Okay, so you’re excited to start painting, but don’t just dive in without prepping your canvas! Make sure it’s clean and primed. If you’re using an unprimed canvas, your paint might soak in. You don’t want that. A little bit of prep can save you a lot of headaches later on!
Acrylics dry fast, which is awesome when you’re in the zone, but it can also be a bit of a bummer if you’re not prepared. If you try to blend colors after they’ve dried, you might end up with a muddy mess. Keep an eye on your paint and work quickly when you need to blend. Or, if you’re looking for a slower drying time, consider using a stay-wet palette!
Not all brushes are created equal! Using the wrong type can really mess with your painting experience. For acrylics, you’ll want synthetic brushes since they hold up better against the thicker paint. Natural hair brushes can get ruined pretty quickly. Plus, having a variety of shapes and sizes can help you get those fine details or bold strokes just right.
It’s super tempting to keep going back to that one area of your painting, especially if you’re not happy with it. But overworking your paint can lead to a muddy look and make your colors lose their vibrancy. Sometimes, it’s better to step back, take a break, and come back with fresh eyes. You might be surprised at how much you love it after a little time away!
Last but not least, don’t forget about cleaning up! Acrylics can dry pretty hard and fast, so if you leave your brushes or palettes too long, you might be in for a tough clean-up later. Rinse your brushes immediately after use and keep your workspace tidy. Trust me, future you will thank you!
So there you have it—five things to avoid when you’re painting with acrylics. Remember, art is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t stress too much! If you make mistakes, embrace them; they can lead to unexpected and beautiful results. Check out our online classes at Yarnell School of Fine Art.
