Tips for Using Acrylics Like Watercolor - Vlog

[@ZadenZane]

When I was little (back in the 1980s!) someone who was into arts and crafts told me I'd probably really like Acrylic paints because they looked like oils but you could dilute with water and use them as watercolours if you wanted to. "Acrylic watercolour" is my main painting style now. Sometimes I dilute with airbrush medium the way you're told to on art forums but mostly I just dilute with water. The accepted wisdom (as mentioned in this video) is that if you're painting on canvas you should be careful thinning too much with water in case the paint falls off; but on paper, the paper fibres will hold it in. I haven't found this to be true. I have a nearly finished piece on canvas where you can plainly see where the dilute paints and wet pigments have pooled together and yet when I rub it, nothing comes off (it's going to be sealed in and properly varnished anyway). One of my pieces on paper got taped to the wall because I had no frame, flies crapped all over it, I got the specks off, but in doing so rubbed some of the dilute acrylic background away. Once you've painted a few layers it doesn't make sense that the paper can be absorbing v much because the paper's totally covered in paint already. My advice is do your own tests, make your own observations. Paintings do need protection. Acrylic can be sealed in with gloss medium and spray varnished on top of that, that's how I'd protect a work on canvas. For stuff on paper I would consider using varnish, but so far I've just kept the pictures small (no bigger than A3 (12"x18") and I frame them behind glass, just like "real" watercolours.

[@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

[@delila351]

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

[@aljuri095]

same here

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@terrilikens4975]

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

[@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.

[@LeaGalTan]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@LightshamanaQiarra]

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

[@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!

[@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 ❤

[@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.

[@CaptainFutureman]

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

[@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.

[@rstallings69]

Atelier interactive acrylics can be rewet- hey Steve can you also lift out when using watered down acrylics as long as the wash is still wet or is it tougher to do?

[@mindofwatercolor]

No, standard acrylics are quite permanent when dry.

[@rstallings69]

@@mindofwatercolor when still wet can you lift? That was the question Maestro

[@rstallings69]

But thanks for the reply!

[@mindofwatercolor]

OH, yes, some.

[@pauloaa11]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@LilCraftyNook]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@artzology]

Great video! Love watery acrylics!

[@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.

[@vearollo2459]

I'm curious sir if you need to put a primer or some gesso on ur surface before painting w/ acrylics or u don't necesserily have to if u don't have the resources?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Some artists do but no gesso is needed. Acrylic will paint directly on paper just fine.

[@vearollo2459]

@@mindofwatercolor got it! Thank u sir

[@daviddewitt9365]

Great advice, I really appreciate your channel ...

[@barbaramain6381]

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

[@bonnieolendorf70]

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

[@celticqaidbear]

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

[@Jojospyder]

Thanks for the tips. Happy New Year~ 2022

[@mindofwatercolor]

Happy new year!

[@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!

[@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.

[@annielittlewolf2017]

I painted a set of mushrooms in watercolor. After watching one of your videos on wet-on-wet technique for the “sky” area. But I FORGOT the “light to dark” that must happen with watercolors, and I painted in the dark brown dirt after the sky, after removing the masking fluid from the mushrooms and painted them. Then I wanted to add green grass and leaves, I discovered my mistake. Can’t make the greens show up over the dark brown watercolor. I tried lifting it off - didn’t work. My question is can I use my high-flow fluid acrylics to paint over the dark brown to get my leaves and grass? Thank you. (i’m kinda figuring I’ll have to start over, dang it).

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes should work fine.

[@annielittlewolf2017]

Thank you!!!

[@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.

[@Tanyacastro21]

Absolutely gorgeous!!!!

[@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.

[@capbin146]

Do you have to do anything with the paper if using acrylic? I've heard that if you add too much water there's a problem with "under binding ". Is that true, what is it? Great painting it looked like one of your watercolours.

[@mindofwatercolor]

No, I mentioned that at 3:40 The under binding problem is with non absorbent surfaces like canvas or gesso board.

[@capbin146]

Thanks for answering. Replayed and you did talk about surfaces. Maybe my brain was waiting to hear underbindig. That's great news for me. Sorry for not paying attention. Best wishes

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Big C no problem, easily missed.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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! 😊

[@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.

[@carlamarlene2927]

LOVE that picture. beautiful

[@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

[@kimgloverart]

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

[@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.

[@kaymartin3907]

Hi I'm recent " watercolour follower " and enjoying all your videos and learning a lot- thank you!! Can you explain the difference for us between liquid acrylics and acrylic inks? Also can they work for 'Wet in wet'-have some inks but don't know how to combine with watercolour.. Thank again. Kay

[@mindofwatercolor]

Acrylic inks are more fluid with less body. Many ink colors are more transparent also. Yes, you can paint with them in a watercolor wet in wet fashion. They are often used in dip pens and airbrushes as well because they flow better.

[@spencer-millanart3253]

Really great video! Thanks! Really informative

[@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!

[@Horsewoman-pt2ku]

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

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yeah, probably will at some point.

[@arciafrench993]

Very helpful. Love the painting.

[@celenamcmahon6505]

Fantastic information thx u😊🎉

[@mariapellegrino4815]

Great tips Steve, Question: Would you still have to frame behind glass as you do with water color? Kind regards, Maria

[@mindofwatercolor]

Depends on how its mounted. If its on paper the paper has to be mounted to something. Thats one reason for the mat board. The paper could be mounted on a gallery wrap paint board and trimmed. No need for frame and glass. Good idea to varnish it though.

[@mariapellegrino4815]

The Mind of Watercolor thanks heaps that makes sense 😉

[@sueweber7454]

The Mind of Watercolor Steve, LOVE your videos. Thank you so very much for doing them. I have a quick question re: mounting... would you consider doing a video on what to do after your painting is complete? A "prep your watercolor for framing" video?

[@cklew8999]

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

[@themostbigsisterenergyyouv752]

THANK YOU. this is so helpful!

[@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

[@annielittlewolf2017]

What kind of palette do you have there, with the cover? Thank you!

[@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.

[@AnnFisher-r8l]

Thanks...helps a lot.

[@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.

[@s.l.rogers-byrd7187]

thank you for the tip love your work

[@sarahshaw5360]

Thank you for this video very very useful xx

[@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!

[@colourwheel5703]

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

[@DS-zj2on]

Thank you, thank you!

[@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.

[@BETAmosquito]

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

[@maryalgar8779]

Interesting - would never have thought to try this.

[@karechapman7233]

Can I use my acrylics as if they were Gouache?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Sort of but acrylics are permanent, not rewettable.

[@maskedfox5800]

Thank you this video was a huge help!

[@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.

[@DrawingWithFire]

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

[@sonsoftheedelweiss72]

Doesn’t adding water to acrylic break the binders down on canvas?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Not important on paper though at least not until you get a build up. You can dilute it with water as much as you want as long as the paper is still absorbent.

[@iceprincessone7168]

Can you do it on canvas?

[@willdixon9525]

Very nice video, Thanks

[@amberstarriray5204]

can i use glazing medium to acrylic paint to act like watercolor ?

[@mindofwatercolor]

The flow is not the same. So while you'll get some nice transparent glazes, you won't get the same wet in wet flow if thats what you want. Keep in mind that glazing medium does not need to be used if you're painting acrylic on watercolor paper. You can just thin with water and you will get more of a watercolor effect. The film adhesion drawbacks to thinning acrylic with water is only an issue on non absorbent surfaces like gessoed board or canvas or if the acrylic buildup has coated the paper.

[@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.

[@saharistanbouli4446]

Can we use watercolor so densely so that it looks like acrylics?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Not really. Acrylics, especially the light colors are more opaque and can layer without darkening. Watercolors will eventually layer opaquely but will gradually darken as they do, even the lighter colors.

[@cheronmane2707]

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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@astrid4328]

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

[@tate4783]

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

[@draeself]

Very informative,Ta

[@MDGlasspainter]

Thanks a bunch

[@holyfamilyiluvu]

Tyvm! God bless you

[@mastrine14]

Thank you

[@celticqaidbear]

Golden acrylic paints are wonderful

[@JamieDiamondHelms]

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

[@samanthawessels2098]

I need a art workstation like you

[@joancc]

Great! Thanks😊

[@stardustgirl2904]

Wow you're good!!!

[@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.

[@nabilaa4259]

Thank you!

[@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.