It’s summer and the days are longer. What better time than summer to start a new hobby? Maybe you have painted, but it’s been too long, and you want to paint again. Now more than ever, we need hobbies. In this post, I will share 13 acrylic painting tips that will have you saying I should definitely try acrylic paint!

Acrylic paint can be expensive and hard to work with because it dries up fast and is generally thick. Oh, but it is a beautiful paint to work with! Let me share what I know about acrylic paint.

I have been painting with acrylic paint for years, and these are the tips that help me enjoy my painting process.

1. Use a Palette Knife

I have ruined brushes by using them to mix paint. I feel like more paint dries on the palette paper than on my paper. If I use a palette knife, I can mix it with the tip. This way the paint stays wet longer. I forget to use a palette knife. Palette knives are easier to clean.

2. Keep A Color Mixing Journal

I converted a regular writing journal into my color 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.

3. Palette Paper is King, Parchment Paper Is Too!

I have used a ceramic plate for my palette. Your paint will dry up, and when you wash the plate, it can clog up your sink. For easy clean-up and price, I switched to parchment paper sheets. Wax paper works great too. I get mine at Dollar Tree.

4. Use the Right Paper

My go-to paper is Canson XL Watercolor Paper. This paper works for acrylic paint and watercolor. It is textured and 140 lb, which is thick enough to play around with adding layers and layers of ideas until your painting blooms before your eyes.

5. 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, and listen to yourself think. Trust me, the ideas will flow!

6. Begin With Lighter Colors and Mix Darker Ones

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. Have fun! Repeat!

7. 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. Acrylic paint brushes can handle the thick paint. This is my favorite brush!

8. Paint Dries. Add Water

Acrylic paint dries fast. You can add a little water to it. Use a spray bottle to spray your paint. I have seen this artist add lots of water, and she gets these gorgeous pastel pinks.

9. 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.

10. Color That Captivates You

Go for a walk. Roam a garden. Take a look at your wardrobe. What colors do you see the most? How about browsing your favorite store? I like going to Anthropologie. You want to paint yourself first, then trends, right?

11. 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. Every artist has their habits. You will have your own 13 tips and probably more!

12. Paint From a Picture?

Observe what you like from a photo, but don’t try to copy 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.

Oh my goodness, I just reminded myself about these tips. It happens. I have an idea and get excited to paint. I start painting and forget about some of these tips. I have a gallery wall art set I want to paint. I want to paint a genie bottle. The more you paint, the more you learn!

Is there a tip you can relate to? Let me know. Thank you for being here!