Beginner’s Guide to Acrylic Painting

Beginner's Guide

Everything you need to know about
acrylic painting.

Whether you're new to painting or switching from watercolours or oils, acrylics are a fantastic medium to explore. Fast-drying, versatile, and packed with pigment, acrylics are ideal for everything from traditional portraiture to bold abstract work.

What Are Acrylic Paints?

Acrylic paint is a water-based medium that dries quickly to a flexible, permanent finish. It can be used thickly for textured strokes or thinned for delicate washes — making it incredibly versatile.

At Jackman's Art Materials, we offer a complete acrylic range for artists of all styles and skill levels:

  • Mid Body Acrylics — a buttery, flowing texture perfect for brush and palette knife work.
  • Acrylic Marker Pens — great for precision work, sketching, or finishing details.
  • Acrylic Inks — ultra-fluid and vibrant, ideal for pouring, airbrushing, or calligraphy.
  • Heavy Body Acrylics — high viscosity, thick paints ideal for bold textures and impasto techniques. Coming soon

What You'll Need to Get Started

  • Acrylic paints — Mid Body, Inks, or Pens.
  • Synthetic brushes (flat, round, detail).
  • Palette or mixing tray.
  • Water jar.
  • Acrylic paper, canvas board, or stretched canvas.
  • Rag or paper towel.
  • Optional: palette knife, spray bottle, gel mediums.

Choosing the Right Product

1. Mid Body Acrylics

Mid Body Acrylics have a smooth, creamy texture that's easy to mix and apply. These are perfect for beginners and professionals alike. Use them for layering, glazing, or blocking in large areas of colour.

Best for: Blended brushwork, layering, versatile techniques.
Pro Tip: Mix with a little water for smoother washes or glazing effects.

2. Heavy Body Acrylics

Heavy Body Acrylics are thick and loaded with pigment — perfect for artists who love texture. These paints hold brushstrokes and palette knife marks beautifully.

Best for: Impasto, textured work, expressive painting.
Pro Tip: Use straight from the tube for maximum texture, or combine with a gel medium to extend the paint without losing body.