I Wish I Knew This When I Started Acrylic Painting.

This video is a complete overview of my acrylic painting process from canvas prep to varnishing. I go through some of the essential tips that I have picked up from over 15 years of acrylic painting. I hope you find it helpful!
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GAC 100
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Removable Varnish
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00:00 Intro
00:38 The Surface
01:37 Initial Sketch
02:30 Background
04:29 The Block-in
05:29 Painting Mediums
06:22 GAC100
07:10 Glazing
07:49 Using Water
08:31 Layers and More Layers
09:43 Brushes
11:42 Fur Details
12:51 My Secret Tool
14:14 Last Details
15:45 Varnishing
16:52 The Reveal
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[@S.W.Bestwriter]

I have a BA degree with (HONS). My style of painting is very much like yours. I was told that you can't get no where near enough detail without using oil. I watched this entire thing with my mouth open. (I'm 45 now) but I remember being told also that art won't get you a real job. I work in an office, and I'm miserable. What I wouldn't give to have such a great place to create art like yours. But I will pick up the paintbrushes once again after many years of typing on a keyboard and hating my life. I want to paint the starry night in oil. Which me luck :)

[@lottewied1937]

@SW Best writer, please make your dream a reality .

[@LauraMcCartyArt]

Agreed! Life is short

[@ShannonShanks-il8ip]

Good luck!!

[@ifeanyianyaduba9167]

Love it, keep pushing bro

[@lolaphebus7909]

Vivez votre rêve, où au moins consacrez-y votre temps libre 😏

[@traceywoodall6937]

Just the most beautiful painting that anyone would be proud to hang up and stare at forever 🥰

[@ArtPassionateSketches]

hello🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤

[@McKurdi]

Much better looking than 99% of all insanely overpriced abstract garbage that’s for sure

[@annecowell4163]

Such patience with those spots! It's absolutely beautiful.

[@theasylum1778]

The level of detail enthusiasm talent and hard work makes your paintings so realistic and amazing.

[@ArtPassionateSketches]

hello❤❤❤❤

[@jacquelinemcgowan8164]

Its like the big cat was lying there while you add the spots, almost purring and chilling out, gorgeous painting thankyou for sharing awesome ❤❤❤

[@ArtPassionateSketches]

hello❤❤❤❤❤❤😂

[@patriciayard107]

I agree totally! Also, this artist is the only one I’ve found so far that explained the ENTIRE process from beginning to end. This video gives me more hope that I’m going in the right direction as I’m 100% self taught. I am just amazed at this artists realistic creations!

[@terrythomas790]

@@patriciayard107 I was thinking the same thing, thinking this animal was getting ready to leap when he was messing with its paws!!

[@michaelchattaway1316]

Amazing! Just wonderful to see you work .

[@singlecatt]

Are you the artist or the prey? The jaguar looks like its considering you for lunch. Gorgeous! You have a new fan here

[@cathybradshaw6008]

Absolutely beautiful! Finally someone who paints realistically with acrylics! Thank you for sharing

[@ArtPassionateSketches]

😂❤❤❤❤ hello

[@MamitaClaud]

My daughter is a wildlife veterinarian. She will be celebrating her bday soon. I wish you are from somewhere near because I want to give her a painting of the 5 endangered animals they breed. Alas! I am from South East Asia. Love your paintings! P.S. ​​⁠​​⁠​​For the person mitigating my personal knowledge vs. His subjective experience: I bought a cookbook and the courier cost was $200 while a bag's shipping cost was almost €400. That was DHL and fedex. We do have a post office here and we had lost packages before. Unless items are listed in large wholesale e-commerce marketplace which has really competitive shipping fee in neighboring Asian countries, courier cost is pricey. Some people need to weight in reasonable options such as shipping time, prone to damage in transit and the COST! We have equally talented artists here and deliveries are free. (I have a painting of a humpback whale diving in the ocean and waves are so realistic. It is my favorite and the artist is local). That is my excuse! I can't wink enough here. Before underming people first - widen one's limited perspective, make sure to properly "be in someone's shoes. Apologies, I am not a fan of horror art.

[@angelomariano9494]

We live in a global world; people ship everyday million of items (painting included). I shipped my paintings regularly from NY, then from Okinawa and now from Italy; it was never a problem (distance is not an excuse any more ;)

[@leoalvarado6466]

I was an airbrush artist n can paint ! But after seeing your video? I feel better because I was using paint brush? But it looked flat! So I started airbrushing my work on top of acrylics n it looked professionally painted n more realism. So your right! Airbrush defines what the paint brush can't . Nice video 😊

[@MamitaClaud]

@@angelomariano9494 yeah sure if I will use DHL and fedex. I already paid $200 for a cookbook and more than $400 for a bag for the sf only. Small items expensive shipping. Oh wait yessss we have the local post which takes ages and yes packages gets lost. My very smart grandmother once said "you will never know till you are in another man's shoes." 😇 Now there's this better meaning of ASSUME. You make an A$$ of U & ME. 😜😜😜

[@MamitaClaud]

@@angelomariano9494​​⁠​​⁠​​⁠e di wow alam mo na lahat. Bumili ako ng cookbook at sa sf pa lang umabot na ng $200 samantalang ang bag naman e mahigit €400. DHL or fedex yan. May post office din kami dito. Pero may nawawala na packages. Ang hirap kasi kinukumpara mo experience mo na wala ka sa bansa namin. So what's my excuse? We have equally talented and humble no cray cray artists here and deliveries are free. 😜😜😜😜gets mo? Wala akong pake kung taga NYC ka o kung saan man na lupalop! If you need translation Sweat it out in google translate.

[@azalea1404]

There are so many incredibly skilled artists in South East Asia as well, many of them are KZbinrs too. So I'm sure you can find one in your local community you can work with on creating the perfect painting(s) for your daughter.

[@elvismusolola]

Always a pleasure learning from you

[@rodluper]

Dude, your videos are sensational. I just discovery your channel here and man, your art inspired me a lot. I need to get to paint with again with acrylics. Really, really inspiring video. And amazing acrylics tips, thanks a million for it. you are a true artist.

[@ShannonGibsonArtDesigns]

I can only say INCREDIBLE. When I started I use to sketch a variety of apex animals, and not I focus on fluid art and modern abstract painting. I LOVE this!!!

[@justusmochoge6577]

You are a master with the acrylics I salute you ❤❤

[@BMfixit]

The hours you went through to just get this beautiful piece painted has to be overwhelming. Im proud of you. I actually found a better way to use my talent to bank. This is so inspiring though. Great job

[@LEE-kq9tq]

As a newbie. I REALLY needed to hear the part about just.. trusting the process. Knowing that it's going to look bad at first. That the first few layers aren't going to look great. I keep having to stop myself from being discouraged and stopping bc I don't like how it looks at the beginning stages.

[@GuyGabriel-eu7hb]

Yeah, there's a discipline to the process. The initial layers will never look like much, but once you cross the threshold where the forms start to take shape it gives you the motivation to press on. Then, after completing a few paintings, you won't even need the reinforcement through those early stages. You'll know from experience that the initial layers are just foundational and you won't expect them to look like something other than what they are.

[@cherylmilner7460]

Your paintings are most beautiful. I'd like to thank you for sharing your hints and tricks you've learned along the way, very kind of you.

[@loisgibbs7524]

What an amazing talent you have. I am 80 years old. I’ve only been painted a few years. I’m self taught I do landscapes and portraits in watercolour and paint landscapes and oils. I’ve never tried acrylics. I have acrylic paints, but I’ve never tried them but seeing what you can do I definitely need to give it a try. Thank you for sharing all your talent.. keep up the amazing work you’re doing and God bless you.❤️

[@ArtPassionateSketches]

hello ❤❤❤😢🎉🎉😂😂❤❤❤

[@kathleenpatel1475]

Wow so helpful! and encouraging knowing the first layers are rubbish even for you. The spray paint really ramps up the values! The gas mask is necessary for all the spraying. You have already given enough. Do not give your health. very helpful and practical!

[@terrythomas790]

Its not a gas mask. Its a respirator, Spraying water based thru an airbrush wont kill you. Its the big sprayers where you might need a mask.

[@alanericksen7102]

Your wildlife is wonderful. That's been my love since childhood also. I'll have to study your techniques. Tricks of the trade greatly facilitate the final product, not to mention making the process so much more enjoyable!

[@ShaneTallon88]

You’re so talented !! This is very impressive

[@Joe___R]

To get the smoothest surface, you should start out with using a portrait single weave canvas. Then add your gesso to it like you regularly do. You could also try painting on hardboard or glass instead of canvas.

[@magnuspettersson5454]

Amazing work of art 😲😍

[@chrisandkariadams9826]

Stunning. Thank you for your videos. I completely enjoy watching them and learning from you.

[@wesner326]

Your art is breathtaking! Just beautiful!

[@artofcod2913]

Phenomenal work, I am a sculptor but enjoy picking up pencils and paints from time to time, but your work is another level.

[@patdoe5242]

You are a terrific artist who puts amazing details in all of your pictures and beautiful from start to finish

[@The06angie]

Amazing artist and your art is beyond what I have seen all this years! Always have a passion for wildlife. The explanation are great and well done. Thank you.

[@savannah7714]

Your art is absolutely gorgeous! Can’t wrap my head around how talented you are!!!

[@angiea5266]

What a beautiful painting!! thank you so much for everything you share with us, it's so very helpful! 🥰

[@pomilakantjoshi323]

Breathtaking work of art

[@douglaschandler199]

You make painting look so easy. This is one of my favorite paintings… BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL. You are a GREAT ARTIST….Bravo Great Job…….

[@user-um2zs8pf2w]

Потрясающе!!!Вдохновляете творить!Рада,что увидела ваш канал!Большой профессионал!👍

[@SBIsis]

I love this tutorial. It explains how and when and helps a lot. Thank you.

[@leerag]

Have just now put my name down to be notified about your brush set. Have not ever done acrylic ever before but am wanting to give it a go after watching your videos. I have tried cheap acrylics and found that when I add colors on under painting colors are disturbed underneath and end up muddying and blending instead of being nice, vivid and staying the right colors. Will give it a go soon hopefully. Your painting is breathtakingly stunning.

[@jerryleyba2695]

Wonderful work,It’s not very often that something like this catches my eye.

[@theoutnumbered37]

This is one of the most informative & useful painting videos I have found, so firstly thank you for that. It has really opened my eyes on techniques etc. My background is miniature & model painting with acrylics, at which I’ve become moderately reasonable over the years. I have occasionally tried to dabble in some canvases occasionally and really struggled. I’ve watched many acrylic painting videos, but many aren’t that different to some of the oils in approach. But hearing you talk of priming, colour blocking, washes, glazes, layers, the ugly phase, and even using an airbrush, absolutely feeds into my armoury of learned skills. Your explanation has brought some clarity that I haven’t found elsewhere and am now inspired to go and try some more painting. Thank you for your time

[@JMan377]

Love that you tell us the techniques, thank you!!!

[@dianejohanson98]

Amazing detail and realism. Love it!

[@fugglie]

that was the most interesting and informative video that I have had the pleasure of watching, the best nearly 18 minutes of my time well spent, I learnt a lot. still cant paint to save my life but what a beautiful finished product that anyone would be proud to hand in their home.

[@daynadouglas7545]

You work is just so gorgeous. The painting is detailed and fluid, so lifelike....❤

[@jdy1157]

Outstanding detail, and the end result is mind blowing.

[@ilavas19]

absolutely stunning

[@rogerbernard9572]

I cried… to be sooo talented. I ❤️ your work.

[@bobyounger6109]

That painting is BRILLIANT

[@PedToks501]

your technique and style is very inspiring, you make us all unspoken. super talented !

[@katherinea.hansen7645]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@taniaaucamp6511]

You have got such a beautiful talent. Thank you for sharing

[@Pintorina1]

Stunning painting and great tips! I’m just about to try painting feathers for the first time and definitely need to get some gesso first! Thanks and congratulations!

[@juliedavison-white1496]

Wow I'm stunned what a blessing to being so talented

[@Fizziepop]

This was great! Thanks for sharing the process.

[@dawnallan6334]

Awesome! Awesome ! Painting. Love your work !

[@alisonlangridge7431]

Beautiful artwork and thank you for so many excellent tips!

[@eliasderksen3163]

Really enjoyed watching this. Would love to go painting with you. 😄 This is exactly the thing I love about painting.

[@LittlelambofEmmanuel]

God bless you and your content/ministry, girl!! 💜

[@iloveleannav]

Stunning!! Wow! 😍😍😍😍

[@cathynykolaishyn8926]

I really enjoyed this video. Your talent is amazing along with your patience and attention to detail. Wow! I aspire to paint like you one day. One painting must take a long time to finish. I’m guessing weeks. Thanks for this inspiration!

[@aymannaaz]

Its just magnificent ❤ it looks so lively and real just from mobile screen then imagine the aura and the vibe everyone will get from this canvas art right in front of them just remarkable ❤😌👌🐆

[@ChanelAbstrackPainting]

Great. The coloring of the painting is as vivid as the real animal.

[@leanneviglione1112]

Fantastic and helpful! What a beautiful job you have done on this. Then again all your work is fabulous! 😊

[@dr.anuragpalaskar3920]

beautiful piece of art... loved it so much❤

[@michaelcuthbert-ys7wg]

Exquisite and cruelty free to boot, heart-felt congratulations !

[@momasan2]

Stunning artwork!!

[@janetkuhr5087]

Absolutely beautiful ❤

[@BigBangThief]

I love all of your videos and paintings.

[@denisemitchell2498]

Stunning work!

[@melbabowen4389]

❤Thank you so much ❤️The painting is breathtakingly beautiful!

[@karlmacdonald3267]

totally, needed more layers to make sense with the beginning narrative, but dude, your amazing and inspiring, and how much patience you have. this painting came out rad!

[@judithlund4346]

Looks like you could actually run your fingers through the fur ….. so beautiful. Wish I knew your methods way before now. Thankyou so much for posting

[@user-zt3xv1zz5l]

Absolutely amazing and beautiful

[@PJ-hn4cg]

You must have the patience of Job to work in such detail on such a large scale ... then do it again ... and again ... and again !

[@667hodge]

Your work is top notch👍

[@robeswin]

Wish I had a talent like this. Wow you’re good!

[@user-bx4zq7fx7e]

Flippin' amazing!

[@traceyb8771]

Incredibly beautiful, thank you ❤

[@azadehshalgooni8919]

WoW, Very Wonderful and Fantastic Painting, Thanks for sharing.🙏🏼🙏🏼👏👏🌹🌹

[@jonienelson2888]

A speed saving tip may be a small roller brush with a 4-5 inch smooth roller to apply your gesso. Have watched almost all (if not all!) your videos. You’ve got some amazing talent and have shared a ton of useful tips. As a beginner, they’re very helpful. Keep up the great work!

[@maureendibari2384]

Beautiful work!

[@rl4424]

Magnificent! Love your painting ❣️

[@kyara_arts]

This video is a good example of “Trust the process” ❤

[@watchwoman14]

Wow! Amazing work. I love the air brushing work done towards the end. Just beautiful :)

[@user-eq2ul1lv6c]

Simplemente maravilloso.

[@mimisart]

Gorgeous 😊❤. I recently painted the eye of a jaguar with a little bit of surrounding fur. I’m almost determined to proof to the world that you can paint realistic animals with acrylics and your videos help me a lot.

[@disha3359]

Awesome bro Brilliant painting

[@ruudratajczak2240]

He friend, this is Not a good painting...This is a Brilliant a Masterpiece painting! Man i love it so much❣❣❣❣❣❣❣❣❣❣❣❣

[@guerreropennisi5935]

Que real belleza!!!! Desde Argentina 🇦🇷 un gran saludo y un agradecimiento por darnos una hermosa enseñanza!

[@lolaphebus7909]

😯😯 je vous découvre et c'est incroyable de vérité , quel talent !!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤

[@judypetree2589]

Thank you. I learned so much from you. I was doing some of the things you recommended, but not enough. You were so inspiring.

[@SMazu-cl4uu]

Thanks for all tips

[@aj.creativelyyours]

Wow!! I don't think beautiful and amazing covers your skills and talent!! Thank you for sharing ❤

Bravo à vous pour cette belle réalisation 👏. Une très bonne continuation dans votre Art.

[@1romancatholic]

Thank you! Fantastic artist ❤

[@kanchanamala9761]

The way you hold the brush tells how deft and cool you do it.

[@user-pf1gg6wg4q]

Amazing talent!, thank you for your insights!

[@Lenore007]

Thank you so much for your tutorials. Very helpful!

[@Xx7inNxX]

Great video and interesting insights into acrylics and bleding from someone who almost only paints with oils !

[@Draw_together]

Beautiful painting!

[@I-serve-you-tea]

I paint in both watercolor and acrylics. I have used the projector in a pinch but now I keep,practicing drawing daily and it is getting to the point where it is easier and faster for me to simply freehand draw the image on the canvas,

[@JayKay0245]

Fabulous video, fantastic painting! Thanks for sharing.

[@Abusami51214]

Mr. Wilsn, You are too young to be such a MASTER 😲

[@user-lk1df5lh2k]

Great job👍 respect for greatest paintings Master👍

[@humacepo]

absolument magnifique. Bravo