A Guide To How To Use Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a favourite among artists of all levels for its vibrant colours, versatility and practicality.
As the final module in our 14-week art course, learning how to paint with acrylic offers the perfect culmination of everything you’ve learned, helping you finish on a creative high.
So Why Do We Love Acrylic Paint?
There are so many reasons why we love painting with acrylics. As well as being versatile and rewarding, acrylics are the closest alternative to oil paints – they offer:
- Comparable richness and depth to oil paint
Acrylics deliver the vibrant colours and luxurious textured finish you’d expect from oil paint, but with far fewer challenges.
- Quicker drying times
Unlike oils – which can take days or even weeks to dry – acrylics dry rapidly. This means you can complete a painting in a single session which is a huge advantage for our structured, weekly classes.
- Minimal odour
Acrylic paints have little to no smell, making them a more comfortable option for classroom settings compared to the strong odours of oil-based paints.
We prioritise environmental responsibility in our teaching. Acrylic paint waste is minimised by dispensing only small amounts at a time, with more provided as needed. Any leftovers are stored in airtight containers, ensuring nothing is discarded unnecessarily. This careful approach helps us reduce waste while maintaining the highest quality in our teaching.
Acrylic Paint in the World of Art
Some of the most iconic artists of the modern era have used acrylics to create their masterpieces. David Hockney, for example, harnessed the medium’s bold colours and fast drying time to craft his distinctive works. Similarly, Andy Warhol used acrylics to produce his legendary pop art pieces, proving how dynamic and versatile this medium can be.
How To Paint With Acrylic Paint – What You’ll Learn
Our acrylic painting module is the most comprehensive in the course, with an extra session dedicated to the complexity and range of this medium.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to improve your skills, you’ll gain a wealth of knowledge and techniques to build your confidence when you learn how to use acrylic paint:
- Introduction to Acrylics
We start at the grassroots, exploring the properties of acrylic paint, tools and surfaces. You’ll learn application techniques like impasto, where paint is applied thickly for textured effects.
- Simple Painting Exercises
You’ll create a straightforward painting to ease into the medium and adjust to the differences in consistency and behaviour compared to watercolours and oil pastels.
- Palette Knife Techniques
One session is devoted entirely to palette knife painting. This is a bold and expressive technique for adding texture and dimension to your work.
- Aerial Perspective
We’ll explore aerial perspective, teaching you to create depth and distance in your paintings. This is an exciting evolution from the linear perspective covered in our drawing module.
- Abstract Art
Experimentation is key. We’ll guide you through creating an abstract painting, allowing you to play with colours, forms and techniques to express yourself freely.
- Foliage and Landscape Painting
The module culminates with a landscape painting that incorporates all the skills you’ve learned, from layering and blending to creating perspective and texture.
- Sustainability
We teach students how to make the most of their paints and tools, reducing waste while keeping their workspace clean and eco-friendly. By adopting our simple practices, you’ll minimise waste and save money on supplies. We also provide guidance on how to responsibly dispose of any surplus or unusable acrylic paint to help protect the environment.
Professional-Quality Art Materials
As with all Seasons Art Class modules, we provide you with high-quality Seawhite art materials. Seaswhite’s archival-quality acrylics are professional-grade paints that ensure your work remains vibrant for years to come, transforming your practice pieces into lasting treasures.
Your Artistic Journey with Seasons Art Class
By the end of the module, you’ll have a deep appreciation for the versatility of acrylic paint and a repertoire of skills you can carry into future projects.
Seasons Art Class is strategically structured to help you explore a broad range of techniques, equipping you with the tools and confidence to develop your unique artistic style.
We’re confident that you’ll love learning how to use acrylic paints but when you join a Seasons course, you’ll also explore:
Join Seasons Art Class Today!
Our classes are designed for adult beginners and improvers who want to explore and develop their creative skills. With exceptional tuition in a warm and supportive environment, our students benefit from honing their artistic abilities while also making new friends.
Ready to discover the magic of acrylics for yourself? Want to learn how to draw and paint? Simply click and enter your postcode to find your nearest Seasons Art Class – we’ve got branches throughout the UK.
Book your place today and start your journey toward becoming the artist you’ve always wanted to be!