10 Acrylic Painting Techniques Every Beginner Should Master

Mastering Acrylics: A Studio Guide

Acrylic paint is one of the most versatile mediums available to modern artists. Fast-drying, water-soluble, and vivid, it allows for incredible experimentation without long drying wait times.

1. Dry Brushing

By applying dry paint with a stiff dry brush onto textured canvas paper, you achieve a scratchy, highly textured effect perfect for tree bark, ocean foam, and animal fur.

2. Glazing

Thin down your acrylic paint with an acrylic glazing medium to build translucent layers of brilliant color depth over underpaintings.

3. Impasto

Use a palette knife combined with heavy gel medium to sculpt thick, sculptural strokes that catch light on canvas.