Acrylic Painting 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started
Introduction: Why Choose Acrylics?
Acrylic painting is one of the most accessible and versatile mediums for new artists. Whether you’re just starting your artistic journey or transitioning from another medium like watercolour or oils, acrylics offer the perfect balance of vibrancy, control, and ease of use.
Fast-drying, water-soluble, and suitable for a wide range of surfaces—from canvas and paper to wood and fabric—acrylics are beloved by artists of all levels. In Ireland and beyond, acrylics continue to be a staple in contemporary art studios, classrooms, and homes.
This guide will walk you through the basics: from understanding what acrylic paints are, to choosing your first tools, learning key techniques, and starting your own paintings with confidence.
What Are Acrylic Paints?
Acrylic paints are pigments suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. They dry quickly to a flexible, water-resistant finish and can be diluted with water or modified using a range of mediums for different effects—thick impasto textures, subtle washes, or anything in between.
Key Benefits of Acrylics:
- Fast drying time
- Easy clean-up with water
- Highly pigmented colours
- Versatility on many surfaces
- Affordable and beginner-friendly
Essential Tools and Materials
Before diving in, you’ll need a few basic tools. Here’s what you should have in your acrylic starter kit:
1. Acrylic Paints
Start with a small range of quality student-grade paints like:
- Titanium White
- Ultramarine Blue
- Cadmium Red
- Cadmium Yellow
- Burnt Umber
- Black (optional)
Recommended brands for beginners in Ireland:
- Winsor & Newton Galeria
- Daler-Rowney System 3
- Liquitex Basics
Compare prices at Cregal Art (Ireland)
Also available at Cork Art Supplies
2. Brushes
Look for synthetic brushes designed for acrylic use. Start with:
- Flat brush (size 8–12)
- Round brush (size 4–8)
- Detail brush (size 0 or 1)
- Filbert brush (a versatile, rounded edge)
3. Palette
You’ll need a surface for mixing paint. Options include:
- Disposable paper palettes
- Stay-wet palettes (great for longer sessions)
- Plastic or ceramic plates
4. Canvas or Painting Surface
For beginners, acrylic paper pads or pre-stretched canvas boards are ideal.
Other surfaces: wood panels, cardboard, or even primed fabric.
5. Other Essentials
- Water container (old mug or jar)
- Cloth or paper towels
- Easel (optional, but helpful)
- Apron or old shirt
Basic Acrylic Techniques to Learn
Let’s explore some foundational techniques that will open the door to many painting styles:
1. Blending
Acrylics dry fast, so blending colours smoothly can be tricky. Use:
- A damp brush or sponge
- Retarder medium to slow drying
- Work in small areas at a time
2. Dry Brush
For a textured, scratchy effect, use a dry brush with a small amount of paint over a dry surface.
3. Glazing
Thin transparent layers of colour using a medium or water to build depth. Great for shadows and highlights.
4. Scumbling
Use a light, broken layer of paint over a dry base to create a soft, atmospheric effect.
5. Impasto
Apply thick paint with a palette knife or brush for dramatic texture.
Setting Up Your Workspace
Your environment matters, especially when starting out.
Ideal Setup Tips:
- Work in a space with good lighting (natural light is best)
- Protect your surfaces with old newspapers or plastic sheeting
- Use a table or easel for better posture and brush control
- Keep water and towels nearby for easy cleanup
Your First Acrylic Painting: A Simple Landscape
Now it’s time to put your tools and techniques into practice. One of the best ways to begin is by painting a simple Irish-inspired landscape. Think misty hills, stone walls, and dramatic skies.
Step-by-Step Idea:
- Sketch a basic outline of hills and a horizon
- Paint the sky using blending techniques (blue + white)
- Block in land areas with green and brown tones
- Add texture using dry brush for grass or scumbling for clouds
- Finish with small details using a round brush
Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
1. Overworking the Paint
Acrylics dry quickly—avoid overblending, which can lead to muddy colours.
2. Not Using Enough Paint
Don’t be afraid to load your brush. Too little paint leads to weak strokes and frustration.
3. Skipping the Underpainting
Starting with a coloured base (like burnt sienna or neutral grey) can help unify your work and reduce “white canvas fear.”
4. Not Cleaning Brushes Properly
Acrylic dries fast—even on brushes. Always rinse them thoroughly after each session.
Tips for Practice and Progress
Build Consistency:
Set aside 15–30 minutes daily to practice brushstrokes, colour mixing, or painting small scenes.
Try Challenges:
Follow “30 paintings in 30 days” prompts or join online acrylic painting communities.
Watch and Learn:
Free tutorials can guide you step by step. Try:
Exploring Irish Themes in Acrylic
Acrylics are the perfect medium to explore your cultural and local surroundings. Here are some ideas rooted in Irish inspiration:
- Atlantic seascapes in wild weather
- Thatched cottages and narrow boreens
- Bog cotton fields or Connemara ponies
- Dublin city scenes in abstract colour
Where to Buy Art Supplies in Ireland
Support local and trusted Irish art supply stores:
🛒 Cregal Art – Galway Based Store
🛒 Kennedy Art Supplies – Dublin
You can also explore original artworks by Irish artists on IrishArtmart.ie.
Next Steps: Beyond the Basics
Once you’re comfortable with foundational skills, you can branch out and explore:
- Abstract acrylic styles
- Mixed media with collage or texture paste
- Pour painting techniques
- Palette knife-only painting
- Still life and figure painting
Conclusion: Start Painting Today
Acrylic painting is more than a hobby—it’s a gateway to personal expression and creative confidence. With a few basic tools and techniques, you can start building your own style and exploring the world one brushstroke at a time.
Whether you paint to relax, to tell stories, or to eventually sell your work, the most important step is simply to begin.
For more tips, artist showcases, and acrylic tutorials, explore the Irish Artmart Blog.
Explore more about painting and creativity at Irish Artmart.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Irish Artmart.
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