FUNDAMENTALS OF
ACRYLIC PAINTING
Learn Bold Color, Versatile Techniques, and Step-by-Step Acrylic Painting Fundamentals
Acrylic painting is a vibrant, fast-drying, and accessible medium for artists of all skill levels. In this course, students will gain confidence working with acrylics through hands-on instruction in brushwork, layering, blending, and composition. Whether you're painting on canvas, paper, or wood, you'll learn how to build depth, mix colors effectively, and create your own unique masterpieces.
Module 1: Materials & Setup
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Acrylic Paints: Understand the differences between student-grade and artist-grade paints, and how to build a versatile color palette.
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Brushes: Explore various brush types (flat, round, fan, etc.) and how to choose the right one for each technique.
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Surfaces: Learn how to paint on canvas, paper, wood, and more—and how to prepare each surface properly.
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Palette Use: Practice mixing and managing paint on a palette for clean, controlled color choices.
Module 2: Basic Techniques
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Color Mixing: Learn the fundamentals of creating primary, secondary, and tertiary colors—and how to mix custom shades.
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Brush Handling: Practice a range of brushstrokes including dry brushing, layering, and blending.
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Layering: Build up your paintings with depth and dimension using acrylic’s fast-drying properties.
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Blending: Explore blending techniques to create soft transitions or vibrant color shifts.
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Tool Care: Learn how to properly clean and care for brushes and palettes.
Module 3: Painting Process
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Composition Basics: Understand design principles like the rule of thirds and balance to plan strong paintings.
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Sketching: Lightly sketch your subject on your painting surface as a guide.
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Base Colors: Start your piece with foundational colors before layering in detail.
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Detail Work: Refine your painting with thoughtful brushwork and detail techniques.
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Finishing Touches: Learn how to complete and evaluate your finished artwork.
Module 4: Tips for Beginners
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Practice Often: Growth comes with repetition—keep painting!
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Start Simple: Focus on simple subjects and palettes as you build confidence.
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Experiment Freely: Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and take creative risks.
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Find Your Style: Explore your artistic voice and develop a personal approach to painting.
Build Confidence, Explore Color, and Create Art You’re Proud Of
Whether you're new to painting or ready to expand your creative toolkit, acrylics offer a fun, forgiving medium that encourages bold experimentation and steady skill-building. This course will help you master the fundamentals and express your creativity with confidence.