Acrylics are my top recommendation for anyone starting out in painting. They’re non-toxic, easy to clean, and very forgiving. Because acrylics dry quickly, you can easily adjust or correct mistakes—just paint over the area once it’s dry.
Here are a few key things you need to know to get started:
1. Acrylic Paint Types
Acrylics generally come in three types: fluid, regular, and heavy body.
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Fluid acrylics are runny and great for drips or fluid-style art.
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Regular acrylics are versatile and easy to work with.
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Heavy body acrylics are thick, buttery, and almost as rich as oil paints. They tend to be more opaque and a bit more expensive, but they’re worth it if you can afford them. You can always thin heavy body paints with water, but it’s much harder to thicken regular acrylics.
2. Brushes
For acrylics, synthetic brushes are ideal—they’re stiffer than watercolor brushes but not as hard as hog bristles. As for shape, that’s up to your personal preference, but a few basics (flat, round, and filbert) will cover most needs.
3. Wet Palette
A wet palette is a game-changer. Acrylics dry fast, but a wet palette keeps your paint moist for longer, making it easier to blend and work with. Once you start using one, it’s hard to go back!
4. Surfaces
Acrylics can be used on paper, canvas, or plywood, so the choice of surface is completely up to you.