How do I learn to paint in acrylics?

Question

What specifics/advice do you fellow painters have out there? I have propers brushes, etc., but would love tips/info on those of you that have painted in this medium before.

Answer 1

Get the chart distributed to art stores that shows all the acrylic mediums that are made by liquitex. Make sure you understand what each is used for and how different effects are created. Pump artists for information . Do that by asking them directly "how?"
Second buy the right brushes. It seems clear japanese brushes are more reliable because their extrusion machines make better more natural fibers.
The art of painting is best learnt from old books written before 1920. Some in the 30's 40's 50' are good but the older texts will get you to good technique a lot faster. Anything after about 1955-1960 is worthless for learning how to paint.obviously you need specific information from that era to handle acrylic . So use it but painting itself use old books . So go to antique book sections in bookstores. Search online antiquarian books. Xerox bibliographies in books on painting - again the older stuff is better.Use ILL in the library. Study a lot paint a lot. Log the hours.
The painters keys is an online Newsletter and its useful too.
Get a lightweight aluminum easle and paint outdoors and subscribe to Plein Air magazine. Work from nature and live models (They do not have to be without clothing!) Read- then do and incorporate what you have learned . Try it . Use cheap materials when just beginning and paint a lot of paintings. I mean at least 100 . Then let them dry sand em a bit and gesso them and paint another one you like better on top. Don't let your paintings become precious!. Work it like an assembly line. Get rhythm and style.
I take notes as I mix colors on the pallete. I make samples of those mixes in each stage so i can duplicate them again. Especially if its wet on wet. Keep track of the pigments and really think about it in terms of warm and cool. The color wheel is indespensible. Make it from your primaries . Lighting is important with acrylics I recommend full spactrum lighting or sun .
Keep production notes and keep records of your shopping and materials and such so you know HOW MUCH its costing you. If it's too high change materials or methods . You can paint on cardboard if you have to! but just keep painting a lot. I am saying don't let money slow you down.
Meanwhile take drawing classes seriuosly. Drawings must be good for the painting to be good. Critique drawings relentlessly and paintings very little. At least until you get the hang of basic skills. Don't waste money on painting classes. Buy old books and other technique materials back issues of american artist . Save the money for figure drawing classes . When you get above beginer level then go find a painter who teaches and pay him . Under no circumstances waste any money learning art in a state university. A very fine studio can be yours for what it costs you to be swindled by some aged coke snorting fake who never learned the basics themselves and somehow managed to become the chairman of an art department at a state university. Keep the money and buy yourself a nice easle and a Yurt for a studio. Load that yurt into the pick-up and drive into the Rockies. Come back with a painting you'll be too proud to part with.
Use self hypnosis to memorize technical points and other informational "stuff" That way you will never forget any of that useful information. Do yoga stay relaxed and be in good company. Bad company bad paintings.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Oh, have you worked in any other medium before. If you know how to paint already (like in oils or watercolors) then it isn't that much different. But if you have no experience then well, there are a lot of things to think about. Here are a few.

Acrylic dry quickly, they are easy to clean up and usually come out of clothes, but some think that they don't look as nice as oils. Start your painting with thin-watery layers and build up some texture and thickness. What I love to do is to take an old painting that I don't care about that much and paint over it because then it is really thick and I didn't have to add as many layers this time to finish.

Good luck.

Answer 4

This has got to be one of the most forgiving mediums.

If you are an experienced artist/know what your muse is demanding, get spreader medium (glaze) and impasto gel.

Painting in acrylic can be done as if you are doing water colour or oil. You can slap it on with a knife or thin it down to a wash with water. What is nice is the acrylic will mix on the canvas in a similar fashion as the aforementioned mediums. Thin it and it will mix like it is water colour, keep it thick or add impasto and it will stay goopy and unmixed (just swirlled colour) for a fairly long time.

clean up is easy, but it will leave lasting stains on some surfaces/materials if you choose the chip it off when dry approach

More expensive brands offer more vibrant colours tha mix better/truly (don;t go muddy) but I wouldn't bother spending the money unless it is special work your doing or you want to sell it.

k, take it easy

Answer 5

Acryl is a water based tachniqe, till it dries. So use it as tempera or guashe, just be sure that you never leave your brushes dry when dirty of paint. When paint dries, it becomes waterproof and it is very hard to wash it down.
The best way to learn is simply do it, try out yourself. Do not make much problem out of it...just jump into painting and enjoy. Things will come by thenmselves.

Answer 6

More less the same techniques like you do with oil paints but acrylics are water base and you need to use the stay-wet palette.

Answer 7

practicing and experimenting is the best way you can learn. Do'nt be affraid to create new ways of painting or using the medium of acrylics.

Answer 8

I think that it is mostly trial and error.