My last painting went in the trash. It almost worked. I feel the same way about my last five paintings. I know I can paint beautiful flowers. I also know that I am blooming. What am I doing wrong? Does this scenario sound familiar?

In this post, I will share 13 acrylic painting tips that will help us paint beautiful flowers. Ok, on to the list!

Use a palette knife

I have ruined brushes by using them to mix paint. With a brush, I tend to mix my paint flat. I feel like more paint dries on the palette paper than my paper. If I use a palette knife, I can mix it with the tip. This way the paint stays wet longer.

Use a Color Mixing Journal

I converted a regular writing journal into my color swatch journal. I have doodles too. This journal helps me keep track of how my colors mix. I keep saying I will reference this as I paint. I haven’t. I am working on unifying my color palette. I want neutrals with pops of brightness. Having this journal will help me do that.

Palette Paper is king but so is wax paper

I have used a ceramic plate for my palette. For easy clean-up and price, I switched to parchment paper sheets. The sheets are 5 x5 and on the thin side. Sometimes the paper folds and I smudge my hand in the paint. I am going to lay out a big piece of wax paper. I can use my palette knife to mix colors. Sounds better already. Today was a much better painting experience.

Using the right paper

My go-to paper is Canson XL Watercolor Paper. This paper works for acrylic paint and watercolor. I started using the Blick Watercolor pad that I’ve had for months. I do not like it. The paper is smooth. I am used to painting on a textured surface. Maybe the Blick paper is old? The Frugal Crafter did say that paper gets old. If you are having trouble painting, maybe it’s the paper’s fault.

Have Your Creative Space

Your creative space should be a place where it’s you and your tools. In my quiet space, I like it calm and free. I like the summer days when I can paint for hours. There are times when I have five minutes of lunch and I paint beautifully. Have a place where you can paint uninterrupted listen to yourself think Trust me the ideas will flow!

Begin with a lighter color and mix in a darker shade

Start with Titanium white and gradually add in Magenta to make lovely pinks. Begin with yellow and gradually add in magenta to mix with orange. Always start with the lighter color first. Sometimes I get excited and immediately mix colors. Painting is a process. Take your time.

Acrylic Brushes & Watercolor Brushes

Some brushes are for mixed media use. I recommend that you have separate brushes for acrylic and watercolor paint. Using a mixed media brush with acrylic paint does not paint the same as an acrylic paint brush.

Paint dries. Paint separates

I have paint tubes that have been there for a long time…too long. I am ready to use them. The paint has separated. I am using a paper clip to mix the paint. It works!

Have a community

Today I went to a farmers market. I saw lots of art. I am always inspired by why and how the ideas emerged. Podcasts, books, blogs, and a little social media are great ways to learn from artists who remind us that our art is possible.

Color that captivates you

Go for a walk. Roam a garden. Take a look at your wardrobe. What colors do you have the most of? How about browsing your favorite store. I like going to Anthropologie. You want to paint yourself not trends right?

Listen to your habits

Painting in your creative space is important. You can paint at your desk or on the kitchen table. Take time to reflect on your paintings. How do you feel as you paint? The more you paint the more you will understand what you want and need.

Paint from a picture?

Observe what you like from a photo but don’t try an emulate it. I have Pinterest boards that I like to fill with themes like flower arrangements and colorful cakes. I prefer to observe what captivates me and paint from that.

Use a water bottle to keep your paint moist

I am good about this but lately, I haven’t been. My paint had been drying up too fast. Having a mini water bottle to spritz your paint as you work makes a difference. I like to spritz my watercolor palette instead of adding drops of water. It’s faster.

Oh my goodness, I know see why I haven’t been painting the way I should. It happens. I will spend a few days working on color. The more you paint, the more you learn!

Is there a tip you can relate to? Let me know. Thank you for reading.

With Love, Mireya