27 Easy Acrylic Painting Ideas for Beginners: Tips, Techniques, and Best Practices
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 12 min read

Contents

1. Basic Materials for Acrylic Painting

2. Acrylic Painting Techniques for Beginners

3. Color Mixing Basics

4. Easy Acrylic Painting Ideas for Beginners

5. Troubleshooting Common Acrylic Painting Issues

6. Finding Inspiration for Your Acrylic Paintings

7. Building Connections in the Art Community

Embarking on a new creative journey with acrylic paints is an exciting adventure. With the right tools and techniques, you'll be able to create beautiful, easy acrylic painting ideas. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about the basic materials, techniques, and best practices for beginners. Let's dive in!

1. Basic Materials for Acrylic Painting

Before you can start experimenting with easy acrylic painting ideas, you'll need to gather a few essential materials. Here's a quick overview of the basics you'll need to get started:

Choosing the Right Paint Brands

When it comes to acrylic paints, you'll find a wide range of brands and quality levels. To get the best results, consider the following:

  • Student-grade paints: These are more affordable and perfect for beginners, but may have lower pigmentation and consistency.
  • Artist-grade paints: These offer higher pigmentation and better consistency, but can be more expensive. You might want to upgrade to these once you're more comfortable with the medium.
  • Popular brands: Some well-known and reputable paint brands include Liquitex, Golden, and Winsor & Newton.

Selecting Brushes for Acrylic Painting

Having the right brushes can make a big difference in your acrylic painting experience. Here are a few tips to help you choose:

  • Brush types: Synthetic brushes like nylon or taklon are great for acrylics, as they're more durable and easier to clean than natural hair brushes.
  • Brush sizes: A variety of brush sizes will allow you to create different effects and details in your paintings. Start with a few basic sizes, such as small round brushes for details and larger flat brushes for broad strokes.

Canvas or Paper: Which is Best?

Deciding whether to paint on canvas or paper depends on your personal preference and budget. Here are some pros and cons of each:

  • Canvas: Canvases offer a sturdy, textured surface that's ideal for acrylic painting. Pre-stretched and primed canvases are readily available, making them a convenient option.
  • Paper: Acrylic paper is a more affordable option, but it may not be as durable as canvas. Make sure to choose heavy-weight paper that's designed specifically for acrylics to avoid buckling or warping.

Now that you've gathered your basic materials, you're ready to explore easy acrylic painting ideas and techniques!

2. Acrylic Painting Techniques for Beginners

As a beginner exploring easy acrylic painting ideas, it's important to familiarize yourself with various techniques that can enhance your artwork. Here are four essential techniques to help you get started:

Wet-on-Wet Technique

The wet-on-wet technique involves applying wet paint onto an already wet surface. This method allows the colors to blend smoothly, creating soft transitions and interesting effects. To try this technique:

  1. Apply a base layer of paint to your canvas.
  2. While the base layer is still wet, add another color on top and gently mix the colors together with your brush.
  3. Experiment with different color combinations and brushstrokes to see what effects you can create.

Dry Brush Technique

Using a dry brush technique can add texture and dimension to your acrylic paintings. To achieve this effect:

  1. Remove most of the paint from your brush by wiping it on a paper towel or scraping it against the edge of your palette.
  2. Lightly drag the brush across the surface of your canvas, allowing the paint to catch on the raised texture of the canvas.
  3. Experiment with different brush sizes and angles to create a variety of textures and effects.

Glazing: Building Layers

Glazing involves building up thin layers of transparent paint, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next one. This technique can create depth and luminosity in your acrylic paintings. To try glazing:

  1. Mix a small amount of paint with a glazing medium (or water) to create a transparent layer.
  2. Apply the thinned paint to your canvas using smooth, even strokes.
  3. Allow the layer to dry completely before adding another layer on top.
  4. Continue building up layers until you achieve the desired effect.

Palette Knife Technique

Using a palette knife can add an interesting, painterly quality to your acrylic paintings. Palette knives can create bold strokes, thick textures, and unique effects. To use a palette knife:

  1. Load the edge of the palette knife with paint by dipping it into your paint or scraping it across your palette.
  2. Apply the paint to your canvas using various angles and pressures to create different textures and effects.
  3. Experiment with different palette knife shapes and sizes to achieve a variety of results.

By mastering these basic techniques, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning and easy acrylic painting ideas!

3. Color Mixing Basics

Understanding color mixing is a crucial skill for anyone exploring easy acrylic painting ideas. By learning the basics of color theory, you can create a wide range of hues and shades to elevate your artwork. Let's dive into the world of color mixing:

Understanding the Color Wheel

The color wheel is a visual representation of the relationships between primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. It's an essential tool for understanding how colors relate to one another and how they can be mixed to create new hues. Here are the basics:

  • Primary colors: red, blue, and yellow. These colors cannot be created by mixing other colors together.
  • Secondary colors: green, orange, and purple. These are created by mixing equal parts of two primary colors.
  • Tertiary colors: These are created by mixing equal parts of a primary color and a secondary color, resulting in colors such as yellow-orange, blue-green, and red-purple.

By understanding the color wheel, you can create countless color combinations for your acrylic paintings.

Creating Shades and Tints

Shades and tints are variations of a color, created by adding black or white to the base hue. To create shades and tints:

  1. Shades: Mix a small amount of black paint with your chosen color to create a darker version of the hue.
  2. Tints: Mix a small amount of white paint with your chosen color to create a lighter version of the hue.

Experiment with different amounts of black and white paint to create a wide range of shades and tints for your easy acrylic painting ideas.

Harmonious Color Combinations

Creating harmonious color combinations can make your acrylic paintings more visually appealing. Here are some popular color schemes to consider:

  • Complementary colors: Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, such as blue and orange or red and green. These combinations create contrast and can make your paintings more vibrant.
  • Analogous colors: Colors that are next to each other on the color wheel, such as red, orange, and yellow or blue, green, and purple. These combinations create a sense of harmony and unity in your artwork.
  • Triadic colors: Three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel, such as red, yellow, and blue or orange, green, and purple. Triadic color schemes can create a balanced and dynamic appearance in your paintings.

By experimenting with these color schemes and mixing techniques, you'll be well-equipped to create beautiful and easy acrylic painting ideas that showcase your unique style.

4. Easy Acrylic Painting Ideas for Beginners

Now that you're familiar with the basics of materials, techniques, and color mixing, it's time to explore some easy acrylic painting ideas. Here are four popular categories to get you started on your artistic journey:

Landscapes

Landscapes are a classic subject for beginners, as they allow you to experiment with colors, textures, and perspective. Here are a few easy landscape painting ideas:

  • Seascapes: Capture the serene beauty of a beach or the crashing waves of the ocean.
  • Mountains: Practice your shading and highlighting techniques by painting majestic mountain ranges.
  • Sunsets or sunrises: Use vibrant colors and blending to create breathtaking skies.
  • Forests and trees: Paint lush foliage and experiment with different brush strokes to create texture.

Remember, you don't need to create a perfect representation of the landscape—focus on capturing the essence and atmosphere of the scene.

Abstract Art

Abstract art is an excellent choice for beginners, as it allows you to experiment with colors, shapes, and textures without the pressure of creating a realistic image. Some easy abstract painting ideas include:

  • Color blocking: Create bold, geometric shapes using contrasting or harmonious colors.
  • Texture and patterns: Use various brush strokes, palette knife techniques, or even household items (like sponges or toothbrushes) to create unique textures and patterns.
  • Emotion-based paintings: Choose colors and shapes that represent your emotions or feelings, and let the paint flow freely onto the canvas.

Abstract art encourages you to let go of traditional rules and embrace your creativity—there's no right or wrong way to paint an abstract piece.

Still Life

Still life paintings allow you to practice your observational skills and explore color, light, and shadow. Some easy still life painting ideas include:

  • Fruit or vegetables: Arrange a simple composition and focus on capturing the colors and shapes.
  • Flowers: Paint a vase of flowers, experimenting with color and texture to create depth and dimension.
  • Everyday objects: Choose items from around your home and arrange them into a visually interesting composition.

Remember to pay attention to the light source and how it affects the colors and shadows in your still life painting.

Portraits

While portraits can be challenging for beginners, they offer a great opportunity to practice your observation and color mixing skills. Here are a few easy portrait painting ideas:

  • Self-portrait: Use a mirror to observe and paint your own face, focusing on shapes, colors, and shadows.
  • Family or friends: Ask a loved one to pose for you, or work from a photograph.
  • Stylized portraits: Instead of aiming for a realistic representation, experiment with bold colors, simplified shapes, or abstract elements.

Start with basic shapes and build up layers of color, shading, and detail as you gain confidence in your portrait painting skills.

By exploring these easy acrylic painting ideas and categories, you'll gain valuable experience and develop your unique artistic style.

5. Troubleshooting Common Acrylic Painting Issues

As you begin your acrylic painting journey, you may encounter some common challenges. Don't worry—every artist faces these issues at some point. We've got you covered with tips and solutions to help you overcome these obstacles and continue creating beautiful artwork.

Preventing Paint from Drying Too Fast

One of the main challenges with acrylic paints is their fast-drying nature. While this can be a benefit, it can also be frustrating when you're trying to blend colors or work on a specific area. Here are a few tips to prevent your acrylic paints from drying too quickly:

  • Use a spray bottle to mist your palette and canvas with water, keeping the paint moist.
  • Try using a stay-wet palette, which consists of a sponge and a special paper that keeps your paint fresh for longer periods.
  • Consider adding a retarder medium to your paints, which slows down the drying process and gives you more time to work.

Experiment with these techniques and find the one that works best for your painting style and preferences.

Achieving Smooth Color Blending

Blending colors smoothly with acrylic paints can be tricky due to their fast-drying nature. However, with some practice and the right techniques, you can achieve beautiful, seamless blending. Here are a few tips:

  • Work quickly, and keep your paint wet by using a spray bottle or a damp brush.
  • Use a clean, dry brush to gently blend the edges of the colors together, creating a gradient effect.
  • Try the wet-on-wet technique: Apply a thin layer of paint to your canvas and then add another color on top while the first layer is still wet. This helps the colors mix and blend more easily.

Remember, practice makes perfect—keep experimenting with blending techniques to find the one that works best for you.

Creating Texture with Acrylics

Acrylic paints are versatile and can be used to create a variety of textures in your artwork. Here are some ways to add texture to your acrylic paintings:

  • Use thick paint or build up layers to create impasto effects, giving your painting dimension and depth.
  • Experiment with different brush strokes, such as dabbing, stippling, or scumbling, to create unique textures.
  • Try using a palette knife to apply paint, creating bold, gestural strokes and interesting textures.
  • Consider adding texture mediums, such as modeling paste or sand, to your paint for even more texture possibilities.

Don't be afraid to get creative and explore different ways of adding texture to your acrylic paintings—it's all part of the fun and learning process!

By troubleshooting these common acrylic painting issues, you'll gain confidence in your skills and continue to grow as an artist.

6. Finding Inspiration for Your Acrylic Paintings

Sometimes, the hardest part of creating art is finding inspiration. But don't worry—inspiration can come from many places. In this section, we'll explore some sources of inspiration for your easy acrylic painting ideas.

Nature as a Muse

Nature is a fantastic source of inspiration for artists. The beauty of landscapes, seascapes, and wildlife can offer endless ideas for your acrylic paintings. Here are some ways to use nature as your muse:

  • Take a walk in a park, forest, or by the beach, and observe the colors, shapes, and patterns around you.
  • Take photographs of interesting natural scenes, and use them as references for your artwork.
  • Get inspired by the changing seasons, weather, and time of day—each offers unique lighting and colors to explore in your paintings.

Allow nature to spark your creativity and provide you with countless easy acrylic painting ideas.

Art History and Famous Artists

Art history is full of incredible artists, styles, and movements that can inspire your own artwork. Studying famous artists and their techniques can help you develop your skills and find your unique painting style. Here are some ways to use art history as inspiration:

  • Visit museums or galleries to see famous paintings in person, and observe the techniques and colors used by the artists.
  • Research different art movements, such as impressionism, cubism, or abstract expressionism, and experiment with their styles in your own work.
  • Study the work of famous artists, like Vincent van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, or Jackson Pollock, and try to incorporate elements of their styles into your paintings.

By learning from the masters, you can discover new and exciting easy acrylic painting ideas for your own work.

Personal Experiences and Emotions

Your own life experiences and emotions can serve as powerful inspiration for your artwork. Tapping into your feelings and memories can make your paintings more personal and expressive. Here are some ways to use your personal experiences as inspiration:

  • Think about memorable moments or places from your past, and try to capture their essence in your artwork.
  • Reflect on your emotions and feelings, and use colors, shapes, and textures to express them in your paintings.
  • Find inspiration in your dreams, and use their surreal imagery to create unique and imaginative paintings.

By using your personal experiences and emotions as inspiration, you'll create meaningful and expressive artwork that connects with others.

Remember, inspiration can come from many sources. Keep an open mind, and you'll never run out of easy acrylic painting ideas to explore.

7. Building Connections in the Art Community

As you develop your acrylic painting skills and explore new ideas, connecting with other artists and art enthusiasts can be incredibly valuable. Building connections in the art community can provide support, inspiration, and opportunities for growth. Let's look at some ways to connect with others who share your passion for acrylic painting.

Local Art Classes and Workshops

Enrolling in local art classes or workshops can be an excellent way to meet fellow artists, learn new techniques, and receive feedback on your work. Here's how to find classes near you:

  • Check your local community centers, colleges, or art schools for classes and workshops on acrylic painting.
  • Look for art supply stores that offer classes or workshops, as they often cater to beginners and intermediate artists.
  • Join local art clubs or organizations, which often host classes, workshops, or group painting sessions.

By attending local classes and workshops, you can build your skills, make new friends, and find even more easy acrylic painting ideas through shared experiences.

Online Art Forums

Online art forums can be a great way to connect with other artists from around the world. These forums provide a platform for sharing your work, asking questions, and discussing techniques and ideas. Here are some tips for finding and participating in online art forums:

  • Search for acrylic painting-specific forums, or join general art forums that have sections dedicated to painting.
  • Introduce yourself and share your work, while also providing constructive feedback and encouragement to others.
  • Participate in forum discussions and challenges, as they can inspire new easy acrylic painting ideas and help you grow as an artist.

By engaging with others in online art forums, you'll gain access to a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and support from fellow artists.

Social Media for Artists

Creating and maintaining a social media presence can help you share your artwork, connect with other artists, and gain exposure. Here are some platforms and strategies for using social media as an artist:

  • Post your artwork on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest, using relevant hashtags to increase visibility and find like-minded artists.
  • Follow other artists, art pages, and galleries, and engage with their content by liking, commenting, and sharing.
  • Join art-related groups on Facebook or other platforms, where you can share your work, ask questions, and participate in discussions.

Using social media effectively can help you build connections in the art community, access a wealth of easy acrylic painting ideas, and increase your exposure as an artist.

Remember, connecting with others in the art community can provide you with valuable resources, support, and inspiration. So don't hesitate to reach out and start building your network of fellow artists and art enthusiasts.

If you're looking to elevate your acrylic painting abilities, don't miss the workshop 'Improve Your Acrylic Painting Skills' by Rachel Christopoulos. This workshop offers valuable techniques and expert advice to help you unlock your full potential as an acrylic artist.