Tips for Using Acrylics Like Watercolor - Vlog

In this Mindshot vlog I tackle a question about using acrylics like watercolor, something I've done quite a bit as an illustrator. I give my tips for doing so in this video.
** Affiliate Links **
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for looking.)
My Amazon Store of Favorite Products:
www.amazon.com...
Liquitex Professional Softbody - amzn.to/2kLKLKp
Golden Fluid Acrylics - amzn.to/2ljKjq1
YOUR help is important.
My video content will always be free on KZbin but consider helping me keep it that way by becoming a patron through Patreon / mindofwatercolor
___
Popular Uploads
• Art Journaling with Pr...
Watercolor Basics
• 5 Tips to Overcoming t...
Product Reviews
• Using the Water Brush ...
Mini Episodes
• How to Paint Bare Tree...
Paint With Me
• Paint Watercolor With ...
Subscribe:
www.youtube.com...
Follow me on Facebook:
www.facebook.c...
Follow me on Twitter:
/ smitchelldesign
Show Theme Music
www.pond5.com/s...

[@delila351]

my very first "watercolor" was acrylic and I thought I was cheating :) I love your work and your wisdom. THanks.

[@aljuri095]

same here

[@cheronmane2707]

I was really wondering about if this was possible so I looked it up, being curious, I saw a few videos on this topic but they were all terrible, terrible quality. And then I found this video and wow! This is amazing quality and your artwork is spectacular and I hope you are or begin to go on tour or have gallery because you are spectacular

[@EddyCrosby]

Thanks Steve for the great info. When using acrylic I tend to keep my brushes suspended in water in those spiral metal brush holders oil painters use. That way they never dry out and you can clean them at the end of the day.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks for the tip.

[@LightshamanaDhyana]

Atelier acrylic can be "reawakened" and reworked with their special medium. It is the most versatile acrylic paint ever. Can be used with all watercolor techniques. Try the introductionary kit. Made in Australia

[@colleeningham7335]

That was extremely helpful. I am like a lot of my friends, I have watercolour which is my passion, gouache, which I am not great with, pastels and of course acrylics.I didn't know you could use it like watercolour and haven't been game enough to get it out and give it a go so your tips were great. Thank you. Always enjoy them.

[@puffyjo]

Hi I knew about this but just was not too sure , My Dad was an artist and used every kind of medium he could get his hands on and I remember at one point and time that he mentioned that he loves acrylics cause he could use them thick like oils and thin like water color paint . at the time I just figured that I would never be able to paint like him so I never asked him any questions about it more . Now I wish I had , well thank God for you and thank goodness you are kind enough to make videos to help us all out . thank you Steve =)

[@mindofwatercolor]

So many things I wish I had asked my dad about when he was alive. I know how you feel. Thanks for watching.

[@jaspermartin7444]

heh heh heh. Literally only two seconds ago I started wondering if I could get my cheap acrylics to act like watercolor for my gelli plate -- and wow this video appeared! Thank you! Not about to waste my good watercolor just for a gelli plate, but my ultra cheap watercolor doesn't mix well plus doesn't have enough colors.

[@davidzhang544]

I use watered down acrylic as an underpainting and a way to add an abstract effect! this is good lol

[@Jennifer-ex5wy]

Omg, i do that as well. I paint on watercolor papers. Do you think it would last?? I wanna open a commission artwork but i use watered acrylic in some parts of my paintings. I am worried the paint might fade over time.

[@IsleofWightBushcraft]

Thanks for confirming my thoughts on this. I’ve moved over to using these techniques and am re assured by your points.

[@StudioChix]

Steve, thanks for your inspiring videos. Here's my palette tip. I save the tops of yogurt, cottage cheese, any type or size food container. I wash, store, and use for experiments with new watercolor, acylic, or inks. Would appreciate knowing if or how you use acrylic inks.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Great tip thanks!

[@LeaGalTan]

Thanks for another terrific video. Timely too as I just bought some acrylic paints.

[@lisathaviu1154]

Great video. I might just get a few acrylics and try those again. I used to use a little fine spray water bottle to slow the drying time of my acrylics. Also, if you have a brush where you allowed some acrylic to dry or you got some on your clothes, try getting it out with solvent alcohol.

[@zenandink3531]

I thought that the acrylic sample you showed us gave a really amazing look to the face--more 3 dimensional--amazing painting overall...and, I have just a few acrylics but my faves are Golden's--especially the Quinacridone Gold😊...thanks for the video

[@lorainelafleur3025]

I'am so glad to know that. I have many acrylics colors that I can use and try mixing with my water color. Thank you for all your video. I learn so many things.

[@lauralaladarling3775]

Thank you so much for your informative and helpful video. Your painting is fantastic; I love the background colours and misty fade out. Xxxx ❤

[@sketchingjohn1678]

One tip I have is to wet the paper if you are going to glaze over a layer. Otherwise the acrylic seems to IMMEDIATELY sink in and stay. This may be true for more staining colors like Thalos, etc... Thanks for a great video. This is my second time through it.

[@CaptainFutureman]

Thank you so much, you managed to address all my concerns and questions in one go.

[@essietangle9931]

Thanks for the reminder, I need to get out my DVD on this (Acrylics the watercolor alternative) Charles Harrington. And thanks so much on the brush type warning and separate areas of paint. It's great to learn and I thank you for your time.

[@celticqaidbear]

I have been treating acrylic paints in the same way, used them toning mono prints and lino cuts prints, with oil based inks.

[@pauloaa11]

I wanted to try acrylics as watercolor and found your video. Thanks for the valuable hinys.

[@jimmymoreno8272]

its funny how this video came out just as I was going back to using acrylics to try and do a little mixed media pieces. GREAT VIDEO!

[@tate4783]

Great video. Why did I think that was Dwight in the background? 😂

[@urssysplace2622]

Hello...I really luv your style...and thank you so much for your experienced advice...have been using acrylics and wanted this exact idea how to utilize my paints.

[@andysargent5821]

Great video as always Steve. I won't be going out and buying any Acrylics however as I also want to concentrate on Watercolour and I have just bought some Derwent Watercolour pencils in response to your last video. They will take a bit of getting used to.

[@terrilikens4975]

This popped up just when I needed it. Always a pleasure, Steve. Thanks!

[@bonnieolendorf70]

Thank you. I feel so daring when I do mixed media.

[@sharonriley4297]

Thanks Steve I do have some acrylics and was wondering if I could use the two together. I'm not even close to your magnificent talent but l do enjoy my paints, and I love, love, love your videos.

[@celenamcmahon6505]

Fantastic information thx u😊🎉

[@DS-zj2on]

Thank you, thank you!

[@colourwheel5703]

I have used acrylics with water in sketch books and the results are very good.

[@pjlewisful]

I mix them a lot. As you mentioned it's all trial & error but sometimes interesting results. I recommend to all to at least try it.

[@GoddessOfPumpkin]

Thank you! Love watercolor but I'm painting a gift that's supposed to be on canvas.. and I've heard that watercolor can't be done/is difficult to do on canvas. Sooooo gotta figure out how to use acrylic to get a watercolor vibes haha!

[@user-bt5kh1ss5v]

Thanks...helps a lot.

[@barbaramain6381]

You’ve just made up my mind for me, mannny thanks ... again!

[@LilCraftyNook]

Awesome!! I started with acrylics so was always wondering about this!

[@deansyoutube]

very helpful, thanks!! want to finish a bigger piece ive been doing in gouache so far and i figured that thinning acrylic paint would be the best option, since i dont have access to gouache during quarantine,, great reassurance that i wont ruin anything!

[@Jojospyder]

Thanks for the tips. Happy New Year~ 2022

[@mindofwatercolor]

Happy new year!

[@abstractbybrian]

Try some Golden's High Flow Acrylics, especially the translucent colors. The viscosity is like watery ink. It's wonderful for color glazing.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, I've been wanting to try them. Hear they are quite nice!

[@conniedecarolis3173]

Wow THANK YOU. I always wondered about this.

[@carlamarlene2927]

LOVE that picture. beautiful

[@JamesPliny]

I was surprised when I met and visited with Byron Birdsall (a well-known local w/c artist) in his studio that he used some acrylics in his beautiful watercolor paintings. He said he liked the fact that he could then wash around and even over the acrylics without worrying about wiping them out or blending with them. Thanks for your instruction and especially your (always) open mindedness to experimenting: always an adventure.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Ah yes. A great mixed media technique. As an illustrator I used to combine the two quite often for that and various other reasons. I've become more of a purist now but not because its the best way just a preferred approach. I'm going to try using gouache more often on location because its harder to plan for whites en plein air.

[@maryalgar8779]

Interesting - would never have thought to try this.

[@bobyounger6109]

I’m just starting line and wash. And sitttig here thinking, why not colour the background first then draw whatever You want leave both to dry then detail your picture?.

[@MelkaVelka]

THANK YOU !

[@lorainelafleur3025]

P.S. The best way to clean brushes for acrylics paint is to use Murphy oil soap right after using them. You must rub until the brush is clean. I let the brushes hanging in the water during the painting before cleaning them.

[@elaine-cb]

Excellent video Steve, as interesting as always. So glad that you shared your painting with us. But... what a strange bunch we followers must be! I too have just bought some golden acrylics to play abstracting!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thats ok! Strange can be good too! 😊

[@cklew8999]

thanks for video,subject I was working on. you have good work.thanks again for time and effort.

[@Spawnofademon]

I’ve been watching these cause I accidentally order acrylics instead of water color paints :(

[@vearollo2459]

we kinda have the same prob I thought that they could make the same outcome, turns out they are diff mediums for some reasons. But thank God I found this video!

[@kimgloverart]

I have recently started following you. I really like your delivery and style of videos. Very engaging!

[@garymcguire8529]

Beware of Acrylics plaints coming face to face on oppersite pages, as they my stick to gether. Make sure they are 100% dry, so let the air get to them, for at least an hour and place a piece of paper between them over night.

[@vwood2]

Thank you for the great tip! 👌

[@themostbigsisterenergyyouv752]

THANK YOU. this is so helpful!

[@daviddewitt9365]

Great advice, I really appreciate your channel ...

[@celticqaidbear]

Golden acrylic paints are wonderful

[@julienielsen3746]

I've used acrylic paints since 1969. I've always done thin glazes on canvas. I use a hair dryer to make sure the glazes are good and dry before I do more glazes over it. As long as you don't do any real scrubbing with the brush over a recently dried glaze it shouldn't come off, as long as it is thoroughly dried. This inspires me to try some acrylics on watercolor paper. Hope you will do a demo painting using acrylics on watercolor paper. Thanks.

[@mindofwatercolor]

I've got a very brief wet on we demo coming just to show that look is the same. Stay tuned.

[@cheronmane2707]

I can read into the future and this guy is the next van goh, but way better

[@Horsewoman-pt2ku]

Awesome painting. Would you ever consider doing a video actually painting with acrylics like wc?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yeah, probably will at some point.

[@NotAppIicabIe]

I only have water color brush pens which are basically markers heh. Ive got quite a few acrylics and I've been torn with whether or not to do this technique.. I only work in a mix medoa sketchbook and cheap canvas boards as of right now.

[@Renthyr]

the only thing i would like to add to this is that be verrrry careful about how much water you add to your acrylics, as more than a 20% addition of water will actually break down the binder in acrylic paints and cause the paint to delaminate. i would suggest starting with a very thin, ink-like consistency acrylic like high-flow golden paints or using a polymer thinner like those that golden makes instead of adding water.

[@mindofwatercolor]

The underbinding problem is not a problem on absorbent paper only on canvas or non-absorbent surfaces. You can thin it as much as you want when using watercolor paper.

[@essentielley]

@@mindofwatercolor This comment is a game changer for me!!

[@astrid4328]

i would love to see more about acrylics, because i am still struggling with this medium

[@JamieDiamondHelms]

You are blessing to a knowledge hungry girl like me. Many thanks.

[@sarahshaw5360]

Thank you for this video very very useful xx

[@thepochade5992]

If you thin acrylics right down with acrylic medium it doesn't affect the integrity of the paint structure but you still get a watery looking wash.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+April Palmer on paper it's not necessary.

[@saintmoz]

April Palmer that is true only on a nonabsorbent surface(like gesso) but on an absorbent surface(not just paper) you can add as much water as you like.

[@thepochade5992]

That's right, I was agreeing with and adding to Steve comment regarding this.

[@BETAmosquito]

I was just thinking about this recently! Thanks for the great info

[@youknoweverything7643]

Acrylic paints is basically almost the same as water color paints but it's not vecayse water color paint besn out way longer then acrylic paints. Water colors are hardest medium to paint with which sucks or begginers because it is very easy to mess up and go to heavy when shading or blending and mess up whole painting and no way to fix it. But water colors are very easy to make portable with everything you need including some hard cases double as the water container which is nice cuse one i got has a tiny hole which is not connected to the other water for cleaning brush in that water only so you dont get your orange getting into your white for example or for activating your paints.

[@s.l.rogers-byrd7187]

thank you for the tip love your work

[@artzology]

Great video! Love watery acrylics!

[@arciafrench993]

Very helpful. Love the painting.

[@TheCoreus]

Acrylics will damage natural hair, but only if you do not wash out the brushes properly. As long as you don't get thick paint in the ferrule, the impact on the brush will be minimal, be sure to condition the brushes too (like brush soap), as that'll help them keep their tips, which can be more of a problem with acrylics has the binders can be harsher on natural hair purely due to the solubility of it.

[@Tanyacastro21]

Absolutely gorgeous!!!!

[@Ekove]

That's a beautiful piece. Can you make a video about what details you should omit, or only suggest rather than draw in detail, while painting? I only find myself trying to capture every detail and for someone inexperienced it leads me to make too many mistakes and feeling discouraged. Also, Have you used gouache at any depth? they are technically watercolor so they fit the theme of the channel!

[@mindofwatercolor]

I understand. I've had the same problem and its always a challenge to simplify. Its difficult to teach because the details are different for every piece. Its very intuitive to decide what to leave out. In general you should focus on broad shapes and values and hint at detail.

[@maskedfox5800]

Thank you this video was a huge help!

[@angelairidescenceartglass6289]

Another great tinting strength but highly fluid acrylic are the Golden High Flow acrylics, they are the consistency of ink, but have the full tinting strength of the liquid acrylics. You can also thin them down with air brush medium (only slightly more viscous than water) to avoid adhesion issues. (I am learning watercolor but have played quite a bit with acrylics :-) ). On an unrelated side note, I wanted to say thank you for a video you did quite awhile ago about your artist series lessons on the Strathmore paper website. I signed up for the classes before Christmas (and WILL finish my pieces soon) but also signed up for a holiday giveaway Strathmore was holding. Thanks to you pointing me in their direction, I won a HUGE box of goodies from Strathmore. Including several Watercolor products. If I could attach a photo of the haul, I would. I have no idea how I am ever going to manage to use all of it - but I will try! So, thank you for sharing your talents and the lessons and for sending me their way. I feel as if I should share my good fortune with your other viewers, but have no idea how it would be possible.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Cool, glad to hear about the goodies. Thanks!

[@sharpmountaingames9303]

Your right about canvas: you can't layer acrylic in a watercolor fashion on canvas. Watercolor paper is a much better choice. Though I have found that you have to keep rewetting the paper or the acrylic sinks in and STAYS almost immediately.

[@hadleymanmusic]

Ive mostly drawn marker and tempra paint and now Ive bought acrylics. Its not really my style with a trowel so im trying to thinout and do this.

[@pablomiezavarela8358]

From Barcelona Spain very interesting Thanks

[@spencer-millanart3253]

Really great video! Thanks! Really informative

[@DrawingWithFire]

Great video Steve! 😆 I love how this piece looks.

[@samanthawessels2098]

I need a art workstation like you

[@saintmoz]

I'm an acrylic painter, but I really enjoy watercolour so I'm a big fan of your channel. Have you played with any of the grounds when using acrylics as a water media? I'm a big fan of light moulding paste, as it's very absorbent and also fibre paste. There are a couple of new products worth checking out for water media applications, they are goldens high flow line and fluid by Matisse.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+saintmoz you don't really need a ground on paper. In fact if you're going for a wet wash watercolor look it's better to just paint directly on watercolor paper.

[@saintmoz]

The Mind of Watercolor agreed, I don't use a ground when painting on watercolour paper. But when I'm on another substrate these are fun tools to play with and do not act the same way as paper.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Cool, yeah there are some neat grounds available for sure.

[@mastrine14]

Thank you

[@DrawWithAury]

Sir your artwork as Sensacional and truly Beutyfull ❤️❤️❤️❤️I really love your channel ....Big Hello from Italian Artist 👨‍🎤

[@MDGlasspainter]

Thanks a bunch

[@Mareepu]

Great stuff! I used to love. Acrylics, but I haven't touched them in years. Question: Have you heard anything about Arches changing their factory? I went to my local Blick and, when seeing that there was barely any Arches, I asked and that is the answer I got. If true, should I be concerned?

[@mindofwatercolor]

No haven't heard that. They update their manufacturing equipment from time to time so some down time may be happening. But I haven't heard.

[@willdixon9525]

Very nice video, Thanks

[@Vic101able]

Thank you for clearing that up for me I think I'll stick with watercolor.

[@theeaselrider4032]

Thanks Steve. It's funny, I was taught to use acrylics as washes right from the beginning - building layer on top of layer. I've only come into watercolours recently ( and I have used both in the same piece - mostly out of necessity if I need a colour that I only have in one and not the other ). Is that a self-portrait behind you on the easel? That's a pretty serious hat.

[@holyfamilyiluvu]

Tyvm! God bless you

[@CoxJoxSox]

Love your interest in militaria -

[@draeself]

Very informative,Ta

[@waltpierluissi2301]

I have a question Steve... I read somewhere that if you mix Fluid Acrylics with the Traditions Watercolor Medium in equal amounts, literally you will turn the acrylics into watercolors... even you will be able to use the lifting after drying.... have you tried this? Thanks for your time and videos, I enjoy them ALL!!!!!

[@mindofwatercolor]

You can mix them but there is a permanent binder in acrylics that probably won't make rewetting very easy. Will depend on the ratio I suppose. Just make sure you use brushes set aside for acrylics only. Don't use good watercolor brushes.

[@atf5827]

niceeee

[@nabilaa4259]

Thank you!

[@micabusby6980]

Could you try Mozart Brush Pens? It allows you to get watercolor like markings through a brush pen and I am curious of your opnion on them. If not the brushes, how about the watercolor set to see if it is a nice starting for the hobbists of this challenge. I bought the brush pens to see if I could use them in illustration instead of watering down arcylics to do faster pieces and so far they have impressed me so far.

[@nadakhalilchannel3955]

Auto Nin I would like to watch a video about Mozart brush pens

[@julienielsen3746]

After watching this video again it gave me an idea to try doing texture with acrylic molding paste. And when it's dry, paint it over with watercolor ground. Then paint with watercolor on it. Have you ever tried this before?

[@mindofwatercolor]

I've seen it done but not done myself. Yes, cool technique. You should give it a try.

[@stardustgirl2904]

Wow you're good!!!

[@michaelparry1383]

Thanks for this information. Have you every used the Derwent Inktense with your watercolors. I know that the Inktense works like the watercolor but when dry they are set. Not as much as the acrylic, but lifting off is a chore. Also, many of the Inktense colors may not be as light fast.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Played with them a little but but not used them extensively.

[@karechapman7233]

Can I use my acrylics as if they were Gouache?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Sort of but acrylics are permanent, not rewettable.

[@joancc]

Great! Thanks😊

[@mapeandrews3951]

Can you post the brand of the palette you briefly show in this video?

[@mindofwatercolor]

The one at the beginning of the video is the Mijello Peel Off palette. I think intended for acrylics or oils originally it works great for watercolor too. amzn.to/2m3hHhz

[@YokKit0713x]

Can you please do a demo :)