’s important to prepare your workspace. You’ll want to choose a well-ventilated area—acrylic paint can release fumes as it dries, so it’s not advisable to paint indoors without proper ventilation. If possible, set up your workspace near an open window or door.
If you’re working on a tabletop, cover it with a tarp or old sheet to protect it from accidental spills. If you’re using an easel, make sure it’s positioned so that you won’t have to twist your body while you’re painting—this will save you from back pain later on! Lastly, gather all of your supplies and position them within easy reach.
Mixing Your Paint
One of the great things about acrylic paint is that it dries very quickly—usually within 10 minutes or less. Because of this, it’s important to mix only as much paint as you think you’ll need for each session. To mix your paint, start by pouring a small amount of each color onto your palette. Then, use your brush or palette knife to mix the colors together until you achieve the desired shade.
Getting Started
Now that your space is prepared and your paints are mixed, it’s time to start painting! Begin by sketching out the rough outline of your composition on your canvas or paper using a pencil or charcoal stick. Then, start filling in the details with paint.
If you make a mistake, don’t worry—acrylic paint can be easily corrected while it’s still wet by simply dabbing at the area with a rag or paper towel. Once the paint has dried completely, however, mistakes become much more difficult (if not impossible) to fix, so take care while you’re working!
Cleaning Up
When you’re finished painting for the day, it’s important to clean your brushes thoroughly using soap and water (or brush cleaner if you have it). This will prevent the paint from drying inside the bristles and ruining your brushes. Once they’re clean, lay them flat on a towel to air dry overnight—never leave them standing upright in a jar or cup!
To clean up your workspace, simply throw away any tarps or sheet protectors that you used and give your tabletop a good wipe down with a damp cloth. And that’s it—you’re done! Now all that’s left to do is admire your handiwork and plan your next masterpiece!
Click here for a guide on brushes
Click here for The Best Surfaces for Acrylic Painting
Click here for The 8 Best Subjects For Acrylic Painting
Click here for How to Turn Dollar Store Supplies into Wall-Worthy Art