7 Easy Acrylic Painting Techniques for Beginners to Create Stunning Artworks

Published on 21 June 2023 8 min read

1. Understanding Acrylic Paint Properties

Acrylic painting can be both fun and rewarding, especially when you know the right techniques to make your artwork stand out. If you're new to the world of acrylics and looking for ways to make painting easy, you've come to the right place. In this blog, we'll explore 7 simple yet effective techniques that will help beginners create stunning artworks in no time.

1. Understanding Acrylic Paint Properties

Before diving into various techniques, it's essential to understand the unique properties of acrylic paint. This will help you make the most of your painting experience:

Quick-drying: Acrylic paint dries fast, which can be both an advantage and a challenge. It allows you to work on your piece without waiting too long, but it also means you need to work quickly when blending colors.
Water-soluble: When wet, acrylic paint can be thinned and cleaned up with water. However, once it dries, it becomes water-resistant, making it easy to layer without blending the colors accidentally.
Versatile: Acrylic paint can be used on various surfaces like canvas, paper, wood, and even fabric. You can also achieve different effects by altering the paint's consistency or using different tools, such as brushes, palette knives, and more.
Opacity: The opacity of acrylic paint varies from one color to another and can be altered by mixing it with water or acrylic medium. Some colors are more transparent while others are more opaque, giving you the flexibility to create various effects in your artwork.

Now that you have a better understanding of acrylic paint properties, let's explore some easy techniques that will elevate your art and make painting a breeze.

2. Blending Techniques

Blending is a fundamental skill in painting that helps you create smooth transitions between colors, giving your artwork depth and realism. Here are some easy blending techniques to start with:

Wet-on-wet blending: This technique involves applying wet paint over a wet surface. To achieve this, first, lay down your base color and, while it's still wet, add a second color on top. Gently mix the two colors with a brush, making sure not to over-blend, which can result in a muddy appearance.
Wet-on-dry blending: In this method, you'll apply wet paint on top of a dry layer. Start by painting your base color and allowing it to dry completely. Then, add your second color and gently blend the edge where the two colors meet, using a clean, slightly damp brush.
Scumbling: Scumbling is a technique where you lightly brush a thin layer of paint over a dried base color. This creates a soft, subtle blend between the two colors and is great for adding texture or depth to your painting.
Glazing: Glazing involves applying a thin, transparent layer of paint over a dried base color. This can help create depth and luminosity in your artwork. We will discuss this technique in more detail later in this blog.

Experiment with these blending techniques and find the one that works best for you. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if you don't get it right on your first try. Just keep painting and soon you'll be blending colors like a pro.

3. Using a Palette Knife

Using a palette knife can add an exciting dimension to your acrylic paintings by creating unique textures and effects. Palette knives are versatile tools that can help you achieve different painting styles. Here are some tips on how to use a palette knife effectively:

Applying paint: Instead of using a brush, try applying paint with a palette knife. This technique can create interesting textures and patterns on your canvas. Simply load the knife with paint and spread it across the surface, varying the pressure and angle to achieve different effects.
Mixing colors: A palette knife is an excellent tool for mixing colors. It allows you to create smooth, even blends without incorporating air bubbles, which can be an issue when mixing with a brush. To mix colors, use the flat side of the knife to combine the paint on your palette, scraping and folding the paint until you achieve the desired color.
Creating texture: By using the edge or the flat side of the palette knife, you can create a variety of textures in your painting. For example, you can scrape away paint to reveal the canvas underneath or apply thick layers of paint for an impasto effect. Experiment with different techniques to find the ones that work best for your artistic style.
Cleaning up edges: A palette knife can also be used to clean up edges or remove excess paint from your canvas. Simply scrape away the unwanted paint, being careful not to damage the surface below.

Don't be afraid to try new techniques and explore the possibilities of using a palette knife in your acrylic paintings. With practice and experimentation, you'll discover new ways to make your artwork stand out and take your painting easy to the next level.

4. Dry Brush Method

The dry brush method is a simple yet effective painting technique that can add depth and texture to your acrylic artworks. This technique involves using a brush with very little paint and no water, allowing the bristles to create subtle, textured strokes on the canvas. Here are some tips to master the dry brush method:

Choose the right brush: For the dry brush method, you'll want to use a firm, flat brush with stiff bristles. This type of brush will allow you to apply the minimal amount of paint and achieve the desired textured effect.
Load the brush: Dip the brush into the paint, then wipe off most of the paint on the edge of your palette or a paper towel. You want the brush to be almost dry, with just a small amount of paint remaining on the bristles.
Apply the paint: Using a light touch, gently drag the brush across the canvas, allowing the bristles to create subtle, textured marks. Experiment with different angles and pressures to achieve a variety of effects. You can also layer colors to create depth and interest in your painting.
Practice makes perfect: The dry brush method can take some practice to master, so don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't turn out exactly as you envisioned. Keep experimenting and refining your technique, and soon you'll be creating stunning, textured artworks with ease.

By incorporating the dry brush method into your acrylic painting toolbox, you can add new dimensions to your art and make painting easy and enjoyable. Remember to have fun and let your creativity shine through as you explore this versatile technique.

5. Stippling Technique

Stippling is a fun and easy-to-learn painting technique that involves creating small dots or specks of paint to build up texture and shading in your artwork. This method is great for beginners as it allows for a high level of control and can be used to create a wide variety of effects. Here are some tips to help you get started with the stippling technique:

Select the right brush: To achieve the best stippling results, use a round brush with stiff bristles. Brushes with softer bristles may not hold their shape as well and can lead to less precise dots.
Prepare your paint: Load your brush with paint, then tap off any excess on your palette. This will help ensure that you create consistent dots with every touch of the brush.
Start stippling: Gently tap the brush against the canvas, creating small dots of paint. Vary the size and spacing of the dots to create different textures and shading effects. Remember to reload your brush as needed, always tapping off excess paint to maintain consistency.
Layer and blend: To create depth and dimension in your painting, try layering different colors and shades using the stippling technique. This can add a sense of complexity and richness to your artwork, making painting easy and enjoyable.

With practice and patience, the stippling technique can become a powerful tool in your acrylic painting repertoire. As you experiment with different brushes, colors, and dot patterns, you'll discover endless possibilities for creating captivating and unique artworks.

6. Glazing with Acrylics

Glazing is a versatile technique that involves applying thin, transparent layers of paint to achieve a variety of visual effects. It's especially effective with acrylics due to their quick drying time and ease of use. Here's a simple guide to help you get started with glazing using acrylic paints:

Choose the right materials: To create a successful glaze, you'll need acrylic paint, a glazing medium, and a soft, flat brush. A glazing medium is a special type of acrylic gel or liquid that helps to thin out your paint and increase transparency without compromising its quality.
Prepare your glaze: Mix a small amount of paint with the glazing medium on your palette. The ratio of paint to medium will determine the transparency of your glaze—more medium will create a more transparent glaze, while less medium will result in a more opaque glaze.
Apply the glaze: With your brush, gently apply a thin layer of the glaze mixture over the area you wish to cover. Use smooth, even strokes to avoid visible brush marks. Allow the glaze to dry completely before adding any additional layers.
Build up layers: To create depth and richness in your painting, apply multiple layers of glaze, allowing each layer to dry fully before adding the next. This technique can add an incredible sense of depth to your work, making painting easy and enjoyable.

Experimenting with different colors, layering techniques, and glaze ratios will help you achieve a wide range of effects and make your acrylic paintings even more stunning. Remember, practice makes perfect—so don't be afraid to explore new possibilities with glazing!

7. Creating Texture

Adding texture to your acrylic paintings can bring your artwork to life and create visual interest. There are numerous ways to create texture, but here are a few easy and effective methods perfect for beginners:

Impasto technique: Impasto is the process of applying thick layers of paint to create raised textures on the surface of your painting. To achieve this effect, use a palette knife or a stiff brush to apply generous amounts of paint directly onto your canvas. Experiment with different strokes, angles, and pressure to create a variety of textures.
Mixed media: Incorporating different materials into your painting can add unique textures and depth. For instance, you can use tissue paper, sand, or even small objects like beads or buttons. Simply adhere these materials to your canvas using acrylic gel medium and then paint over them with acrylics.
Texture paste: Texture paste—also known as modeling paste or molding paste—is a thick, acrylic-based medium that can be used to create raised, sculptural textures on your canvas. Apply it with a palette knife or a brush, and once it dries, you can paint over it with acrylics to create stunning effects.
Sgraffito: This technique involves scratching or scraping away layers of wet paint to reveal the layers or colors beneath. Use a sharp tool, such as a palette knife, a toothpick, or the end of a brush, to create intricate patterns and textures.

Experimenting with different methods of creating texture can take your acrylic paintings to new heights and make painting easy and enjoyable. Remember, there are no limits to your creativity, so don't be afraid to try new techniques and explore the endless possibilities of texture in your artwork!

If you're interested in exploring unique and unconventional ways to create abstract art, be sure to check out the workshop 'Creating Abstract Paintings Using Common Household Items' by Noah Ennis. This workshop will guide you through the process of creating stunning abstract paintings using everyday items found in your home, adding a new dimension to your artistic expression.