You can find inspiration here to get you started on your acrylic painting journey, or to take your skill to the next step. This is the place to be. Acrylic is a great medium for beginners because of its affordability, versatility, and quick drying time. It’s also forgiving, as mistakes are easily covered. This makes it a great medium for beginners.
This guide will inspire anyone, whether you’re an art student or a hobbyist looking for a new creative outlet. We’ve got 50+ acrylic paint ideas for all levels of skill, from simple ideas like ombre skyscapes to more complex ones like textured cityscapes.
This blog contains the following:
- Acrylic painting is perfect for beginners.
- Here are some tips for getting you started.
- List of acrylic painting ideas for beginners, intermediates, and experts.
- How to stay consistent and creative while pushing yourself.
- Tools and resources you must have to improve your craft
You’ll find plenty of inspiration and confidence to start your next project by the end of this article.
Why choose acrylic painting?
Acrylic paint is a favorite of both beginners and professionals for good reasons.
- Quick-Drying — Unlike oils and other paints, acrylic paints are quick to dry, so you can add more layers quickly without having to wait hours or even days.
- Nature of Forgiveness– Did you make a mistake. No problem. Acrylics are opaque, and can be easily layered over mistakes.
- Versatility– Acrylics can be used on a variety of surfaces including canvas, wood, paper and even glass.
- Cost Effective– Acrylic paints are available at affordable prices. This makes them accessible to beginners.
Acrylics allow you to express your own style, whether it’s a minimalistic abstract or a photorealistic painting.
Acrylic Beginner’s Tips
Here are some tips before you start painting acrylics.
1. Get Quality Supplies
Invest in acrylics that are suitable for beginners, such as Liquitex BASICS and Winsor & Newton. These acrylics offer excellent pigmentation and consistency at a reasonable price. Combine them with a canvas that is durable, a set synthetic brushes and a reusable pallet.
2. Prepare Your Surface
Always use gesso to prepare your canvas or board for a smooth painting process. This will help your paint adhere and increase the durability of your artwork.
3. Learn Basic Techniques
Practice beginner techniques like:
- Layering for building depth in landscapes.
- Dry brushing to soften and scratchy textures.
- Stippling creates dots that create textures or subtle gradients.
Visualizing techniques makes it easier to experiment!
4. Play with Tools
Try using sponges, palette knives or your fingertips for a more organic and textured finish.
Once you have your setup, now it’s time for inspiration.
There are 50+ acrylic painting ideas for beginners and beyond.
Simple Acrylic Painting Ideas for Beginners
Starting your acrylic painting journey? These simple tips will ensure that first-time acrylic painters have a positive experience:
- Ombre Skyes Blend colors to create sunsets and ocean hues.
- Abstract Forms– Experiment geometric shapes and bold colors.
- Silhouette art Paint trees, animals or city skylines in black silhouettes on colorful backgrounds.
- Seasonal paintings– Think of autumn leaves, spring flowers, or cozy winter flakes.
- Themes of Nature Capture the mountains, beaches or tranquil forests.
- Celestial Art Paint stars, moons and galaxies using minimal tools.
The Best Acrylic Paintings
After you are comfortable with the basics, try more complex and detailed artworks.
- Water Reflections Paint sunsets reflected on lakes or rivers.
- Art of Still Life– Use everyday objects such as fruit bowls and coffee mugs.
- Silhouettes Contrast simple silhouettes against abstract, colorful backgrounds.
- Whimsical animals Paint semi-abstract version of your favorite pets in playful colors.
- Layered forests Create depth by overlapping trees and mist.
- Textured Abstractions Use modeling paste or palette knives to create striking textures.
You can challenge yourself with these advanced acrylic painting ideas
These advanced ideas are a challenge for artists who want to push the boundaries:
- Realism Portraits– Capture facial features in fine detail.
- Cityscapes and Architecture– Create dramatic city skylines by using complex perspective.
- Wildlife Detailed– Capture animals with lifelike accuracy. From fur to feathers, you can capture them in a variety of textures.
- Chiaroscuro lighting– Play with dramatic shadows and light to create an effect.
- Compositions with Multiple Layers– Create depth by using bold foregrounds, and blending the background to create a soft blend.
How to push your creativity further
You want to stand out? Stand out with these creative ideas:
- Mixed Media Magic Combine oil pastels, ink, charcoal or acrylics.
- Textured surfaces– Paint on wood, burlap or canvas that has been pre-textured for a tactile feel.
- Unconventional Tool Try using sponges, credit cards or even leaves.
- Create A Series– Focus on a particular theme, such as seasons, emotions or landscapes, and experiment with variations.
Acrylic Painting Inspiration by Modern Artists
Find inspiration from the work of contemporary artists:
- Alyssa monks– She is known for her realistic portraits that blend abstraction and transparency.
- Ashley Longshore Vibrant and bold pop art using acrylics as a primary medium.
- Follow them on Instagram and Pinterest to get daily doses of inspiration.
Acrylic Paint Supplies You Must Have for Success
Want to add more tools to your collection? What we recommend is:
- Paints: Liquitex Winsor & Newton or Golden.
- Brushes : Flat brushes, rounded brushes, and detail brush in synthetic fibers.
- Canvas: Stretched canvases, canvas boards or even acrylic papers for practice.
- Additionals: Blending mediums, varnishes and palette knives for professional finishes.
Bonus tip Cleaning your brushes after each session is a great way to prevent stiff bristles.
Keep your skills sharpened by staying consistent.
Art is no exception. Practice makes perfect. How to remain committed:
- Create a schedule: Schedule at least 30 minutes of practice a few times a week.
- Take part in challenges: Paint online to stay motivated.
- Join Communities: Find fellow artists via Reddit, DeviantArt or Instagram.
- Online Tutorials: There’s no shortage in terms of content, from free YouTube videos to Masterclasses.
Find Your Creative Flow
Acrylic paints are a versatile medium. You can use them to create anything you want, whether you’re adding fine details, blending textures, or layering gradients. These 50+ ideas will help you find inspiration, develop your skills and increase your creativity.
Are you ready to grab the brush? Share your creations on social media and tag #AcrylicArtGlow–we’d love to feature your work! If you want to learn how to paint acrylics, check out our guides, resources, and tools on the subject.
Happy painting!
