Original acrylic paintings are easy to spot in a gallery.  The colors have a sharpness and vivacity that is much like that of a festival or circus.  The circus is fun, yet memorable and there are always certain details to focus on as the star attraction.  In contrast, watercolors are soft, while oil paintings are more about texture.  Pencil drawings are loose imprints of imagination.  So out of all other mediums, acrylic may be the easiest to become skilled at for beginners.  From abstracts to landscapes; to unchartered small details of any genre; acrylic offers the least amount of challenges to create an original work of art. 

Acrylic paints are of a water-based density, similar to oil.  The natural emulsion of the paint is made from a pigment and acrylic resin formula, making it easy to mix or thin with water.  Experimental artists sometimes add substances to create a 3-D effect.   Some use additives like sand, glitter, paste, plaster, varnishes or crumbled-up concoctions to give the painting a glossy or matte finish.  This might be something to try after you have mastered the basics.  Acrylic paint even can be thinned with water to give the finish an authentic watercolor effect.  Such versatility and numerous choices make acrylic painting entirely appealing.  You’ll be able to create your own fresh style as time goes on.

Even if it’s not your first time creating an original acrylic work of art, there are several important bits of knowledge in order to begin.  Since drying time is so rapid, it may be best to start with a loose sketch of your idea.  Sometimes paintings take on a life of their own once you actually start brushing.  A number of artists like to paint with a photograph in front of them as inspiration.  Let your own creative energy flow through the brush.  You’ll be surprised at how easily your idea will transpire if you just let go and let loose.  Turn on your favorite music and have a glass of wine if that works for you.

Set up your easel with a good canvas.  Most “real” artists use stretched canvas, which comes in a plethora of choices.  When first starting out, choose mid-grade canvas.  No need to waste money on the most luxurious canvas, but you don’t use a cheap, porous-filled board, either.  Make sure your easel is set at a level that is comfortable for sitting or standing.  Lock it into place to avoid movement at crucial moments.

Quality acrylic paint is essential.  With so many choices of acrylic paint products it may be difficult to make the best decision.  This is not a case that all are created equally.  If you need more drying time with your painting session, you can purchase an extender that will delay aeration.  The more extender that is added; the slower the drying time will be.  Fast drying paint is a complaint of many acrylic artists.  However, unlike thick oil paint, acrylic’s water base makes it appealing for people who might have allergies to pungent odors because acrylic is neutral.  Oil paintings potentially take weeks to dry, which could result in lost momentum and creative focus.  Watercolor is runny, which can be frustrating.

Professional artists do not generally choose student grade acrylic paint, although it may be okay for you in the beginning.  Experiment with these so-so “cheaper” grades, but beware of the added fillers they contain.  If you’re not ready to buy expensive genuine acrylic paints for your first run – at least look for paints that say “imitation” or “hue” next to the color.  These versions are very close to the major brands but are filled with less-costly pigmentation.  As a rule of thumb, nothing beats the real thing.  Higher-priced acrylic paint has a vivacious and deluxe feel as it is applied to the canvas.  The buttery texture comes in a liquid or fluid tube, which will work well with your brushes and palette knife.  Colors of premium paint are often more intense than knock-offs.  Even if this is your first attempt at acrylic painting, it may not be a bad idea to invest in yourself.  What if your first original painting turns out to be a masterpiece and you used sub-par paint?  You’ll be kicking yourself for sure.  Ask your local art store what brand of paint is best if you’re uncertain.  Most of the staff is very knowledgeable on traits of well-known paint suppliers.  Some artists will tell you not to mix brands together, but it’s really not a big deal if you do.  It won’t hurt anything or ruin your art.

Once you choose the best paint and canvas for your original art; you will need a paint palette, water, a palette knife (or you can use a common household butter knife), a light sketching pencil, a spray bottle of water, and obviously brushes.  The paint palette should have a cubbyhole for water.  If you prefer to keep a separate cup nearby, that is okay too.  A common mistake of many beginners is not dipping the brush often enough with paint and water.  Covering large areas with tiny globs of paint will not work.  Don’t be afraid to use more paint.  It won’t do your painting any justice to have sparsely covered areas.  You will have to be the judge as to how much water and paint together works best; this is something no one can tell you to do.

Different brushes will create unique flair to the consistency of your original acrylic painting.  How will you know which one to choose?  The selection of brushes is vast and confusing.  Brushes with nylon fibers are more resilient than bristle brushes.  There is a time and place for the bristles to create texture, but for now just stick to the basics.  Cheap brushes fall apart and won’t last.  Art stores and websites do sell brushes specially dedicated to acrylic mediums.  A good starter set would include: a big fan brush; a puffy round brush for backgrounds; a medium rigger brush (like #1 or #2); a long filament brush (between ¼” to ¾”); a narrow detailing brush; and a flat brush.  While you’re standing there bewildered in the art department, try to envision your painting and choose brushes that will meet your needs for the time being.  You can always invest in more brushes for future art creations.

It is imperative that you keep your brushes in water in between colors because of acrylic’s tendency to dry rapidly and ruin the brush.  Filaments will get smashed up and crusty if proper care is not adhered to.  Adequately dry and store your brushes after each session.  Either towel dry or hang the brushes with the bristles down to air out.  They need to be clean or they will undoubtedly need to be replaced.  If you’re forgetful, synthetic brushes are easier to clean.  It’s quite impossible to remove crusty acrylic paint from your brushes once it has been dried on for too long.

Some artists prepare the canvas with a clear varnish before painting to make the colors stick better.  If you choose to do this, make sure the entire surface is completely dry before attempting color.  Do not use an oil-based primer because acrylic paint will not stick to it.  A liquid ground such as Gesso is a perfect choice – it is especially made for acrylic painting.  Applying primer is not a must; you can certainly begin your painting on a plain white canvas.  The only purpose for primer is to prevent patchiness and paint absorption.  You can even use household latex in a pinch.  Spread primer in long, even strokes from left to right on your canvas.

After your prep work is finished, you’re ready to lay down the first pieces.  Create depth by working from the inside out, starting with the middle of your painting.  Lay your background first.  You can hide areas you’re not working on with masking tape and then lift it off once the background is dry.  You will need to work quickly.  Fortunately, if you make mistakes then it should be easy enough to cover over in darker shades.  For this reason, you may want to start with lighter colors first.  If painting portraits of people, for example – paint the flesh tones immediately after the background is done.  For abstracts, leave fine details for the last step.  This holds true for landscapes and scenery, too.

There is no rhyme or reason to the brushstrokes you make.  Generate interest by blending a variety of different brushstrokes and textures.  Swirls, side-to side strokes, dipping and dabbing are fun techniques to experiment with.  Just as with photography, the eyes are drawn to lighter objects in a painting.  Remember to add fine details to make your painting stand out, like the white sparkle of eyes, gentle reflections on leaves or water, highlights on inanimate objects or outward to create a feeling of depth.  A bonus of acrylic mediums is the ability to create layers without messing up the base color.  Colors hardly change from their wet to dry stage, so the initial hue that you start with is almost identical to the outcome.

All the while you’re painting, remember to keep water and paint together by your side.  The art of acrylic painting is not as scary as you might think.  There is a strong admiration for artists who seemingly “whip up” a masterpiece with natural talent.  Don’t be hard on yourself or give up if your first attempt isn’t award-winning, art-gallery quality material.  Just as with any other hobby, the more you paint, the better you will become.  Your style is not like anyone else’s. 

You could also try copying the work of an artist whose style you wish to emulate.  Not a copy as an exact reproduction, but rather a copy as in allowing the admired painting to be an influence.  It shouldn’t be exactly the same.  You could use different colors or sources of inspiration.  Stencils are available to beginners.  Another fun trick is to cover certain sections with tape and then lift it off in the final stages.  Or use paper with jagged edges, or circular-shaped objects to paint around if you want to get downright creative.