Minimalist Cactus - Step by Step Acrylic Painting on Canvas for Beginners

Let's continue with our zen/meditative way of using art, and paint this cute, minimalist cactus. I want you to choose colors that speak to you and help convey a mood or emotion. Color is a really powerful tool that you can use to express yourself and help build a feeling you want to have.
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I’m painting on a 12x16-in Fredrix canvas pad, and this thing is AWESOME! Get yours here: amzn.to/2MruclG
I used:
• 1/2-in flat brush
• 1/2-in flat
• 1/2-in angle
• 1/4-in angle
• 1/2-in filbert
• #8 filbert
• #3 round
• Long liner
• Chalk pencils amzn.to/2sqE0D0
Get your Painting with Jane brushes at www.paintingwithjane.com/brushes
I’m using Liquitex acrylic paint in the following colors:
• Titanium White (Basics) amzn.to/2POYYWm
• Quinacridone Magenta (Heavy Body) amzn.to/2RIi6uc
• Cadmium Red Light (Heavy Body) amzn.to/2T1nZzi
• Cadmium Yellow Light (Heavy Body) amzn.to/2CBcLdz
• Phthalocyanine Blue (green shade) (Heavy Body) amzn.to/2DqaDaf
• Matte Fluid Medium (optional) amzn.to/2M6LPqA
But you can use any colors you like. Heavy Body paints not required. Use whatever paints you have or prefer.
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Notice: No part of this video may be reproduced or distributed without written permission from me. The painting demonstrated is owned by the artist and Pandemonium Art Gallery, and may not be reproduced except by individuals for the purpose of learning these techniques. This tutorial and painting presented are not available for commercial purposes and may not be duplicated to be used for classes or commercial sale without written permission from me.
The artwork contained in this video © 2019 by Jane Font All Rights Reserved
"Peace of Mind" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

[@raisagaertner]

Thanks you so much for this tutorial! Me and my 8 y.o. son enjoyed painting it!

[@rubimartin3051]

Jane . Thank yo so much for being our teacher ! You are the best . So patient and kind all the time . 🙏 I finished my cactus and I am very happy with the results ! Thank you

[@tammygrahame8150]

I loved painting this Jane! Had to do about half of it by memory, cause our internet connection went down, and I didn't want to stop painting! Lol! After I was done, and looked at yours later, I see my "mistakes " 😉, but I still like it. Thank you for your encouragement in all your tutorials.

[@kathyderango8242]

I did it and LOVED it! I did change the background color from the fuscia to a burnt sepia, but it worked! I just recently discovered you, Jane, and this Minimalist Cactus is my third painting that I've done! You are a great teacher! I love my new hobby!

[@kristyc650]

I painted this and loved it. Posted it on Facebook and discovered the group changed. I love your style and teaching methods.

[@ai172]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jane! Watching you paint is one of my favorite things to do:) Your paintings reflect the beautiful and honest person that you are:)

[@PaintingwithJane]

You're so sweet. Thank you so much!!

[@soniaforbes5357]

To be honest I thought that’s all? Then I watched your attention to details and love the various colors and now I’m ready to paint it! I’m thinking of putting some thoughtful words on the side. Love it.

[@donnatalley144]

This has nothing to do with any particular painting but with the channel in general. So I’ve discovered your painting videos and I’m new at this but I think it might be helpful to show other people that paint along or eventually paint one of your paintings and what they’d like help with about it. Maybe even showing their paintings, with their permission. It helps to see where people think they’ve messed up and you giving them ideas. The thing is when you watch a painter you don’t realize the different interpretations, good or bad or just working with it. So many of us think we’re messing it all up. Anyway, just an idea. Love watching you!!!

[@donnarandall3275]

I have used canvas pads with our camping group. We get together and I do a "sip and paint" with them. It's always such a good time.

[@PaintingwithJane]

That sounds like so much fun!!

[@JRU11]

Wow! You do a great job educating us with such articulate descriptions of how you paint. The detailed tips about brush strokes are most helpful. You have a nice voice and loads of talent. Thanks for sharing.

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Rick! That means a lot to me!

[@peggymann925]

Just discovered you Jane, I love your style, you teach VERY well, and your voice is soothing! I am a beginner, and have started your 'rainy day through a window' painting. Now I love this cactus painting. And I too seem to kill my plants, without meaning to! Thanks for all you're doing!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Peggy!! I'm so glad I'm not alone in my unintentional plant homicide, lol.

[@MsLogic-zq7df]

Bravo! I loved the journey you take us through. So, calming and inspiring.

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Michelle

[@barbarabrown4133]

This was my first viewing and I’m very excited about trying this myself. I watched the entire session and will order necessary supplies and try this again while watching. I constantly say I flunked kindergarten art and yet, I’m now retired and I truly want to paint! Thank you for helping me get started! Barbara

[@PaintingwithJane]

Yay, Barbara!! I'm so excited for you to start your art journey!!! And you know what? Some of the best artists "flunked" art in school, so you're already on the right track ;)

[@djwhite7328]

Always enjoy painting with Jane :)

[@marywood8241]

Absolutely gorgeous! I love the colors! Thank you for sharing! 💖

[@mnaus43]

As you were painting the prickers, I felt like I needed to tell you to be careful so they wouldn't poke you......they seemed very real, Jane! I'll try this cuz I liked it!!!!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Haha! Thank you so much, Mary! Have a wonderful time!!

[@juliaknuist5829]

Hello from South Africa. ..you're tutorial really helped me to paint my cactus..thank you

[@amandahastman5726]

Your voice is so calming! I can’t wait to try this one out, so beautiful! I love this more minimal style a lot!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Amanda!! Sometimes minimalist images just feel so calming, don't they

[@lisa-gayle9939]

Oh so cute Jane! Can’t wait to try this one!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much! Have a wonderful time!!

[@elisabetbergstrom4653]

Love your paintings, your voice, the soft music and the way you show ewerything you do! This is really feel good! Now i am waiting for pencills my husband orders from you to my birthday. I am so happy! Thank’s again from Bettan in Sweden ,

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Bettan! Happy early birthday!!

[@jetwickmom7239]

You are amazing! I have learned so much watching your videos in the last 2 weeks and did my best painting yet this past weekend. I can’t wait to see more from you. I’m an animal lover so I’m waiting patiently for more critters. I love Mr. Moon!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Yay, Toni!! I love to hear that! Thank you. Oh, you'll like next week's video, then, lol. Mr. Moon decided to be nice and loud while I was filming, haha!

[@annedoucette7331]

You are such a great teacher! Love watching you and really like your cactus!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Anne!!

[@beckymendoza8894]

I just love this! The background music is so peaceful tfs🌵

[@ann-marieedwards1825]

My project for this weekend! Love it 🌵🌵🌵🌵

[@PaintingwithJane]

Yay!! Have so much fun, Ann-Marie!!

[@cristycreates2887]

Hi sweet Jane! I love your minimalist paintings! Love your color choices as well ❤️🌵❤️I've used those same canvas pads before and really liked them, especially when I was just learning, they were great to practice on and they are easy to frame. I had a couple of eye issues and procedures this week or I would have been there for the live. Miss your lives bunches!! Sending big hugs!! 🤗💕

[@PaintingwithJane]

I miss seeing you around! I hope you're doing better. Hope to see you at the next one!

[@cristycreates2887]

@@PaintingwithJane I miss you!!! Thank you sweet Jane♥️ I'm still battling with a lot of depression honestly.. But I'm ok.. Seems when it rains it pours sometimes.. Im going to try to get back to painting and hopefully see you next Tuesday. Lots of love my beautiful friend! ♥️

[@cindychambers1588]

Hi Jane.. just wanted you to know I showed up and I watched the WHOLE Tutorial and you still Rock!

[@PaintingwithJane]

YAY!! Thank you so much

[@gracielaorellana3504]

Es perfecto parece natural hermoso felicitaciones!!!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Muchas gracias, Graciela!!

[@TanteDorle]

oh, I'm looking forward to this.... uhm, maybe less pot but more cacti *just sayin'* However, I'll take whatever ;) Love your lessons dear Jane 💗

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you! Art is such a personal experience, you're always free to do it however you want :)

[@TanteDorle]

@@PaintingwithJane sure ;)

[@patricialoiacono8133]

Gorgeous ! Just loved ! Congratulations Jane ❤️

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Patricia!!

[@nightmare1786]

I loved your video, it is really inspiring! I think I'm going to paint a lot with your videos very often!!

[@BarbZeb]

This is so beautiful, can't wait to do this gem of a painting Jane. I will share on IG for sure. Thank you for your awesome talent!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, friend. I can't wait to see!!

[@carolynmiller4798]

This,is,,soooooooo,cutie,,,an Love the colors!!!!!!!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you! It makes me smile 😊

[@elizabetakuder8069]

Thanks a lot for sharing. Like your painting, you're a good teacher.

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Elizabeta!!

[@sherrellrichmond4307]

Really loved how the "pickle" evolved into a 3-D cactus :D

[@PaintingwithJane]

Hehe, thank you so much, Sherrell!!

[@manalmusthafamoideen1378]

Beautiful Jane...

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you, Manal!!

[@fionalu1005]

Love it !thank you !

[@NasoMessina-g8q]

This is the best cactus painting ever! Those prickles are so .....keep away from them....LOL! Great job as usual.

[@PaintingwithJane]

Haha! Thank you so much, Nella!!

[@beatrizaroca7096]

Great! As usual, lovely tutorial! 💗

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Beatriz!

[@whoandwhatisalice]

I’ve mentioned it before I enjoy your videos so much your voice is pleasant and relaxing. I find many great channels however the noise and chatter is overwhelming and distracting for my personality. Not only can I follow you I feel relaxed afterwards. Thanks again for a great tutorial.

[@lizmchenry3049]

as you're painting the pot i'm thinking that would make a great cold drink cup with a straw!! lol

[@golfergal]

I am trying so hard to learn how to paint this cactus...mine has never quite looked like this...I'll keep trying!

[@kellycoleman1122]

I like it!’

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you, Kelly!!

[@kassidyzimmerman1401]

I really enjoyed painting this with you! I’ll post it on Instagram and tag you so you can see how I did!

[@ElizabethKilbride]

Love the idea of the canvas paper because its easier to store and doesn't take up as much room as regular canvases, however, I wonder if it can be rolled upon finishing the painting in order to ship?

[@thuydungtrinh1186]

Hello, I am a beginner of studying acrylic painting, I wonder why you need put many layers of green on cactus, it is for the painting looks deeper, but is it enough for just 2 or 3 layers? or we need to put layers of colors gradually from dark to light to look better? That makes me confused how many layers should I put on, can you give me an advice? Thank you.

[@lisaharveyclarke3346]

How do I show you my painting ? I call it The Cockeyed Cactus. I actually love it for a first try.

[@patriciamcolombo4811]

Hi Jane, I bought several of your brushes and really like them. But when I got the liner brush the plastic cap was off and the brush won’t stay together it separates and makes it hard to out line. I have tried everything but it just opens up . Thank you patti

[@PaintingwithJane]

Oh no! Please email me at [e-mail]

[@carolalter6697]

Did you have reference material for the cactus or did you just pull this from your memory? - I love your voice and teaching technique

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you, Carol! I really looked at cactuses online for days, taking little bits from this one and that one. No particular reference :)

[@carolalter6697]

@@PaintingwithJane Thanks for your quick response - I can render if I have a reference but I can't do it from memory - I envy people who can just sit down and dig it out of their gray matter - Peace

[@donnadiesburg7451]

Are you using your brushes?

[@rhonddalesley]

Hi Jane, I’ve been enjoying binge watching your videos non stop for the past week so I can recognise them anywhere which leads me to ask about copyright. I’ve just seen an acrylic painting on canvas that’s easily recognisable as your ‘A walk in the rain’, for sale on a UK selling website, obviously no two paintings are identical but is clearly recognisable enough to warrant a copyright infringement and if so, what do I do about it?

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Ronnie!! I've given people permission to sell their paintings, but not make prints. I've asked that I'm credited, but I know some don't do it anyway. If you're concerned, you can email me the information at [e-mail], and I'll look into it. Thank you!!

[@rhonddalesley]

Painting with Jane Hi lovely, thank you for your reply, I’ll email you the details and let you decide because it’s not my call to make 😊

[@philsteege8331]

Hello Jane. My name is Phillip. I really enjoy your step-by-step painting tutorials and I have purchased one of your brush sets. I have an "off-topic" question and the only reason I am posting here is that I could not find a way to ask you painting questions that were outside the painting you were showing. Should I post those kind of questions on your www.paintingwithjane website ?Thank you for all you do for beginner painters like me.

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you, Phil! You can ask here, if you like. You can send me an email, but I get really behind on email, and I might not see it for a long time :(

[@philsteege8331]

Thank you Jane. I tried joining Patreon but the site was not allowing it to complete. My question is that I am working on a painting where the colors keep showing the canvas through the color I first apply. I started over with fresh canvas board and put two coats of Gesso, sanding between coats. I put a coat of black down, but when I put a yellow circle down, I still see black coming through. I put more yellow but as it dries it fades. I thought it might be my cheap acrylic paint so today I ordered full body Liquitex, in the colors I wanted (Mars black, white and medium yellow). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[@PaintingwithJane]

What I think that boils down to is just the nature of certain colors. Some colors are very transparent, some colors are quite opaque, and others are a little of both (translucent). Don't let it frustrate you. The more experience you gain, the more you'll start to know which are transparent/opaque. Even in the Heavy Body paint, you'll have transparent colors. With regards to reds/oranges/and yellows (notoriously transparent colors!), if you use the cadmium colors in Heavy Body, you'll get the most coverage. Be patient. There's SO much to learn! And I'm here to help you 😊

[@PaintingwithJane]

Also, I forgot to tell you to look at the back of a tube. It will tell you if it's opaque/transparent/translucent!

[@philsteege8331]

Thank you so much. I will check the tubes I bought when they arrive. I will hope for translucent I guess.

[@Mattl0657]

How many times have you started a painting and then noticed it looks like a fifth grader did it. Gesso is the best!

[@j.a.steele3347]

SORRY I MISSED YOUR SHOW 😞 STREAMING ISSUES..... ON THE LIVES.

[@PaintingwithJane]

I'm sorry you were having problems :(

[@justindiamond8353]

When are your live streams jane?

[@PaintingwithJane]

Hi, Justin! I broadcast the week's new video every Tuesday at 1pm MST :)

[@donnatalley144]

Kind of like peter McKinnon does with photos

[@taylormarta415]

It's good, but it's not a project for beginners.