If you're a beginner looking to dive into acrylic painting, you're not alone! Acrylic paint is one of the most versatile and accessible mediums for artists, but it can also be a bit tricky to master. Whether you're just starting out or struggling with certain techniques, knowing the common acrylic painting mistakes can save you a lot of time and frustration.
Before we dive in, if you're interested in a FREE 36 page eBook on acrylic painting that I've developed, you can download that here. It's been downloaded by over 12,000 artists, and I'd love for you to get a copy!
Here are five common acrylic painting mistakes beginners make, and how you can avoid them to create stunning works of art from the start.
1. Using Too Much Water in Acrylic Painting
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is using too much water in acrylic paint. Since acrylics are water-based, it’s easy to think that more water will help thin the paint, but it can actually weaken the pigment and result in a washed-out finish.
🛠 How to fix it: Use water sparingly. To maintain the integrity of the colors, try using acrylic mediums instead of water. A glazing medium or slow-drying medium can help with smooth blending and workability without sacrificing the vibrancy of your paint.
2. Not Allowing Layers to Dry Fully
Because acrylic paint dries fast, it’s tempting to jump into the next layer without waiting for the previous one to dry completely. However, this can cause unwanted smudging, streaking, or uneven colors in your artwork.
🛠 How to fix it: Practice patience and wait for each acrylic layer to dry before adding another. If you’re in a rush, try using a hairdryer on a cool setting to speed up the process. Also, follow the "fat over lean" rule for layering: the top layers should be thicker or more fluid than the layers beneath.
3. Over-Blending or Under-Blending Acrylic Paint
Blending acrylic paints can be challenging, especially for beginners. Some people either over-blend and make the paint muddy, while others don’t blend enough and end up with harsh lines in their artwork.
🛠 How to fix it: Use a medium to extend drying time and improve blending, and try to blend colors while the paint is still wet. If you're aiming for smooth gradients, practice working in small sections. Don’t worry if your brushstrokes are visible—sometimes those little imperfections give the painting character.
4. Ignoring Acrylic Color Shifts
Acrylic paint is notorious for drying darker than it looks when wet. This color shift can be frustrating if you’re trying to match colors or correct mistakes.
🛠 How to fix it: Always test your colors on a scrap piece of canvas or paper before applying them to your main painting. This will help you predict how the colors will look when dry. To avoid this issue, try using high-quality acrylic paints that have a more reliable color consistency.
5. Neglecting Proper Brush Care
Proper acrylic brush cleaning is essential to keeping your brushes in good shape and ensuring your paint application is smooth. If you leave acrylic paint on your brushes for too long, it can damage the bristles and make them harder to clean.
🛠 How to fix it: Always clean your brushes immediately after using them with warm water and soap. Don’t forget to reshape the bristles before letting them dry. If you’re switching colors frequently, rinse your brush in water and wrap it in a damp towel to keep it moist between sessions.
Final Thoughts on Acrylic Painting for Beginners
Learning how to paint with acrylics can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, and avoiding these common acrylic painting mistakes will help you get the most out of your creative practice. Remember, acrylics offer a lot of flexibility, so don't be afraid to experiment and make mistakes along the way.
By keeping these tips in mind and using the right tools and techniques, you’ll be on your way to creating beautiful acrylic paintings in no time. Happy painting!
By the way, if you're interested in learning more about acrylic painting, you can download my FREE ebook here, perfect for beginners. Or, if you'd like to take it a step further, you can enrol in my Painting Flowers in Acrylic course. I'd love to see you there!
If you're interested in reading more, check out my blog post on color mixing here.
Leave a comment