Acrylic painting involves the use of acrylic paints, which are made from pigment suspended

in an acrylic polymer emulsion, allowing artists to layer, blend, and work with rapid drying
times. This medium is popular amongst artists due to its unique characteristics and
adaptability. This form of painting is popular among artists for its water solubility, offering
easy cleanup, and its ability to mimic the effects of both watercolor and oil paintings. When
applying acrylics, remember key techniques like glazing, which involves layering thin,
transparent paint to create depth and luminosity in your artwork.

Origins of Acrylic Painting

The origin of acrylic painting traces back to the early 20th century. It was during this time that
the first true acrylic resin was developed. However, it wasn't until the 1940s that acrylic
paints became commercially available. The introduction of these paints provided an
alternative to traditional oils and watercolors. The initial development occurred in Germany,
where chemical innovations led to resin suspensions becoming usable as artist paints. Post
World War II, acrylics were popularized in the United States. Artists were attracted to their
versatility and fast-drying nature, which enabled rapid changes and experimentations in their
Notable 20th-century artists who used acrylic paint include Pop artists Andy Warhol and Roy
Lichtenstein, Op artist Bridget Riley, colour field artists Mark Rothko, Ellsworth Kelly, and
Barnett Newman, and British artist David Hockney

Evolution of Acrylic Techniques

Acrylic painting techniques have diversified since their introduction. Artists began
discovering ways to manipulate the medium to achieve varied effects, mirroring other
traditional painting styles. Techniques such as layering, glazing, and impasto are frequently
employed by contemporary artists. Acrylic paints are not only used for traditional painting
approaches but are also manipulated for modern creative expressions, such as airbrushing
and pouring methods. This evolution in techniques showcases the adaptability of acrylic
paints.

Understanding Color Theory Techniques

Color theory is fundamental to creating visually compelling acrylic paintings. By mastering
the relationships between colors, you can evoke specific emotions and create harmonious
compositions. Start by familiarizing yourself with the color wheel and the concepts of
primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. It may sound daunting, but my classes are for artists
of all experience, so don’t be shy to sign up now.

Experiment with complementary and analogous color schemes to see how different
combinations affect the mood of your artwork. Understanding the psychological impact of
colors can also help you convey your intended message more effectively. For example,
warm colors like red and yellow can create a sense of energy and excitement, while cool
colors like blue and green can evoke calmness and tranquility

Acrylic Painting Techniques

Exploring acrylic painting techniques opens a world of creative possibilities just waiting to be
discovered. The versatility of acrylics allows you to master an endless amount of more
challenging acrylic painting techniques and applications, this handful of advanced acrylic
painting techniques are commonly utilized by more experienced artists and can be perfected
through practice, enhancing your artistic abilities
27 acrylic painting techniques
1. Alla Prima (Wet on Wet)
Alla prima is also called the wet on wet technique and, as it sounds, is the technique of
applying layers of paint on top of wet layers. The painting, or section of the painting should
be finished before the first application of paint dries, meaning you need to work quickly and
precisely.

This advanced acrylic painting technique can create amazing gestural and textural results
because it makes the colors swirl together effortlessly. To master this difficult acrylic painting
technique, you may want to start by blocking in colors or underdrawing so you can work
quickly as you increase the thickness of paint as you apply more layers. And always keep in
mind that the thickest and lightest highlights should be applied last for this method!

2. Wet on dry
Once your first layer of acrylic paint has dried, it’s easy to paint thick or thin layers of the top.
It’s worth making sure that earlier layers have dried out before adding the next layer,
otherwise the moisture may reactivate the colour underneath.

3. Scumbling (dry brush technique)

You don’t always need to dip your brush in water or dilute your paints. Instead, take a dry
brush, pick up a little acrylic paint and drag it across your canvas. This can be used to create
interesting textures on your canvas and it’s a great way to build up layers of colour on your
painting. This technique is referred to as scumbling or as the dry brush technique.This
technique is great if you wanted a highly pigmented stroke of colour with rough, scratchy
unrefined edges.

Try dragging the paint in different directions, or use a dry brush to blur the edges of blocks of
colour.

4. Palette knife painting

If you’re stuck in a rut with your art, picking up a palette knife can instantly transform your
painting style.This technique can be used in both acrylic and oil mediums. It is achieved by
loading a palette knife with paint and applying it on to the canvas with the palette knife. This
will create great texture. Bob Ross makes magic through the use of this technique. Palette
knife painting is a real skill and requires practice to master, but the results make it well worth
the effort.

It’s much easier to use a palette knife when you’re working with thick paint. You can either
buy heavy body acrylic paints or thicken your paint using an acrylic paint medium such as
modelling paste.

5. Dabbing
Varying the length of your brushstrokes can give your painting a completely different
style. Use a paintbrush, sponge or even a paper towel to apply paint by dabbing the canvas.
Layer different shades of colour on top of one another for stunning results, or dab your
canvas with partially mixed paints for a textured look.
This technique can be used to create floating clouds, distant forests or give your whole
painting a loose, Impressionistic feel. It also works brilliantly for colourful abstract designs.
Play around with this technique and see what you can achieve!

6. Acrylic paint pouring

Acrylic paint pouring is a painting style in its own right and can be used to make beautiful
marbled canvases.This is one of the most popular advanced acrylic painting ideas, so you’ve
likely seen a video or two on this technique. And while there are some fairly easy ways to
execute the pouring method with acrylic paint and cups, it is considered one of the more
advanced acrylic painting techniques to master. As you can see here, there are many
different ways to execute the pouring method. Some are more basic, while more advanced
techniques require additional tools and time.

Paint is mixed with a medium to give it a runny consistency, then you simply pour it over your
canvas. It can get quite messy, so make sure you protect your surfaces and wear clothes
that you don’t mind getting dirty.

7. Dripping
On the theme of pouring, dripping can be used on your canvas with great effect. You can
dilute your paint with water or blend it with a flow aid medium to give it a looser consistency.

Tilt your canvas on an easel and allow gravity to do its work or pick up the canvas and tip it
until you’ve created the effect you want to achieve. The results are not always predictable,
but that’s all part of the appeal.

8. Splattering
Ever feel like hurling paint at your canvas? Flicking or throwing paint towards your painting is
an easy way to create an abstract design. If you need inspiration, take a look at the work of
Jackson Pollock to see what you can do with this acrylic painting technique.

On a smaller scale, adding small splashes or flicks of paint to your work can bring your
painting to life. For example, try putting a small amount of white paint on a toothbrush and
flicking the bristles to add a sea spray effect to an ocean scene.

Think creatively and experiment with this fun technique. Sometimes, just adding a few flecks
of colour on your painting can be enough to take your work to the next level.

9. Glazing
Glazing is a painting technique that’s often seen in oil paintings, but it can be used in acrylic
paintings too. It’s an alternative way of applying colour, which can produce luminous results.
The first step is to produce an underpainting in one colour, which is used to get the tonal
value of the painting right. Then you paint thin layers of colour on top until you achieve the
shade you want. The paint can be thinned using water or blended with a glazing medium to
get the correct consistency.

10. Washing
One of the most advanced acrylic painting techniques is modifying the paint’s consistency to
meet your artistic needs. Acrylic is an incredibly versatile medium that can be applied in thick
layers to create texture or, in this case, be applied lightly to create a thin, translucent hue.

The washing technique allows artists to elicit a softness in their acrylics that resembles
watercolor. It involves diluting your paint with a sufficient amount of water to create a
translucent wash. This is considered a high-level acrylic painting technique because it’s
important to not over-dilute your paint and you must be able to work quickly because it dries
fast and sets permanently.

11. Mediums and gels

We’ve mentioned acrylic mediums and additives briefly before, but we’ve barely touched
upon the wide range of uses and effects that they can be used to produce.

There are a wide range of products out there which can completely change your approach to
acrylic painting. There are mediums to thicken the paint, modelling pastes to reveal your
brushstrokes or gels to give your paint the texture of sand.

You can even add mediums that will give your paint a show-stopping iridescent sheen. Take
the time to research mediums and start introducing them into your artwork.

12. Artist’s tape

Artist’s tape is an essential tool for any painter. It can be used to create crisp borders, protect
areas of your work or to give a clear horizon on a landscape painting.

Use strips of artist’s tape to produce interesting geometric canvas art – simply paint over the
top and peel it away when the paint dries.

Artist’s tape is designed to be low-tack (not very sticky, so that it doesn’t damage your
painting when it’s removed). If you’re using it on paper, we’d recommend pressing it against
a tabletop to remove some of the tackiness before sticking it onto paper. This will help to
prevent the paper from ripping when you take it off.

13. Colour chart

When you’re new to painting, it can be difficult to recreate a colour for a second time when
you’re not sure what specific shades you used last time. A colour chart is an incredibly
handy tool for any painter and it’s very simple to set up.
To create a colour chart, simply mix your colours together and paint a small swatch onto
some paper. Underneath the swatch, make a note of the precise colours that you used to
create that shade. You can work through your painting set methodically to see what shades
can be created with each colour, or you can make a note as you work on your painting.

Over time, this can become a valuable resource for you to refer back to when you want to
mix a specific shade.

14. Underpainting
Underpainting – also referred to as “dead colouring” – is used to create a foundation for the
artist to layer colour on. It is highly useful for building contrast and tonal values. It’s usually a
monochrome painting which is used to determine the layout of the painting before other
colours are added on top.

Preparing an underpainting also gives you the opportunity to get the shadows and highlights
correct without having to worry about using the right colours.

You can then paint over the top and take your time focusing on your colour blending. It
should ensure that all of the light and dark values are balanced in your painting – something
many people struggle with. Underpainting can be utilised to create tonal dominance within
the painting through uniting.

15. Sponge
Don’t feel restricted to using a paintbrush – switch things up and have a go at using a
sponge instead.

Sponges can be used to dab paint lightly, which lends a softer texture to any painting. It also
means that you won’t have any visible brush marks on your canvas.

16. Mix paint on the canvas

Feeling brave? Skip the palette and mix your paints directly on the canvas. This is a good
technique to try on more abstract paintings.

Another great way to add interest to a painting is to partially mix paints before applying them
to the canvas. This means that you can have brushstrokes with streaks of unblended
colours, which may have flecks of other shades too. The results are not always predictable,
but this technique can really bring your painting to life.

17. Sgraffito
The term ‘sgraffito’ comes from the Italian word meaning ‘scratched’. This technique involves
scratching into wet paint, effectively revealing colors from the layers beneath. This is a great
way to build texture and create patterns. You can use the end of a brush or palette knife to
create these scratches.
First, paint a base colour and allow it to dry, then apply a second layer of painting on top and
scratch the surface with a palette knife while it’s still wet. This will let the base colour shine
through! As acrylic painting dries quickly, you may need to scratch away your design at
speed to get the desired effect.

18. Impasto
Impasto is a term used when paint is applied thickly onto a canvas. If you want to try this
technique with acrylic paints, we’d recommend using some modelling paste or thickening
your paint with another acrylic medium. Alternatively, you can buy heavy body acrylic paints
and start painting right away.

For best results, be generous with your paints to add dimension to your art.

19. Smudging
Acrylic paint can be used to create beautiful clean lines on your canvas, but if you want to
free up your style then embrace messiness. Smudging is a good way to start to free up your
painting technique and experiment with textures.

As the name suggests, this technique involves applying three to four colors close to each
other with a dry brush or palette knife and randomly blending some of the colors together.
This is considered one of the more challenging acrylic painting techniques because it
requires a keen eye for color, planning, and experience using a palette knife or dry brush
correctly.

The smudging technique is ideal for creating both texture and a color gradient when
executed correctly. You may see many advanced acrylic painting ideas require this
technique to create realistic, textured landscapes, such as oceans or leaves.

You can smudge the edges of a shape or roughen up a block of colour by rubbing it while the
paint is still wet. No special materials are needed – a rag or a piece of kitchen towel will do.
A brush can also be used to smudge your painting if you don’t mind seeing visible brush
strokes.

20. Stippling and pointillism

Stippling and Pointillism are two painting techniques which use dots to create an image.
Stippling is simply making a painting by dotting the paper or canvas with your brush. This
can be used to give the effect of light and shade or to vary your colours. This can be done
with a wide or narrow paintbrush and the brushstrokes don’t need to be even.

Pointillism is slightly different. Instead of mixing colours, you combine tiny dots of different
colours close to each other. From a distance, the coloured dots will appear to blend together
into one colour.

If you’re interested in learning more about Pointillism, take a look at the work of artists such
as André Derain and Georges Seurat, who both used this style with great effect.
21. Detailing
Painting something with lots of fine details can be incredibly satisfying, but it can also be
very frustrating if it goes wrong. Detailing is accomplished by using a fine brush, moderately
wetting it so it maintains a pointy form. The brush is then used in a similar way as a pen or
pencil. You can use this technique to add intricate detail to your paintings.

To get neat brushstrokes, water down your paint or combine it with a acrylic paint medium
before you dip your brush into it. If the paint is too thick, you won’t get smooth lines and it
can even look rough. Look out for lumps of acrylic on the tip of your brush – this is an
indication that your paint is too thick.

22. Mist your paints

As we all know, acrylic paints can dry out very quickly. You can slow the process a little by
spritzing your paint palette with a mist of water.

If you’re feeling bold, you can spray your painting with water too. This can make the paint
run and drip down the painting. On Landscape Artist of the Year series 8, Rose Strang used
this technique to make the clouds on her work look as though they were bursting with rain. It
looked very impressive!

23. Add a gesso base

Before you start painting on a canvas, check whether or not it has been primed. A primed
canvas is one that has been coated with a layer of gesso, meaning that it’s ready to use
straight away. If your canvas hasn’t been primed, you’ll need to coat it with gesso before you
use it.

If you like, you can add an extra layer of gesso to make the surface smoother and less
absorbent. You can also add a touch of colour to the gesso so that you’re not starting with a
completely blank canvas (much less intimidating!).

24. Work from dark to light

When you’re using watercolour paints, it’s recommended to work from light to dark. With
acrylics, many artists like to do the exact opposite. This is because it’s easier to put light
acrylic paints on top of dark ones rather than the other way round. Give it a go!

25. Use your fingers as the brush

Finger painting isn’t just for kids – it can be a lot of fun for grown-ups too. You can make
astonishingly sophisticated paintings using your fingertips and it’s a fantastic way to break
out of a creative block.
A good exercise to try is to sketch the outline of your picture using your fingertip and a little
paint. Keep your arm relaxed and go with the flow – the results may surprise you.

26. Blocking
Blocking is often one of the ugliest stages of a painting, because it can look clumsy and
rough-edged.
This starting technique is used to colour in sections of a painting in the main colour for that
area. For example, if you were painting a hill you might paint a large area of dark green
before you begin to refine your composition and add more detail.

Blocking may initially be a bit unattractive, but it doesn’t last long! Don’t be demoralised by
how your painting looks at this stage – simply push through it and trust the process.

27. Gestural brush strokes

Gestural is a word that is used to describe brushstrokes that are full of movement. They are
often expressive and free flowing. Gestural brushstrokes can help you to bring emotion into
a painting or capture the mood of your subject.

If you’re a perfectionist, gestural painting can take some getting used to. However, you may
find it easier to work quickly with this technique as you don't have time to dwell on the details
of your painting.

Gestural painting comes naturally to some painters and less easily to others, but it’s a
painting technique that can radically change your work.

https://www.gathered.how/arts-crafts/art/acrylic-painting-techniques
https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/art-and-design/art-forms-and-materials/acrylic-
painting/
https://novacolorpaint.com/blogs/nova-color/6-advanced-acrylic-painting-techniques
https://www.cowlingandwilcox.com/blog/post/66-amazing-acrylic-painting-techniques