Acrylic Painting for Beginners: Techniques & Supplies

[@artprof]

Hang out with us in our Patreon group! artprof.org/support-us/ 👄 share your art in weekly voice sessions with staff 🍎 long written critiques & support from Prof Lieu 🌞 connect with artists in a small group 🧠 all for $20 a month!

[@karenhall6401]

No distracting music. No unnecessary talking. Extremely helpful info and tips for a beginning artist. Thank you from a new Subscriber!

[@bluewren65]

Yep, that's why I've been a subscriber since 2017 and a patreon member for some years.

[@chulangaaverilhettiarachch3267]

To the person reading this: Even though I don’t know you, I wish you the best of what life has to offer ❤

[@artprof]

You are so kind! Same to you, a million times over :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@nicoswow]

now we know why you are into painting...you look bored :'D wish u the best too haha

[@Krispy_dremuur]

This made my day better

[@carlosjaviervegaoroza6827]

Thank you

[@letti799]

Thank you I wish the same for you as well

[@SixString_J5]

What I've always used as a pallette: Took design101 in community college and the professor had us bring a 8x10 picture frame in "cheapest you can find".... first day with the frame we removed the glass and taped the sides and corners with painter's tape. It's amazing because if we were trying to match a color when mixing, we set the glass pallette on top of the reference and mixed until matched.

[@artprof]

That's such a great exercise, and so easy to check your color mixing! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@pianickname8514]

"Please don't eat it" :D haha

[@artprof]

Yeah!

[@19aries81]

I'll just drink it then, Cadmium smoothies

[@exitedaardvark5480]

I actually prefer the taste of cobalt smoothies

[@missd4420]

😂

[@noahcosijns7318]

Well I wasn't going to, but now you told me I can't...

[@raerae6422]

Absolutely love this art prof vid. Only 14 mins long. No annoying music. Loads of brilliant advice(the tip about the chemical bonds was pretty mind-blowing). Great editing. Fascinating to watch Alex paint too. Did i mention only 14 mins long? 😉

[@artprof]

So glad you enjoyed it!!! 14 minutes seems to be a happy middle ground between super long and super short, haha - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@tj21bem]

Exactly!!! These guys can edit. So much substance. No wasted time. And the practical tips (eg. freezer paper). And most of all, they can SPEAK. No annoying Tiktok voice. No grunting or increased pitch at every last word of the sentence.

[@QuickQuipsReels]

For paints I suggest also to get the primary colors warm and cool variations because for example when you want to mix vivid colors (vivid purple), then you want to mix a cool red and a warm blue. If the red is warm then it will be less saturated purple (because warm red has more yellow in it and if we mix yellow, red and blue together we get gray/black) So the purple would go more to the gray side of colors thus not being as vivid. Hope that helps anyone.

[@artprof]

Totally, that's a great suggestion, I always go for the same with my starting palette! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@jazzew]

Cool advice! I really must get back to painting, even a little. But that's great to know!

[@bluewren65]

This came up in my feed and somehow I had not seen it before. I miss Alex. I hope he is thriving as a therapist.

[@EvermoreisTimeless]

I’m starting a new painting for my class and my teacher really doesn’t like when we go it with a lot of colors and he prefers starting monochromatic. But I really liked how you did it with the underpainting being the opposite color. I really want to apply this to my painting. I hope he doesn’t get mad :/

[@artprof]

I know a lot of people do the monochromatic underpainting, but I've never been a fan. I feel like it actually gets your eye to not see the color! This video explains that and more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h32YeY16ZtB4oLs -Prof Lieu

[@EvermoreisTimeless]

Art Prof: Create & Critique thanks! And wow that’s strange cause my teacher says you won’t see the color if you don’t start monochromatic. I ended up doing the opposite color underpainting and I think it’s working out better than I thought it would. I’m very happy I found a new method

[@artprof]

@@EvermoreisTimeless If you think about it this way, it makes sense: (at least to me) if you are painting something black and white that is a color IRL, you basically have to force your eye to ignore the color and reduce it to a specific gray value. So if I am painting a red apple, I have to figure out how to convert that red color of the apple into a grey value, thus getting myself to not see the red. My former professor Tony Janello expalined this to me many years ago because my paintings as an art student were sooooo grey, and he said it was because I had been training my eye to ignore colors by drawing in black and white for so long. I felt like my brain exploded, it made so much sense to me! And I have struggled with color forever and ever, to this day I'm still not that great at it, but I at least understand how it works. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h32YeY16ZtB4oLs -Prof Lieu

[@sanayavg]

I too love the idea of the complimentary undertone....thank you so much! Will try it today!

[@KarismaKnows]

@@artprof these schools and teachers do not all root for us at their root. to train you not to see color or to be able to work with it is on brand for a school, indocrination strikes the lot of us, truly.

[@fritzmasten7675]

This man isn't a slick painter. His work has a wonderful honesty . Refreshing.

[@artprof]

It's reflective of Alex himself!

[@Texbun2]

Sooooo now I want to go to Michael's and buy more paint.....and brushes.....I'm an art supply hoarder and I'm okay with that.

[@outerworldbabe9857]

lol same!!!! I have a problem

[@nik171977]

I am a brush hoarder and have over 50 brushes and still buy more.

[@Larimuss]

Lol I think I spend more time thinking about supplies than just painting.

[@cinderblockstudios]

As an acrylic painter, I'd say his color choices are VERY personal for him, and not necessarily what every painter should get. I'm in agreement that black shouldn't be used for shadows, but I feel titanium white is a staple for beginners or pros a like. However, his set is very much that of a "class" oriented set, and not something that will be versatile enough for an artist browsing YT videos. Basics color theory sets are I feel the best for most painters of any level. Also the idea that if your paint dries on the bristles and you're "done" isn't true. A little rubbing alcohol goes a long way.

[@artprof]

That's a good point about the bristles! Color choice can be super particular, it's good for an artist to experiment with different pallets until they find one they love :) - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@yeetnama9094]

Why the hell do your types even watch these beginner instruction videos just to argue with the creator because obviously you're not a beginner?

[@Antinoüs-Dionysos]

​@@yeetnama9094as a beginner I like that he is giving me another perspective, I'm thankful for that

[@cinderblockstudios]

@@yeetnama9094 Only a pompus artist thinks they can't learn anything because they've outgrown basic tutorials

[@andreesandahl300]

His point about making the underpainting the complimentary color of the object was an ah-ha moment for me.

[@lolabunny7788]

The complementary under painting tip was gold, thanks!

[@kaybrown8493]

This was the best acrylic tutorial I've seen. I've learned more in this last half hour than I have in years of using this medium.

[@artprof]

That's amazing! We hope you have a ton of fun painting! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@KatherineLazo711]

I'm a beginner on acrylic painting and I learn a ton! Thank you for this!

[@quixoticindiscipline9524]

1:30 I never realized that white was dulling up my colors, I always noticed it, but couldn't understand what I was doing wrong, since every tutorial on youtube advises to use white. A lesson on brightening or darkening colors without using white or black would be great help! I assume I can use any light or dark color, as long as I take into account their warmness or coolness?

[@artprof]

That's a great idea! We have a whole lot of lessons on color, feel free to browse our library here if you're interested: artprof.org/?s=color+mixing - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@quixoticindiscipline9524]

@@artprof Thanks for the resources. Do you guys have something on how to improve/paractice brushwork for acrylics?

[@SeanMahoneyfitnessandart]

Adding in small amounts of dark greys or even black also works to de-saturate or "dull" colors.

[@CaramalGoddessFrFr]

If you can make an investment try Winsor and Newton's PROFESSIONAL line! They have almost no color shift, and way more pigment is used, which results in the vibrant colors being much harder to dull.

[@nabilaahmeidiati54]

This is one of my favorite acrylic lesson video in the entire youtube! I can’t believe I watch the entire 14 minutes in one sitting! It feels so enjoyable! I’m really looking forward for another acrylic painting lessons!!

[@artprof]

Glad it was helpful! you might like our oil painting tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moHaaX1ofJyWp6s -Prof Lieu

[@emmi7973]

Just buy a photoframe and use the glass as a palette. Very cheap since you get a palette and a frame. Just be sure to tape the edges of the glass so u don't cut yourself

[@ssia6938]

Acrylic paints have come a long way in recent years. The chemistry has improved color lasting, and vibrancy. I personally find them superior to oils, with more color choices and mediums. Plus the toxicity is nowhere near oil, unless you eat them.

[@artprof]

So true! I've also noticed the amazing quality acrylics, they're game changers - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@picholoup]

To slow down the drying use wallpaper glue. Works great and is super cheap! Also alcohol can help to solve the paint in dried brushes.

[@laura2089]

I love this guy. His voice is so calm and everything about him is relaxing. Great vid 👍

[@artprof]

Totally! Alex is the best, haha - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@sentientcharcoal6450]

I come back to this video all the time because it has so many helpful sections and Alex is such a great teacher.

[@artprof]

He really is! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@lovinrhinos27]

This is exactly the tips I was looking for in acrylic painting! I started painting in high school and really enjoyed the look and feel. It's been so long since I painted but when I got back into it just wasn't the same. I knew I was missing some fundamental tips. Almost everything you mentioned was so informative for me. I. So excited to do my next canvas using everything you mentioned!

[@artprof]

Yes! You got this, good luck with your painting! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@deadflowerzzz]

Thank you for such a thorough video and I love the different textures on the lobster

[@artprof]

You're welcome! More here: artprof.org/courses/acrylic-painting/

[@allisonstarrr]

This was so helpful! The complementary colors in the under paint. And I did not know white was having that effect on my mixing but it makes perfect sense!

[@artprof]

We're so happy you enjoyed the video!! All of these small tricks can really change the way you paint-- I couldn't believe it till I tried! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@merryryely]

I have never tried the color palette you've mentioned... I usually go for magentas, a close primary yellow, phthalo blue, titanium white (mixing white for special purposes), and yellow ochre burnt sienne prussian blue just to make mixing easier (depending on the painting)... and it's good you mentioned the proper way to clean the brushes... we use hot water to restore some misshapen brushes sometimes... with the pencil sketch, depending on the acrylic quality... it's hard to cover the sketch, so people still need to be careful with that... also depending on quality, acrylic will look different after it dries, so budget artists watch out for that... underpainting with complimentary color.. wow.. i should try that, might make everything easier... and gorgeous painting btw love it

[@SeanMahoneyfitnessandart]

Definitely get yourself some Cobalt Blue... idk what it is exactly but there is magic in Cobalt blue. It works perfectly for creating depth and pushing objects like distant mountains far into the distance.

[@marypartridge5154]

You are wonderful because you keep it simple. Simple is great because a kot of us know nothing.

[@artprof]

Haha, thank you so much! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@HughPryor]

Just gone and bought a buttload of paints for a commission - haven't painted in acrylic for about 30 years so I'm learning again - this time hopefully better than how I learned at school

[@artprof]

For those of you watching this tutorial, please know that our approach to filming this tutorial was to provide very basic information on the differences between oil and acrylic paint for someone who has little to no experience at all with this materials. (thus, the "for beginners" in the video title. Since it is impossible for us to know what each individual person watching this video has access to in terms of a place to paint, (whether it's in a home studio, outdoors, at a local arts organization) we err on being conservative and cautious when presenting information on toxic materials and being responsible about safe disposal of materials that cannot be poured down the sink or placed in a regular trash can without causing harm to the environment. There are probably some of you who do have that circumstance or facility , but we felt that it would be irresponsible for us to make the assumption that everyone watching this video does. There are certainly nuances and complexities to the toxicity of certain materials, (not to mention so many manufacturers and pigments, each of which are different!) but our point is for people to understand that oil painting isn't a practice that you can casually maintain the way you could if you are doing a pencil drawing. I'm sure there are some of you watching this video who are much more advanced in your painting practice, have logged many more years, and have tried out many more different materials that we don't mention in this tutorial. Beginners in acrylic and oil painting have a lot of hurtles to deal with when they first start painting. As you progress and find which mediums and techniques are right for you, and develop preferences for your own customized painting technique, you may have different experiences than we talk about above. Please feel free to share your experiences and techniques in the comment section so we can all learn together. See our other acrylic & oil tutorials! Oil Painting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moHaaX1ofJyWp6s (part 1) kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6rdqph3j65sqas (part 2) stretching canvas: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIm7gamAhbVppbs , still life acrylic painting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXe4fayKm5KFsK8 and mixed media acrylic painting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3mbgZeEr7OBgaM Enjoy! -Prof Lieu

[@dougsundseth6904]

Excellent information for a certain type of painting. I learned a few things here even though I've painted with acrylics for decades. That said, a few points points that I noticed: Palettes - Acrylic paint tends to dry _very_ quickly on a flat palette (but see below). Well palettes give you a better volume to surface area ratio than flat palettes, so the paint can stay workable longer. Porcelain well palettes are much easier to clean than plastic well palettes, so if you go with a well palette, that's what I would use (and have used). But wet palettes can keep paint alive on the palette much longer. This is especially so if you use (as I do) very fluid paints. For quite fluid paint like the Golden Fluid Acrylics and High Flow Fluid Acrylics, I prefer to use baking parchment rather than the palette papers that come with at least the Masterson wet palettes. Brushes - I work with thin, fluid paints and I work both small and tight. For that kind of painting, I strongly prefer natural-hair brushes (specifically premium Kolinsky brushes) to nylon ("Golden Taklon" or whatever trade name). Nylon brushes tend to lose their points very quickly even when cleaned regularly and carefully, where a Kolinsky can be a workhorse for a year or more. But as I say, I don't do large pieces and I paint very tight, so the brush tip geometry is crucial for me. Brush Cleaning - Dish soap or shampoo is fine for polymer brushes. For natural hair, though, it strips all the natural oils and turns the brush into a mop. If you are going to use a detergent with natural hair brushes, do what you would do with your own hair and use a hair conditioner after cleaning. FWIW, I generally prefer to use a dedicated brush soap like The Masters to avoid the two-step process. If you somehow let paint dry in your brush, Winsor & Newton makes a Brush Cleaner & Restorer that will clean even dried acrylic paint out of the bristles of a brush. It will also clean the lacquer off the handle of the brush if you aren't careful, and I'm pretty sure it's at least a bit toxic, but it's an option. Photographing gloss-surface paintings - If you don't do lots of impasto work, using strip lights at a 45° angle from either side of the painting should kill the specular reflection quite effectively. (A very large painting might also need lights above and below, but we're talking _very_ large here.) If you do a lot of impasto work, you might have to matte the painting before photographing, since some part of the texture may always act like a mirror reflecting the light directly at the camera, but even here, if your lights are large enough you can limit your specular reflections. I hope some of that helps someone.

[@artprof]

Thank you so much for this info!! We're glad you liked the video, and provided even more insight into acrylic painting for those who are learning :) If you enjoyed this video, you might also like this one about oil painting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moHaaX1ofJyWp6s Feel free to check it out! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@solomonotuagomah5526]

This guy explained every single thing I needed in one vid now I can start my new art collection

[@artprof]

Yay! So glad you think it's helpful! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@jeanlecoq5140]

I have painted with oils, watercolor, color pencil, did pen and ink pictures but I've wanted to learn acrylic. This video made it more understandable. Thank to you, I am getting closer to learning a new method, thanks to you.

[@artprof]

We're so happy to help, thank you so much for watching! We hope your painting goes well-- this site might also help you out if you'd like to learn more: artprof.org/?s=acrylic - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@NamelessFaceless-h1u]

The other day my sister got me some acrylic paint and paintbrushes along with a small plastic palette and some cheap canvases to start my painting journey. I plan to start tomorrow and am incredibly excited as I haven’t touched a paint in many years since I was in school. Six large tubes of primary red, yellow, and blue, dark green (don’t feel like going to see the actual name lol), black and white. While the technique in the actual painting aspect I didn’t really pay too much attention to, as I’m more of a learner through personal effort, I appreciate the other advice you offered. Such as using freezer paper instead of a plastic palette and using cold water to wash the brushes to avoid binding the paint to the brush. Thanks! Can’t wait to try it for myself tomorrow 😁

[@brokescholar]

Advice that stays relevant 5 years later 🤗

[@artprof]

Yes! We love to hear that! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@alexw6802]

Thanks so much for this video! I recently started 6 month art fellowship, but I'd never actually learned how to paint (I was just an art minor). I'd done lots of acrylic painting as a kid so I had leaned from experience, but so much of this was new to me, and you do a great job of explaining

[@lillabarbarics137]

This guy sums up so nicely :) I'm one month in painting and I feel the lack of those tools in my work. He gave solution to all my problems 🎉👏

[@artprof]

That's so awesome! We're happy to have helped out :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@hanadiam8910]

Wow your art piece is soo pretty, I really liked this vid & acrylic colors even more! Been looking for acrylics to avoid the toxicity of oil paints, so this video was so helpful! Many thanks

[@artprof]

I'm happy to hear that this video was helpful for you! We have a bunch of videos on using acrylics if you want more- artprof.org/learn/tutorials-media/painting/abstract-acrylic-painting-prompts/ artprof.org/learn/tutorials-media/painting/portrait-painting-in-acrylic/ artprof.org/learn/tutorials-media/painting/abstract-acrylic-painting-techniques/ -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@enriquegutierrez5756]

Thanks!

[@artprof]

Thank you so, so much!!! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@dianagb9770]

This was incredibelyyy helpful! I am painting again after 10 years and am trying to learn better techniques and color theory this time around. Very very helpful video and tips. Thank you!

[@Brandt304]

This video was so informative for a student intermediate, may I ask what's the brush technique u were using in the still life called?

[@artprof]

There isn't a specific name for Alex's brush technique, I think everyone really invents their own. You can see my brush technique in Part 2 of my oil painting tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6rdqph3j65sqas -Prof Lieu

[@beesknees947]

Thanks for the tip of using a complimentary color under wash; that is a great idea!

[@artprof]

You're so welcome! It is a real game changer for sure - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@sealkt7782]

What a perfect little introduction to acrylics. So many great tips shared, and just calm and good. Thank you!

[@artprof]

We're so psyched you enjoyed it, thanks for watching! :D - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@MareBear80]

Thank you so much for making this video. You are an incredible teacher and an absolutely amazing artist! This video was so well put together and informative. I am a beginner from scratch and just bought my canvases and brushes and acrylic paint this week. So glad I found this tutorial. I’m very excited! 👏🏼

[@artprof]

You are so welcome! We're excited to help you on your painting journey :D - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@KarenLouiseDavies78]

Great video! A wet palette changed my process too. Now I can keep mixed acrylic paint for days without much change in the consistency

[@levtieart3409]

Glass paletes are the best you just need a glads scraper to scrape it off and you dont waste that much

[@celestemedrano1799]

FINALLY I KNOW WHAT MATTE MEDIUM IS FOR :D. My teacher told us to mix it with all our paints and that in increases transparency but never said anything else. Now I know how to use it better thank you

[@reyesmann3221]

So I'm just trying to get back into painting because I just enjoyed it as a child. My sister gave me her acryllic set that she doesn't use anymore recently. Grateful as I am, I hadn't the first idea to get started, but you're helping me make that first step. Thank you for this.

[@artprof]

We're so happy you're taking the leap!!! Good luck on your painting journey, we're here for you :D - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@mindbodyyou724]

Great tips not found before. Many thanks. Did oil for some years and just getting to know acrylic Love the lobster! Thank you . Will watch out for your videos.

[@nonononop9705]

Amazing, methodical, thorough and simple guide. Good job.

[@michelecampbell1122]

I'm working on a list of supplies to buy my son as a gift. This was a great help!

[@artprof]

We're so happy it helped! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@Lines-n-Burrs]

Thank you for your education. Acrylic in my experience was what we were given in high school, with no insight whatsoever. So I went to college and decided to take a painting class, hoping to learn how to approach different types of paint and was told day one: you must provide all of your materials, choose whatever your PREFERRED medium is… and was taught nothing about the medium yet again. And of course I chose acrylic because I had used it the most. It’s stunning to me how no one just teaches the basics to anything and assumes using the medium will somehow be instructive. Anyway- I appreciate this. Will be putting some to practice. Didn’t even know that there were mediums you could mix into the acrylic 😅

[@artprof]

Same! I've found I've had to take specific technical workshops, usually run by paint technicians or paint shops to learn how to use mediums, mix paints, and prepare surfaces. -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@angelinavivant]

Love your videos and work! Please note esp for health concerns that acrylic paint is toxic when it’s drying/dissipating into the air. We also need to be mindful of using ingredients that include cadmium and titanium. We especially need ventilation while working and paint is drying.

[@artprof]

Absolutely! I completely agree, hopefully in our future videos we can spread more education about this issue :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@rduff1999]

@@artprof Although it may be too late to save me, I would be interested in the video you said you would consider making on health cautions. I started painting in oils during the 50s with turps, lead white and all the cadmiums. The turpentine has been replaced with turpenoid which, while odorless, still requires ventilation. Lead white replaced with titanium but I still use the cadmiums. I don't mix my paint from the powders and I don't eat them so no problem there. The only thing I do different now is wear vinyl gloves. Always learning.

[@hotspringroll]

As a palette I use a tile sample that I got when my bathroom was being renovated. To clean it i wash it with hot water and the hard acrylic softens and peels off easily. Or I just scrape it off

[@artprof]

That's a cool technique, thanks for sharing! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@sambhawikarki2044]

I really enjoyed the video, especially where you applied a complimentary under paint. I'm planning on challenging myself to paint and not procrastinate, and after watching this I think I'm ready to :))

[@Gospelmama1940]

I really like all of your suggestions and tips! I took some acrylic classes a few years back (One Stoke). The instructor (nor any of the books) suggested washing brushes with cold water. I used warm water and dish detergent, unfortunately, and eventually (quickly) I lost the use of several brushes. About that time that happened I had to stop the lessons and haven't picked up my brushes since. But, I am feeling like trying again, especially with your suggestions. I have brushes but will need to invest in paint and now I have an idea of just how few colors are needed to get started so as soon as possible I am off to Hobby Lobby!

[@artprof]

I'm so glad to hear that after a break you are coming back to painting again! If you're up to it, feel free to join our Discord community and share what you're making! discord.com/invite/artprof -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@alizafar2624]

For colour choices I would add quinacridone magenta instead of alizarin crimson because its more lightfast, also add dioxazine purple because mixing the right purple is difficult.

[@artprof]

Quinacridone is so beautiful!! Thanks for the suggestions :) If you liked this video, you might also enjoy this one about oil painting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moHaaX1ofJyWp6s - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@donnakarenedwards2199]

Thank you, I knew none of this. I've been working with watercolors, but I want to start working with acrylics. This video is very helpful

[@artprof]

Ohh glad to hear it! If you want more guidance while starting your adventures with acrylic, we have a whole playlist of acrylic tutorials. 😊 kzbin.info/aero/PLvt8_pMl6ywmoP3PRVUvQtaljFXPOHXnx -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@kathymercer9630]

Thank you! I had no idea what colors to buy. You included some great basic information on using acrylics.

[@artprof]

You are so welcome! Good luck with all of your upcoming paintings!! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@sweetdays5813]

Thank you! This was great - lots of clear information. I really appreciate it. And I'm loving your art!

[@katier0se]

He's a great teacher, I really enjoyed watching this. Thank you!

[@artprof]

Glad you enjoyed it! Here's more about Alex, I think on the site you can also search by TA if you want! artprof.org/about/meet-the-family/alex-rowe/ -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@fazeverdansk9276]

Such a beautiful painting, and the information was clear too.

[@laurayoung8001]

I put a wet cloth on a plate, then cover it with parchment paper. Keeps the paint cool and slightly most. Also I lay a old table cloth on my work surface to whip my brushes.

[@artprof]

Ooh smart tips! I love learning about little rituals artists utilize, they're all so different :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@DianneLiebenthal]

I enjoyed your tutorial. I picked up some good tips. Thank you.

[@404tita]

it helped me a LOT! i needed to watch this! loved to learn about the layers be painted with the complementary colors fisrt and by doing so we add the real color. I didn't use to do that! thank you!

[@artprof]

Awesome!! That is lovely to hear :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@tracymarie4633]

Brilliant ! Very informative. Saw you in the other with the Professor. Recognized the still life. (Still trying to learn your names.) Thanks so much.

[@artprof]

Thanks for watching! His name is Alex😀, you can see his bio page here on our main site: artprof.org/about/alex-rowe/

[@calumdickinson9570]

That was really interesting. I have no art background but used to find myself getting absorbed when I painted wargaming miniatures when younger. I bought a cheap acrylic set and did my first painting and chose an easy identifiable subject (European Robin) so no matter how bad it was, I would be happy as I could see what I was going for. Nice to know the chemistry which makes perfect sense and like the idea of the complimentary colour wheels. I will likely apply things I learned on this video to painting number 2.

[@artprof]

That's so great to hear! I find that often even when people say they have no art background, they have picked up skills important to art making from other parts of their life, and it's a great point of access to learning about art more directly. Congrats on your first painting! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@bvphil982]

Thank you for this video! I have learn a lot of in-depth information on Acrylic painting and the things that beginners like me should consider when starting Acrylic painting (Materials, brushes to consider, number of colors, etc...), even though I have some little experience before with Acrylic painting. With this video, I've learn more about color mixing techniques, brushing /stroking styles and techniques, that I can use for future use if I ever engage in Acrylic painting again.

[@artprof]

That's wonderful! Thank you for sharing what you've learned! If you're interested in more acrylic videos, we have a whole playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLvt8_pMl6ywmoP3PRVUvQtaljFXPOHXnx -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@munchmunch-q2b]

Thanks for this simple, straight to the point tips for beginners.

[@kevinmanning3753]

Great idea about not over using white and blacks thank you very much!

[@EricVentura-uh3yq]

I’m so glad I watched this video before I started painting had no idea acrylic would dry so easily

[@christianemiller2395]

I’m a beginner so I find this helpful. Thanks

[@artprof]

You are so welcome! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@PhungDoan1985]

Acrylic painting for beginners. The picture is very beautiful.Thank you for sharing the video

[@artprof]

You're so welcome, thanks for watching! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@imogendann8754]

Alot of great information! I'm excited to try mixing white. It is the first time I have heard of it and it is making me very curious. Thankyou

[@artprof]

Good luck!! If you have more questions about color mixing, I highly recommend checking out our Color Track. There are a lot of really helpful tips and exercises there! artprof.org/learn/fundamentals/color/color-track/ -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@doyouthinkitsdead]

I'm just looking for tips before painting with the kids. This was eye opening cheers dude!

[@artprof]

Happy to help! -Prof Lieu

[@jazzew]

Thanks so much for this awesome advice! I don't even know if my acrylics are any good now (haven't painted in some years), but I feel like getting into some again. Simple stuff, but at least to enjoy colouring it. The complimentary underpainting...never heard that one before! I gotta try. :D

[@nina150]

I plan out paintings before I start by mixing and making a chart of colors I'm going to use, and mix the paint in jars and then I can store my paint afterwards as long as you give them a spritz of water every couple of days your stored paint will last for quite awhile. I highly advise this it's less waste. ❤

[@artprof]

That's so smart! Organization is so important while painting, it prevents so much unnecessary waste! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@nina150]

@@artprof Thank you I think so as well I got the idea from Madoka Kinoshita on KZbin, she's a life saver I now look up to. 😌

[@tanyarut1918]

That was fantastic! Lots of good, clear instruction. I should have experienced your video before my first trip to the store. Why? My 1st paint color purchased was Titanium White😊

[@artprof]

There are still lots of good color mixes that need titanium white, don't worry! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@xoxolilyrc]

I've been using watercolors for so long I've completely lost my skill in acrylic so TYSM for this video!!!

[@AlexiHolford]

What a wonderful video! I am just beginning and have not done even one painting yet. I am a wee bit scared. But all this information is super helpful! Thank you!

[@artprof]

You've got this!!! Thank you so much for tuning in-- we have a ton of other painting resources here you can check out if you're interested: artprof.org/learn/tracks/painting-basics-track/ - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@gwenchaperon4262]

Just subscribed and I am not even half way through learning lots magical

[@artprof]

Thank you for learning with us! ❤️ -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@NBDYSPCL]

I have the most experience with acrylic, and I appreciate it's efficiency, but I always felt self conscious it wasn't one of the "proper" mediums like oil or gouache. This has shown me that you can have the best of both worlds.

[@artprof]

Absolutely, I really don’t think that it’s that important. Whether a painting is acrylic or oil nowadays! -Prof Lieu

[@marypartridge5154]

Please I want you as my teacher because you really explain everything. The others go to fast. Just the best I have seen.

[@artprof]

We're so glad!! Hopefully we've covered all the bases for you - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@plut0nivm_v]

Thank you so so much 😭 I struggle so much with color and any media other than digital and pencil. This was so helpful :)

[@artprof]

Glad it was helpful! -Prof Lieu

[@SleepyKyju]

Question! I wound up moving out of the fine art program my high school had and switching to animation and graphic design. I am pretty much entirely a self-taught artist and recently have been getting more into paint. I'm currently a freelance illustrator but it's mostly digital, and then traditional mediums are what I use for recreation. Something my AGD teacher (who also has an MFA and was teaching fine art originally) said that COMPLETELY changed how I feel about using paint is to use Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, and White. When I got my starter set of Holbein gouache 4-5 years back it came with CMYKW in the pack and I fell in love with the vibrancy of the colors. I've started using acrylic in those colors the last few months for some side projects and I'm loving the results. The stuff I hated about acrylic before turned out to be how I was taught to mix the colors in that one high school art class. So, my question for you is, why do you recommend the colors you do as a starter set? Almost all of those colors can be mixed by using CMYKW. None of them appear particularly vibrant either and that's not really something one can add back. I'm genuinely curious!

[@artprof]

I think it's mostly a matter of preference. I know a lot of people that swear by CMYK(W), especially illustrators and I personally do find it easier to maintain vibrancy with it. I've gravitated towards it more since I started working with washes and the white of the canvas, but I wouldn't recommend this palette if you are looking to paint thickly or opaquely. The typical pigments chosen for CMYK are transparent (quinacridone, phthalo, arylide), and also a bit acidic or chemical (for lack of a better word). It's great for cinematic, photographic, or digital translation work which is all about mixing color through light, but you have to work really hard to get something that feels more earthy, material, or "traditional". -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@prot3g31]

Been drawing most my life..looking to get into painting this had so much info and still didn’t make me feel overwhelmed…subscribe

[@artprof]

So happy to hear that! Here are some cool effects that you can try with the acrylic while you're learning: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5fcmIeLfcpmgJI -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@bethanyshay]

I'm new to painting and find this very helpful!

[@artprof]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@fortierdawn]

Wow. Thanks for sharing all the info. Your painting is gorgeous! Loved the bloopers at the end.

[@artprof]

Glad you enjoyed it! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@JoeB_BSc]

Hi, halfway through your helpful video thanks. 2 suggestions: in my opinion: stay wet palettes are worth using, or homemade ones, many oil painters start in acrylic, then move to oils, though generally acrylic painted on with oil paints works, vice versa doesn't, I hope these opined suggestions are helpful. Regards JB

[@artprof]

Thank you for your great tips! Yes, very important that the oil can be used on acrylic, but acrylic **cannot** be used over oil. -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@donnellebohnke7487]

Really enjoyed the video. Just starting out and your explanations were clear and concise. Thank you

[@artprof]

I'm happy it was helpful for you! here are more of our acrylic videos in case you want to learn more: kzbin.info/aero/PLvt8_pMl6ywmoP3PRVUvQtaljFXPOHXnx -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@COEYRN]

I like you. I feel very calm. My favorite paint is powdered paint from childhood. What is your opinion on it? I kept it for many years, until I ran out. I found for mixing colors it was so much easier then acrylic paint.

[@artprof]

I actually can't remember using that paint, but I'll have to give it a try! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@ShirleyPearl-n9z]

Lovely original painter .❤

[@4204799]

wow! i really wish i watched this video before starting to paint as a hobby. i only recently started using gesso, and i've literally never heard of mediums. i have always pencil sketched beforehand though.

[@artprof]

Omg!! We're so happy to be of help-- the cool thing about painting is that the more you learn, the easier it gets! So the fact you're already painting as a hobby means you're in a great spot :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@laurar430]

Beautiful! I really enjoy your videos. Thank you for your generosity to beginners!

[@artprof]

Thank you so much for watching! Good luck painting :) If you liked this video, you might enjoy this one too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqu2eJeEmdeZiaM - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@Sarah-sn8fj]

Great video! I love painting in acrylic and agree it’s so versatile

[@artprof]

Glad you enjoyed it! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@Mahbubaartandcraft]

You are the best artist and best teacher 💗😊❤️😍❤️😍

[@citaw517]

OMG...SO helpful!!! Thank you

[@artprof]

You're very welcome! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@kirchelive6252]

Awesome! I love your long videos and art alongs and watching the whole process but this is so useful to recapitulate. Thanks so much!!!

[@artprof]

Glad you're finding good uses for all of the different formats. :) -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@mxt4907]

So is all the transparent thinner paint mixed with the slow drying medium? Crimson and sienna is an interesting choice for starter paints. I feel more attracted to bolder colors

[@manuelapenela1924]

This is fantastic. Thank you very much! I’ll be watching it again. 🎨

[@artprof]

We're happy to hear that!! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@bellkristyn]

This was such an informational video! I learned so much. May I ask, is there a brand of acrylic brushes that is best when starting out that includes the thin to wide brushes?

[@artprof]

That's great, glad to hear this video was useful! We recommend acrylic brushes from Winsor and Newton, you can get more info on their brushes on the course page: artprof.org/courses/acrylic-painting/