Acrylic paint is highly popular among DIY enthusiasts that want to decorate their homes with something actually created by them. You get the paint, have the working surface ready and you want to start playing. This is where the fun begins but also when the difficulties can appear. Acrylic paint for beginners can easily become overwhelming. However, there are always things that you can do to get better results. Learning about proper acrylic painting technique is a great start.
One of the best parts of using acrylic paint is that it will look different based on how it is applied. Experiment with the following to get the exact appearance you are looking for.
Dry Brushes
Take paint right out of your tube and then apply it with dry brushes. This creates a very strong color stroke. Lines are not going to be even because there is no water that would soften edges. However, this will offer a really powerful effect that is clearly purposeful.
Acrylic Paint Washing
When watering enough, acrylic paint becomes similar to watercolor. Diluted paint could be utilized to apply some great-looking translucent washes to various surfaces. The difference is that acrylic paint will permanently set, as opposed to watercolor. Mix dry and was brush techniques and the texture that appears is much more than anticipated.
Splattering
This is a really fun way to paint. You get a wet brush and you can splatter or flick paint onto your working surface. The result is a splatter effect that is uneven. When you want to create abstract landscapes or starry nights, splattering is wonderful. It is even pretty great to just add texture to your chosen surface.
Palette Knives
When a painting contractor uses palette knives to apply acrylic paint he instantly makes everything look painterly. The technique is really similar to what you do when you apply some frosting to a cake so it is not at all difficult, even for complete beginners. Just take a palette knife and scrape up some paint. Then, apply it to the surface and you will quickly see how easy it is.
Dabbing
This is similar to sponge painting but you add some artistic extra to it. Take a sponge and use its corner part for this technique. Alternatively, you can use a small paper towel. The painting technique adds color accents so you end up with texture you will not be able to replicate if you use some other type of applicator.
Stippling
Stippling is really common in drawing and can be applied when painting. Simply add tiny dots masses in order to create textures or shapes with some subtle color variations.
Detailing
If you want to use acrylic paint to get some realistic, sharp details, take a fine, small brush and use it to paint in such details. You can find various different tutorials about how to do this on YouTube. Just find one that you like. Do try to experiment a little first so you know exactly what you want before you work on the main surface though as some practice is necessary.
Underpainting
With this painting technique you start by using some paint to create an image sketch. Choose colors that contrast with what you are interested in having at the end of the project. After, paint over underpainting. Using opaque acrylic paint helps you to cover absolutely all paint that you used before. Alternatively, you can let some parts shine in order to get a nice dimensional effect. Underpainting is really good for those that have painting experience.
Glazing
When you want the surface to shine, move towards matte medium. Mix medium right over acrylic paint and you get brand new properties. As a result, paint gets depth. Paintings end up more complex and attractive.
Acrylic Paint Layering
This is as simple as you think it is. Paint is simply applied every single layer at one time. You work from the bottom layer and go up. Start with big color blocks, normally using washing, then add refinement through the extra layers that you add. This is a painting technique that is really easy to use with acrylic paint.
Paint With Color Blocks
If you are a beginner, this is a great acrylic painting technique to take advantage of. Trace the image and then separate every single tone or color into unique shapes. After, paint in those shapes. It is not at all difficult to paint with this technique when you go for monochromatic palettes but it is also great when dealing with many colors at the same time.
Mixing Acrylic Colors
This is quite easy to do. All you have to do is combine the colors and just swirl them up. At start, it will be a little difficult but after mastering the technique, many extra creative methods can be considered, including these 2 really great ones:
- Partial Color Mixes
You do not have to fully mix colors. Only add a brief mix of them to the palette knife. Partially mixed colors can then be used to paint. The result is fascinating as paint is applied, with complete uniqueness offered by how much you actually mix.
- Color Families
Crate tone or color families so you add them to the painting you want to create. This will create some subtle variances that are unique based on what you decide. You can opt for some slight skin tone varieties or add some varying pink shades. Tone families that are pre-mixed before painting is recommended to streamline everything.
Mix And Match
The acrylic painting techniques are wonderful for beginners but you do want to eventually get more and more experienced. The techniques are great to start but you should not limit yourself. Combine the techniques and then explore brand new methods that are for those that are more advanced. Eventually, you will come up with a combination that is unique to you and perfectly showcases your personality.