SUPPLIES
- painting surface (canvas, canvas board or another surface of your choice)
- acrylic paints
- acrylic paintbrushes
- easel (optional)
- one or two glass jars
- rag
- paper towels
- palette
- smock (recommended)
- pencil (optional)
- palette knife (optional)
Overview
Acrylic paint is a common medium in use by artists since the 1950s and 1960s. In this article, you will learn what materials you will need to make an acrylic painting, how to set up your painting area, and how to make a painting from start to completion.
Getting Started
Step 1
First decide what kind of surface you will be painting on, and how large it will be. Acrylic paint is water-resistant and will stick to a variety of surfaces when dry. Traditionally, paintings are made on canvas stretched over a wooden frame. The canvas is prepared with one or several layers of an acrylic latex called gesso. Pre-made painting canvases can often be purchased in a variety of dimensions at standard art suppliers and craft stores. Alternatively, canvas board (hard cardboard with primed canvas on one side) is an option for smaller paintings.
Step 2
Gather your materials. Acrylic paints may be bought in large and small quantities. Most important are the primary colors (red, blue, yellow) as well as white and black. Paintbrushes will be available in a variety of types, sizes and prices. Those made specifically for acrylic paints will work best for beginners. Small paintbrushes will be more appropriate for small paintings, and large brushes for larger paintings.
Step 3
Set up your materials in a well-lit location where you feel comfortable and relaxed. Your canvas should be propped up in front of you (if you chose to buy an easel) or laying on a table. Fill both jars halfway with water. This water may be used to dilute the paint or wash paint from the brushes when needed. Place all your brushes, paints, rags, paper towels and your palette within reach. Put on your smock.
Step 4
(optional) Make a sketch of the image you wish to paint on the canvas before you begin painting. Acrylic paint may be applied thinly to the canvas in a manner similar to watercolor, or it may be applied in thick layers. If you plan to apply the acrylic in thin washes, the pencil may show through and you will very likely be unable to erase it.
Making Your Painting
Step 1
Choose your colors and squirt conservative amounts of paint onto your palette. With a paint brush, mix the colors as desired. Blending of colors should occur while paint is still on the palette. Water may be mixed in to thin the paint.
Step 2
Begin applying the paint to the canvas. Paint may be applied generously or in moderation. It may be thinned with water, or not. It may be textured and gloppy, running in rivulets or smoothed and unbroken.
Step 3
Different techniques may be used to give texture to the painting. For the sake of experimentation, try applying paint with a paper towel, a plastic knife (or palette knife) or even with your hands. Other notable techniques include allowing the paint to drip down the canvas and splattering the paint on with the brush.
Step 4
Mistakes may be covered up with additional layers of paint. Once your first layer is dry (or even before), you may make revisions. Most artists do not complete their paintings in one, two or even three sittings. Instead, they continue to come back to their paintings to make improvements.
Step 5
Allow the painting to dry. If the paint is applied in thin layers, it should dry quickly. If it is thick and textured, it should take no more than a few hours. You may continue to improve and modify the painting for days or even years after it is begun.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Although acrylic may be mixed with water, special agents to thin the paint may be purchased at art supply stores. These agents will thin the paint without destabilizing the paint's bond to the canvas, as is the risk of thinning the paint with water.
Products that slow down the drying time of acrylic paint are available at art supply stores. These products are called acrylic retarders. Use of acrylic retarders will allow for easier blending of colors once on the canvas.
Acrylic is a color-safe medium that won't fade in the sunlight. Your paintings maybe hung in well-lit rooms without concern that the image will deteriorate.
- WARNING : Once dry, acrylic paint does not come off. It will stain your clothes, carpet and other surfaces. If you are in your kitchen or dining room, you may want to lay down some paper towels, rags or even a tarp to keep paint off of your furniture. If you notice a blot of paint on your furniture, wipe it off immediately.
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