Acrylic painting is characterized by vivid colors, sharp strokes and quality lines. One of the most desirable properties of this medium is its ability to be used on a variety of surfaces and mixed with other mediums. Below are the main techniques used to create texture-rich paintings that contain both soft and hard textured elements.
Dry Brush
Dry Brush is relatively easy to perform. Using a brush that is not soaked in water allows you to create uneven line movements with a scratchy texture on the canvas. For best results, make sure your brush is as dry as possible and loaded with paint.
One of the most impressive properties of acrylics is their ability to vary consistency. It can be applied thickly or lightly to create a thin, translucent shade. Using the wash technique gives the softness of a watercolor painting. Dilute the paint with enough water to create a translucent wash. It’s important to note that acrylic paint dries quickly and hardens permanently.
Stippling
Stippling is the creation of a collection of small dots commonly used in landscape painting. Although acrylic is a relatively new medium, the technique arose in his 15th century as a method of engraving. Artists today build varying degrees of shading based on the closeness and boldness of the accumulation of points, and use different colors to create real dimensions.
Splattering
Splattering is a lively and unpredictable technique that relies on applied energy to achieve its beauty. It was popularized by Jackson Pollock, who is known as a leading figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement. Dubbed the “splatter artist,” Pollock primarily used glossy enamel rather than acrylic, applied pigment to canvas with a pen, and created his famous “drip paintings,” ultimately revolutionizing the way art was defined.
Polka Dot
As the name suggests, polka dots are a technique of “dabbing” accents of color onto the surface of the canvas. Use a stiff-bristle brush or paper towel to apply the color quickly and with light pressure. Add multiple layers for even more depth. Polka dots add movement to images and are often used to represent bushes and greenery.
Sponge
Similar to stippling, sponging uses a cellulose sponge to apply color in a bouncy motion to create irregular texture patterns. Sponge is a great painting technique for beginners because it’s visually appealing, great for foliage, and not easy to mess up.
Like dabbing, the technique first appeared in the Impressionist movement. This technique, in contrast to realism, aimed for the artist to capture the instantaneous and fleeting effect achieved by the irregular surface of the sponge.
Palette Knife
This technique is a bit more advanced, but it is a quick way to add texture to the surface of a painting, and is useful for creating curved, flat layers. For effect, apply a thick layer of paint and use a knife to apply it to the canvas like icing on a cake. Palette knives can be applied to different types of paint to give texture and thickness to the surface of the canvas.
Detailing
Often used when an artist is trying to complete a piece. Work with a small, fine brush to apply detail and clean lines as needed. This is done regularly to create flowers in the landscape and other small features that require close attention.
Glaze
Glaze is a thin translucent film mixed with acrylic paint to create rich, bright tones and textures on the surface. A unique stained glass effect can be created by layering a layer of clear glaze over opaque paint.
Acrylic Painting Tips for Beginners
Choosing the Right Brushes
It may seem obvious, but choosing the right tools can have a huge impact on the quality of your painting. I have. For acrylic painting, you need access to a wide variety of brushes that can be used in different techniques, from small to large. Use a stiff-bristle brush when applying thick layers of paint, and a soft-bristle brush for watercolor effects such as washes. Filbert brushes are a reliable and versatile option offering straight or rounded shapes depending on your needs. Mastering
Blending
Blending may seem fairly simple to the experienced painter, but there are ways to use blending techniques to unleash your creativity and greatly improve your work. First, make sure you understand the color wheel so you can mix accurately and confidently. As you can see from the picture below, there are different color groups. They usually go well together and share a common color. A triadic color scheme uses colors that are evenly spaced around a color wheel. Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel and usually have high contrast to create a vibrant look.
Learn Layering
Layering can refer to many different techniques besides painting, but for the purposes of acrylic painting, layering is a common method that greatly enhances the perception of three-dimensionality. . Unlike watercolors, acrylic paints dry into an insoluble film, allowing you to layer on without dragging the paint down. Start with the bottom background layer and build up from there.
Keep a sprayer nearby
acrylic paint dries quickly, so you can keep it wet with a sprayer. A little water in the atomizer creates a watercolor-like type of color that can be used to mimic wash techniques.
Protect with varnish
After painting is complete, varnish is used to create a protective film that protects from harmful factors such as dust and UV rays. You can use non-acrylic materials if you want to remove the layer later.
