Acrylic Canvas Paintings

Before you can do any acrylic canvas paintings, you have to prepare the canvas. Even if it has been pre-primed, it may not be sufficient to get it ready for acrylic paint.

Required Materials

Wash station for brush
Paint brush
Gesso
Canvas (board or stretched)

Step 1

Put the canvas on an easel or other work surface. It is easier to work with if the canvas is placed in an upright position.

Step 2

Put a thin layer of primer on it. There are many types, but the most popular is gesso. For new painters, there is student grade gesso available. Professional grades are available for professional artists.

Step 3

Let the gesso dry. It may take the whole night to dry or more, depending on the humidity. Do not proceed until the gesso is completely dry.

Step 4

When the gesso dries, apply a second layer of primer. As in the first layer, allow this to dry completely. Do not add any acrylic paint, nor should you handle the canvas. When it’s dry you can start the acrylic canvas painting.

Tip: if you need more leverage, use a roller. It may also speed up application time. A hair dryer or heat gun can accelerate the drying process too.

Step 5

Immediately wash and dry the brushes you used with the primer. Pay close attention to the brush base. That is where materials tend to collect. Left unattended to, they can ruin the brush. The brush should be dried with cloth and placed upright in a container.

Ways of Applying Acrylic Paint

If you prefer a watercolor look, thin the acrylic with a thinning medium. A thickening medium should be used if you want the impasto look. It is also possible to use an oil medium to simulate the look of oil.

For the best results, apply thick, heavy acrylics. These should have heavy pigment concentration too. Acrylic can work with many brush types, but synthetic ones are most suitable. They are easy to clean up too. Just clean the brush with soap and water before it dries up.

Before you start, prepare the color palette and the medium you’ll mix. Use little paint when you start as acrylic dries up rapidly. You can always reload the palette.

When you are creating acrylic canvas painting, color block the work in bold opaque parts. By working in thick layers, depth will increase. Painting in thin acrylic layers will also produce similar results.