Why Choose Acrylic Painting?
Acrylic paint stands out for its vibrant colors, quick drying time, and adaptability to various techniques. Unlike oil paints, which take days to dry, acrylics dry fast, making them ideal for layering and experimenting without waiting. They work well on diverse surfaces such as canvas, wood, and even fabric, offering flexibility for creative projects.
For beginners, acrylic painting offers a forgiving learning curve. Mistakes can be easily painted over, encouraging experimentation and creative exploration.
Start with a Premade Kit
Purchasing a premade acrylic painting kit can simplify your setup. These kits typically include paint tubes, brushes, and sometimes a palette, giving you everything you need to start immediately. They’re a great option for those unsure of what to buy, saving time and effort.
Our recommandation : The Black Series Acrylic Painting Easel Kit by Royal-Langnickel.
However, if you're willing to create your own starting kit, follow the guide and you'll be ready start your acrylic journey.
Paints: Selecting the Right Colors
To create a versatile palette capable of producing a broad range of colors, start with the following essential paints:
- Light Cadmium Yellow (or Lemon Yellow): A bright, zesty yellow for luminous tones.
- Medium Cadmium Yellow: Richer and warmer, perfect for creating earthy greens or oranges.
- Medium Cadmium Red: An essential red for vibrant mixes and warm tones.
- Alizarin Crimson: A deep red, ideal for shadows and cool tones.
- Phthalocyanine Blue: A vibrant blue for intense greens and teals.
- Ultramarine Blue: A deep, moody blue for skies and shadows.
- Ivory Black: Adds depth and contrast to your palette.
- Titanium White: A must-have for creating highlights and softening colors.
Brushes: Choosing the Right Tools
Brushes are your primary tools for applying acrylic paint, and selecting the right ones is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Essential Brush Types:
- Flat Brushes: Ideal for broad strokes, filling large areas, and blending.
- Round Brushes: Great for precise lines and small details.
- Filbert Brushes: Combines the versatility of flat and round brushes, perfect for soft edges.
- Fan Brushes: Adds texture, great for creating foliage or soft blending.
Synthetic bristles are preferred for acrylics as they’re durable and resist damage from the paint's drying properties.
Our recommandation : DeSerres' Set of 15 Synthetic Paintbrushes
Surfaces: Picking the Best Canvas
Acrylics are highly versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces. Here are the most common options for beginners:
- Canvas: The go-to surface for most artists, offering a professional finish.
- Wood Panels: Great for textured works and mixed media projects.
- Canvas Paper Pads: An economical choice for beginners to experiment with techniques.
If you’re new to acrylic painting, start with pre-primed canvases. The gesso primer protects the surface and ensures better paint adhesion.
Our recommandation : DeSerres' Tofino canvas set
Palettes: Mixing Colors Like a Pro
A palette is essential for mixing colors and organizing your paints during a session. Here are your options:
- Disposable Palettes: Wax-coated pads that allow for easy cleanup.
- Plastic Palettes: Durable and reusable, with wells for separating colors.
- Glass Palettes: Offers a smooth mixing surface and is easy to clean, but heavier to handle.
Our recommandation : Nobel's Round Covered Palette
Mediums: Customizing Your Paint
Acrylic mediums allow you to alter the consistency, texture, and finish of your paint. Beginners should start with these options:
- Gloss Medium: Adds shine to your finished piece.
- Matte Medium: Creates a non-reflective surface for a softer look.
- Gel Mediums: Useful for building texture and creating impasto effects.
- Flow Medium: Makes the paint more fluid, ideal for detail work or pouring techniques.
Additional Tools to Enhance Your Kit
Expand your toolkit with these versatile accessories:
- Painting Knives: For mixing paints and applying bold, textured strokes.
- Paint and brush rack : to keep your workspace well organized
- Rags or Paper Towels: Essential for cleaning up and blotting paint.
Our recommandation : DeSerres' Painting Knife Set
Easels: Setting Up a Comfortable Workspace
Easels keep your canvas at the right height and angle, improving your posture and control. A lightweight, collapsible easel is a great starting point for beginners.
Our recommandation : Fc-Art's black aluminium table easel
Safety Tips for Acrylic Painting
Acrylic paints are safe and easy to use, but it’s important to follow a few precautions:
- Avoid prolonged skin contact with paint pigments.
- Work in a well-ventilated space.
- Always clean your brushes and tools immediately after use to prevent paint from hardening.
Everything you need for acrylic painting is at DeSerres
Acrylic painting is a fascinating medium for beginners and experienced artists alike. With the right materials, you'll be well equipped to start using this technique. At DeSerres you'll find a wide range of specially selected products, from colours and brushes to media and accessories.
Explore our collection and start creating today!
