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Techniques for working with acrylics on paper
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Can I start the course part way through?
For some courses, this may be possible. Please contact [email protected] to confirm.
Beginner is someone who has little or no knowledge of the subject area.
Please contact [email protected] for further clarification or to take a quick assessment to find out the most suitable level for you.
What do you define as ‘intermediate’?
Intermediate is for those who have completed a beginners course with us or have some knowledge of the subject but would like to learn more.
Please contact [email protected] for further clarification or to take a quick assessment to find out the most suitable level for you.
Painting with Acrylics
Bought some acrylic paint and have no idea where to start? Let us help you get started on your acrylic adventure.
Acrylic painting techniques
Acrylic has many different unique factors that make it a very versatile medium such as you being able to paint light colours over dark, applying it to a variety of surfaces and coming in thick to thin forms (often referred to as heavy body for thick and fluid for thin). You can use acrylic paint in many fun application methods such as putting it into a squeezy bottle and creating raised shapes on top of smooth glass.
Watercolour technique – Use it in a similar way you would use watercolour by diluting acrylic with water. – but unlike watercolour, acrylics are insoluble when dry so the colours cannot be removed once dried. This allows you to lay one colour over another without disturbing another or dissolving the colours underneath.
Oil painting technique – Acrylic paint can be used straight from the tube, diluted with water, or thickened using a suitable medium. Straight from the tube acrylics are opaque – this makes it easy to paint one colour over another.
Impasto – Apply the paint very thickly so the marks of the brush or knife can be clearly seen. If acrylic is drying too quickly an acrylic retarded can be used to reduce the drying times allowing more time for blending and reworking.
Collage – The adhesive properties makes acrylic ideal for mixed media or collage work.
Airbrush technique – Acrylic paint can be sprayed through an airbrush or spray gun – once it dries acrylic paint becomes an insoluble plastic film that is difficult to remove.
Techniques for working with acrylics on paper
Acrylic colours appeared in the mid-20th century and immediately became popular with artists, since they could be used to paint virtually anything. In addition, acrylic colours could be used on any non-greasy surface, be it cardboard, paper, glass, walls etc. All creative fantasies really are possible with the help of acrylic colours.
Advantages of acrylic colours
There are multiple advantages to using acrylic colours: they don’t crack or fade when exposed to sunlight or discolour, they are quick-drying and don’t run. What’s more, they’re odourless. While the fact that acrylic colours are quick-drying is an advantage, it does mean you need to work quickly when using them and ensure you’ve made any changes to your painting before it dries. When wet, acrylic paint can be easily wiped away with water, while once it dries, you’ll need to use a special liquid to dissolve it.
Acrylic colours: tips for use
1. Squeeze a small amount of colour onto your palette, since a large amount will dry out quickly and you will have difficulty salvaging it (you may have to use a spray).
2. You should wipe your brush clean after use, otherwise wet spots might leak onto the canvas and spoil your painting.
3. The colours are highly saturated, so for more transparent hues the paint should be mixed with water. A particular characteristic of acrylic colours is that they dry quickly and so it’s easy to layer colours over one another without it affecting the consistency or tone of the lower layer.
4. Acrylic colours are ideal for use with glazing techniques. If you want to use a specific glazing technique on your painting, you must make the upper layers transparent, applying them very lightly to the base layer. Be sure to also use sable, synthetic or bristle – hair paint brushes.
5. Acrylic colours can be used on canvas – just be sure to prime it before you begin.
6. For creating special effects, interesting hues or building up reliefs, you can use various types of acrylic texture gels and additives.
Surfer by Katy Hawk
