Acrylic Painting 101

by Karen Lynn Ingalls

Little Red Apple • Acrylics on panel • 8" x 10" • © 2014 Karen Lynn Ingalls

Acrylics, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.... Seriously — I know I'm biased, but for good reason — acrylic paints are the most versatile paint medium today.

You can:

• use them using traditional painting methods
• create washes and stains with them
• make glazes
• make them look like watercolors or oil paints
• add mediums that create a variety of kinds of special effects, including textures, drips, and pours
• use them in collage and mixed media
• make them look like encaustics
• apply them with palette knives or spray cans
• use them on any number of different kinds of surfaces... well, you get the idea?

Two very different paintings created with acrylic paints — on the left, a mixed media painting with collage — Do It on Purpose • Acrylics and collage on canvas • 10" x 10" • © 2014 Karen Lynn Ingalls (AKA Karin Johansson-Bolin - my alter-ego mixed media self). On the right, a landscape painting — Autumn Celebration • Acrylics on canvas • 12" x 16" • © 2014 Karen Lynn Ingalls

And acrylics are forgiving! Don't beat yourself up if something isn't turning out in a way you like! (You should NEVER do that anyway.) You want to change it? Just let it dry a little, and paint over it. No problem.

They dry faster (oh so much faster!) than oil paints — but you can extend the drying time if you like blending and mixing your paints on the canvas. They dry permanent, unlike watercolors, but you can give them the appearance of watercolors.

See? Looks like watercolors, doesn't it? Pair of Cherries • Acrylics on watercolor paper • © 2014 Karen Lynn Ingalls

In short, it's the perfect medium. (Well, yes, I'm biased — but, as you see, I have good reasons for it.)

This Saturday I'll be teaching Acrylic Painting 101, my introductory workshop to painting with acrylics.

If you're new to acrylics — or new to painting in general — this is a good way to get started. We'll begin by exploring many of the ways you can apply acrylic paint to a surface, and practice mixing colors.

Abstract Painting with Arch and Moon • Acrylics on canvas • 16" x 20" • © 2014 Karen Lynn Ingalls

Then everyone will create two paintings. The first is an abstract painting — you'll receive open-ended, guided instructions to get you started, so there's no feeling of being intimidated by looking at a blank canvas. And although everyone hears the same guided instructions, because they are open to individual interpretation, each person's painting will be completely unique and unlike anyone else's.

The second painting is a simple still life, so that you'll get some practice in working  from an object. You'll learn how to start your painting, and how to approach it each step of the way until you have a finished painting.

One of the things I love most about this workshop is that we approach painting with an attitude of experimentation. There is no judgement here! This is all about diving in and exploring the medium in a way that will give you a strong basic foundation. Then you take what you learn and go on whatever direction appeals to you most....

I'll be teaching Acrylic Painting 101 is at the Calistoga Art Center, 1435 North Oak Street in Calistoga, California — and the time is this Saturday, June 28th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Bring a lunch! The registration deadline ends soon — you can find out more on my Acrylic Painting 101 page, here on this website.

You can also learn more tips and basics about acrylic paints on my new Acrylic Painting 101 website. I'll be adding to it over time, but there are some very helpful tips there now.