Beginners Acrylic Still Life Painting Techniques - Part 1

[@NGinka]

I watched some of your videos for basics and then tried to reproduce this painting and I must say - wow. You are incredible, helping me finding out that I'm not as bad as I thought, that everything is just about knowledge and practice (and a bit of talent). I might have just discovered a new chapter of my life. Will definitely check out some of your other courses. Thank you!!

[@willkempartschool]

Thank you so much Anna, so pleased you achieved some great results. Will

[@gigirocks9603]

Forgot to say, you give me courage to disable my fear and feel I too can become a good painter (over time)!

[@willkempartschool]

gigi rocks Great to hear it Chris!

[@sandyt5293]

You are such a great teacher. I still can't believe that I was able to recreate your painting. Thank you!! Now I want to check out all your videos.

[@Aury2508]

I was scared to start acrylic painting but watching your vids gave me hope - new subscriber 😀

[@willkempartschool]

+aura aguilar Good one Aura, really pleased you enjoyed the lessons, good luck with the cherry painting. Cheers, Will

[@ysabeauvalikov7894]

I've been painting for something like a decade, and this was still very helpful. Lots of nice little tips, and it's very nice to see a process like this.

[@willkempartschool]

That's great to hear Ysabeau, pleased you enjoyed it. Will

[@lisaramer4604]

I am very new to painting and was thrilled with my still life cherry. Your lessons were super and I specifically appreciate your tips on colour mixing. I plan to follow a few more of your free video tutorials and then I may just jump in to your other online courses. Art is never something I learned but as an almost retired adult I have found a new joy. Thank you.

[@willkempartschool]

So pleased you found it helpful Lisa and glad your cherry still life turned out well! Cheers, Will

[@catharinemarillier8035]

Your the BEST! Thanks to you I have created art I didn't think I was capable of. Thank you.

[@willkempartschool]

That's great to hear Catharine, pleased you surprised yourself! Will

[@hueishing531]

Hi Will, thanks so much for the free videos! You are an amazing artist and an inspiration to me. I hope I can paint like you one day. Thanks once again!

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks very much, pleased you found the lesson helpful. Cheers, Will

[@jennymolton2984]

This was a fantastic tutorial! I can’t believe how great it turned out. I didn’t have brown or crimson, so had to mix colors to make it work, but it did indeed work. Thank you so much!

[@willkempartschool]

My pleasure Jenny, so pleased it turned out well.

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks colbalthaze, Pleased to hear you're learning loads! Will

[@sheraxox]

I am just starting to paint and I am very excited to start learning. Thank you for offering this.

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks Marco, pleased you've found it helpful in your painting. Cheers, Will

[@karatekid1206AJ]

Hey will you are an inspiration to me and you were the reason I started painting and I just want to say thank you,I used to be horrible at painting and now I am painting water color landscapes and I painted you Monet landscape thank you again

[@willkempartschool]

You're welcome Kelvin, so pleased to hear you've found the lessons inspirational in your painting progress. Thanks for sharing, kind of you to let me know. Cheers, Will

[@MosterJohanne]

This is such a big inspiration for me. The attention to detail makes me want to paint!

[@willkempartschool]

+Moster Johanne Good one Moster, glad it helped. Cheers, Will

[@natprice3896]

Hi there! Just wanted to let you know I painted this as my first painting ever - loved the experience even though I’m not great at following instructions! The result was still pretty impressive, no one believed it was my first painting. Anyway, I followed your tutorials a few times and was always pleased with the results. I’ll have a link of this video in my Facebook album as I wanted to give you the deserved credit. Thanks!!

[@willkempartschool]

That's great to hear Nat, so glad you enjoyed it and had some good results. I've just added a new student success page on the blog, you can email me direct and i can add your cherry to the page : willkempartschool.com/students-success-stories/ Have a great weekend Will

[@Hebweezle1973]

Always wanted to paint. ( ever since I was captivated by the Pre-Raphs. ) Decided to look at some videos. Love your technique. ( painting and the demo's ) I'm gonna buy me some paint ! Thank you so much.

[@aretelibertas6988]

I am surprised how good it goes for now. Thanks a lot!

[@willkempartschool]

Pleased it turned out well for you Arete. Will

[@willkempartschool]

Cheers Hebweezle, really pleased to hear you've been inspired to get the paints out! Cheers, Will

[@willkempartschool]

Hey Anne, Enjoy the cherry, students have had fantastic results with it! Cheers, Will

[@MichelleRodriguez-rv6gg]

I thought painting was going to be really difficult but with your help, I did a pretty good job. I'm very proud of myself. You're a great teacher. I hope you keep making videos like this to help others like me. Thank You😊

[@willkempartschool]

Good one Michelle, really pleased your paintings have been going well and you've been finding the lessons helpful. Cheers, Will

[@crystalheart9]

So nice to see an instructive painting video in real time with your helpful tips. I'm so tired of the speed painting videos so many people put on as tutorials. I subscribed:)

[@willkempartschool]

Yes, I use water throughout the process, have a look at my latest video on a French cafe scene where i talk about consistency of acrylic paint. Hope this helps, Will

[@patriciaray2669]

just discovered you Will. You have inspired me with your wonderful tutorials. Thank You.

[@willkempartschool]

Pleased you've been enjoying the lessons Patricia. Will

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks very much, pleased to hear it has helped your painting, Will

[@annereynolds4193]

Detailed instruction with good visuals - a total must for complete beginners. So far I've painted a high-lighted red billiard ball (badly - but who cares) tomorrow I shall be attempting the cherry painting.

[@mssn3166]

I learned more from this video than my painting class with my teacher who does not explain the step by step. Thank you :)

[@willkempartschool]

That's great to hear.

[@krissiefowler5423]

I know this is 9 years old but I've just started watching it because I have something to practice for and tbh I've learnt more about painting with acrylics from this than 3 years at university for fine art! So thankyou!

[@willkempartschool]

So pleased you enjoyed it Krissi

[@Berryballoons]

Thank you I really enjoy your lessons! They help me take my paintings from amateur to professional very quickly.

[@willkempartschool]

You're welcome Sasha, so pleased you've found them helpful. Cheers, Will

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks OoOoEvilOoO! Glad you're finding it helpful, Will

[@o8rufus]

I just saw all your videos on this series and they are fantastic, you are an amazing artist and instructor, hope you keep posting more of these videos. You are very talented and an inspiration.

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it, Will

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks very much 08rufus, pleased to hear you are enjoying the videos. there's a new video coming out tomorrow, Thanks, Will

[@zirtripzzlot3830]

Im new to ur channel . I been painting for a while now but I stop getting lessons thats why I think you helped me alotto continue. Thanks ! I enjoy ur awesome techniques !

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks very much, pleased you're enjoying the lessons. Cheers, Will

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks scudvi, very kind of you to say so! Pleased to hear you have been enjoying the videos and thanks fot the sub! Will

[@Aotearoa2010]

Amazing! Love this tutorial! I'm gonna try painting this.But first buy the Materials before I start. Thanks for sharing!

[@willkempartschool]

Hi Topsy, My number 1 suggestion would be to invest in a tube of burnt umber, it is the lowest series number so will be the most affordable and you really will get good use out of it. You can mix a dark brown from other primary colours, have a look at my 'How to mix black videos' Will

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks Nihad, really pleased you enjoyed the tutorial, how did your painting turn out? Will

[@mustarilukman1]

i am beginner. i was trying to mix colours for still life (fruit). your uploaded video was very helpful... Thank you very much Will... thank you...

[@selincalhan3657]

Thank you so much. These videos are really inspirational and you explain everything briefly. I think this is very generous behaviour. Because people who are talented like you, don't wan't to share little details. Thank you again.

[@willkempartschool]

selin çalhan Really pleased to hear it Selin, great that you've found the lessons helpful.Cheers,Will

[@leonaaoki]

I'm so happy to see this channel. I'm subscribing!!

[@willkempartschool]

Cheers Uday, pleased you enjoyed the video, Will

[@willkempartschool]

@SirDness thanks very much, glad you found it useful in your acrylic painting, Will

[@Artattackbyfcp]

Never seen a handsome artist like u n painting is awesome😍

[@juliaplayzroblox3002]

I are an inspiration to me. All paintings look horrible at the start but when you finish it looks just Very realistic and i really like your videos by the way IM A NEW SUBSCRIBER

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks LIuviade, really pleased you enjoyed it. Will

[@JeanineEthridge]

Great tutorial! Straight forward and informative! Very nice. Thank you.

[@willkempartschool]

Pleased you enjoyed it Jeanine. Cheers, Will

[@divsearch31]

Thank you ...This is what i have been looking for...hope i can paint like you someday!!

[@willkempartschool]

Good one Divya, Cheers, Will

[@willkempartschool]

Yes, the canvas was gessoed and then a coloured ground applied. Cheers, Will

[@joyknowles7600]

I really liked this tutorial, I practiced with it and painted my first cherry! I am beyond beginner.

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks very much Marocca0 great to hear you achieved some good results with the tutorial, Cheers, Will

[@Juhani139]

Eeverything sounds smarter with a British accent. Thanks for great, high quality tutorials. Not sure if acrylics are for me, but I've subbed just because it's fun to watch you paint. :)

[@sandrapreciado5347]

Muchas gracias por tu enseñanza, te saludo desde Guadalajara, México. Thank you so much, your work is amazing.

[@willkempartschool]

sandra preciado Hi Sandra , so pleased you enjoyed the video, thanks for your kind comments. Cheers, Will

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks Jaircallejas! Glad you're enjoying them. If you go onto my channel and my featured playlists, they are all linked there. Cheers, Will

[@Thedoctor19000]

I see. Thank you for the advice. I am new to the videos on your channel. My question is: If you were to do portraiture, would you use acrylic retarder for your paints?

[@LluviadeLucrecio]

Very instructive and joyful!

[@kiruthikaashokan5796]

Was inspired by the way u teach. It was awesome.. I recreated one such and came out really well.. Waiting for more tutorials ❤️

[@willkempartschool]

So pleased your painting turned out well. Cheers, Will

[@Becxx88]

I did exact the same painting and people so amazed

[@willkempartschool]

You're welcome, Will

[@maqsizu]

MARVELOUS , MARVELOUS just Marvelous 1! THANKS zizi

[@MsFantasyluver]

Think you so much. You are an excellent teacher

[@Pearly403]

I have just tried this with an apple today. Really fun and then I ate the evidence :-)

[@willkempartschool]

Pearly403 Ha, ha pleased you enjoyed it, there is a specific apple tutorial here you might also enjoy kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5yVmKp_dsyGZ7c Cheers, Will

[@Pearly403]

I'm experimenting with a lily pond a la Monet first. Always wanted a Monet with the lily pond images, but they are too far beyond my price range. So I try creating something like it myself. That way I will have an original rather than just a poster. That's part of the beauty of painting, I think. Savvy yourself up on an artist's style and try it out. Chances are that if you love the artist's work, you can create a painting in their style you will enjoy for all your life. I have watched your video on Monet today. Found it really helpful. Here is a tip to everybody who don't find their paintings worthy to hang on the wall: Get them framed and you will be amazed ;-)

[@willkempartschool]

You're welcome Carol, Will

[@BigBlueSky123]

Very inspiring, thank you so much for the great video!

[@willkempartschool]

+BigBlueSky123 Thanks very much BigBlueSky123, really pleased you enjoyed it. Cheers, Will

[@slicke101]

Fantastic tutorial. Really appreciate your effort with this!

[@willkempartschool]

You can add the retarder to extend the drying time for blending with portraits, but personally I usually paint most of my portraits in oils. Cheers, Will

[@yellowducky888]

love it! thanks so much for some of your tips.! great video. very easy to understand and to follow along with. great explanations on what to do next also and how to find warm and cool colors. thanks so much Will. fan, Bee Grace

[@alzenirsimonsen7796]

I like the way you teach thanks

[@willkempartschool]

It's my pleasure

[@lahaza6515]

Just fantastic.

[@ap3008]

Woa..thanks for sharing these courses. I feel like painting again. :)

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks Silvie, Will

[@becksxoxo8674]

Hi Will. This is the first video I've watch from you. I have art exams soon and I was wondering what paintbrushes do you use and where to get them? Also do you have any tips that'll help me pass. Thank you

[@willkempartschool]

Hi Becky, pleased you've been enjoying the videos, if you click the read more under the videos there is a link to the website with a full material list. The Isabel Isacryl are nice. Cheers, Will

[@KingVegeta7]

If I don't have a fibert brush, can I use a bright brush?

[@sirdness5920]

Very good explanations, Sir!

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks, glad it's helped, Brodie

[@jessicamaisonet917]

Thank you Will...your teachings are really helping me :) much appreciated

[@willkempartschool]

Jessica Rosario You're welcome Jessica, pleased you're finding them helpful your paintings. Cheers, Will

[@kdxy3728]

i had never painted anything before and i did the apple one and it turned out really good :o thankyou for your tutorial , they really help :)

[@willkempartschool]

That's great to hear, really hope the cherry turns out well. Cheers, Will

[@yolandalevitin6254]

thanks. does this technique also apply to oil paint ? thank you

[@willkempartschool]

Ho Yolanda, yes, you could follow along with oils, the methods i teach are adapted from classical oil painting. Cheers, Will

[@MayFint]

What is exactly soft gel (gloss) use for? Can i use water to a paper sketch?

[@willkempartschool]

Soft gel gloss is an acrylic medium used to change the consistency of the paint and can be diluted with water to form an isolation coat before varnishing. Cheers, Will

[@chriswhitehouse8982]

I see that this video is several years old, but I just recently ran across it and thought I'd give it a try. I'm a very beginner to painting, but trying to learn. I tried doing the ground base using burnt umber, white, and blue, but it turned out pretty dark green. I initially mixed up a small amount and the color looked right, but ran out of that very quickly and couldn't reproduce the color when trying to make up more. This is a problem I have when mixing colors...can't get enough and then run out and can't reproduce the same color again. Would using a paint knife work better when mixing colors compared to trying to use my brush?

[@willkempartschool]

Hi Chris, using a palette knife can help you to get used to mixing a larger amount of paint so they stay workable for longer on the palette. You can also use a stay-wet palette that will keep the paints workable for longer. Cheers, Will

[@chriswhitehouse8982]

Hi Will, thanks so much for the reply. I managed to work through the piece and am actually pretty happy with how it turned out. I'm working on the apple now. Thanks for the great tutorials!

[@tangobabe27]

thanks this looks impossibly hard for me as a beginner who never used Acrylic but i will try i wish you were my teacher, can i use cardstock instead ?

[@willkempartschool]

sandy haqqy Sure, just don't go too watery with the paint. Cheers, Will

[@katecarpio5847]

had you gesso the canvas first before applying paint on it ?

[@vaishalibhardwaj8084]

So beautifullll! You are fantastic...

[@gigirocks9603]

Will, thank you so much. Chris

[@edgarfeliciano20]

Are there any tips you have for using acrylic? It dries to quickly. I use the retarder. Also, some people say to moisten the canvas paper before hand, is that good or bad?

[@willkempartschool]

Hi Edgar, you can use a stay-wet palette to keep the paints wetter on the palette for longer. I find the acrylic glazing liquid gloss (I use the one from Golden Paints) can work well for smoothing thinner applications and giving you a little more working time. Cheers, Will

[@jbaby007]

This guy is great!

[@sheraxox]

Hello, I was looking on your site to find the drawing of this photo. Could you direct me to the correct link? Thanks

[@marcobm97]

Amazing series, thank you

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks Zizi!

[@lindaibarra8350]

What color ground base would I use if painting an undersea coral reef?

[@willkempartschool]

A cool blue or turquoise base would work well Linda, Cheers, Will

[@mari_alvespassos]

Brilliant tutorial! My cherry doesnt look like yours, of course. But I didnt have the same colors, brushes, and I was a bit too distracted while painting too. My fault, not yours (; thanks for the help and encouragement!

[@katiagalati912]

Hey Will, can you give me the complete list of all the paint colours you used. Thanks :)

[@willkempartschool]

+Katia Galati Hi Katia, just click the 'show more' under the video and there is a link to a page with the reference image and full material list. Cheers, Will

[@gretadebiasi7231]

Could you tell me please why if I put a color above another, the color that is below goes away and the canvas appears? Maybe the color below must be totally dry? Or maybe I don't have to add water at all tothe upper color beacuse it melts the dry color below? I really don't understand the matter! Thank you so much!

[@willkempartschool]

Hi Greta, sounds like a combination of both of those things, try painting a colour on top straight from the tube and see if it still causes the same problem. Will

[@henrytaotao123]

Still watching in 2020! Useful

[@willkempartschool]

Glad it was helpful.

[@ComradeMorlac]

how can i know how to darken the red? why did you used raw umber instead of addig a bit green? (i see its working but i learned i can darken the colors by adding the complementary colors)

[@willkempartschool]

Hi Comrade, when you are darkening a colour you have two options, use the complement on the colour, or to use a darker pigment. For this part in the painting I was happy to dull it down with a touch of burnt umber to keep the piece working together, but in another red/green colour scheme I may well have used green. Sometimes its just a judgement on that particular painting and the feeling you're after. Cheers, Will

[@willkempartschool]

Yes, just be careful the edges don't become too sharp. Will

[@ivonneflorez8916]

so wonderfull... thanks!!!

[@willkempartschool]

Cheers Ivonne, glad you enjoyed the tutorial. Will

[@kellbellmichelle2979]

How do you know which color to use for the darkest part of the image?

[@TheMcjmc]

mix your base with black to darken, or an opposing colour

[@kellbellmichelle2979]

Okay but what if the darkest part has more of a darkish brown?

[@TheMcjmc]

then paint it darkish brown

[@kellbellmichelle2979]

Ok than. Thanks for the tip.

[@willkempartschool]

@TimHearne Thanks Tim, good luck painting it! Will

[@aashirich17]

Thanks a lot Will,that was really helpful.That was amazing :)

[@anjanmajumdar4045]

You are great 🌹🌹