Acrylic is one of the world’s favourite painting mediums, and it’s easy to see why – stunning works of art can be created without the hassle of watercolours and in less time than with oils. So for those who are just getting started, or artists looking to improve on their techniques, Paint & Draw: Acrylics is here to help. With handy tutorials covering everything from the basics to working with other media, uncover how to create your best art with acrylic paints. Find out how to look after your airbrush, explore the ins and outs of varnishing your finished pieces, and learn how to paint like abstract pioneer Kandinsky. Whether you want to paint inside or en plein air, in miniature or not, you’ll find everything you need.
Welcome to Paint & Draw ACRYLICS
Paint & Draw: Acrylics
An introduction to acrylics • If you are new to acrylics, Sylvia Paul will inspire you to have a go with handy tips and inspiration
WHY ACRYLICS?
Tools & mediums
Surfaces & applying 1 the paint
Using a limited palette to create harmony • David Farren shares how to mix acrylic paints to create a sense of continuity in a scene
Creating layers • Melanie Tong demonstrates how to make depth with acrylics with a stunning seascape
The basic techniques • Sue Sareen reveals how to create different effects with your acrylic paints
Creative textures with an airbrush • Before you get to the in-depth workshops, take a bite out of these smaller tips and tricks for getting creative!
Tips and tricks for cleaning your airbrush • CLEANING AN AIRBRUSH can seem fiddly if you’re not used to it (and it can be expensive if you get it wrong). Here, I provide some helpful tips to make the whole process easier.
DISCOVER THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO PERFECT YOUR ANIMAL PORTRAITS • Whether you want to paint your pet, or bring a little wilderness into your home, our professional artists are on hand to reveal their secrets to dynamic and engaging animal portraits!
Make a free and expressive still life in acrylics • Artist Sylvia Paul shows how to paint this stunning still life painting
Be bold with shapes & colours • Melanie Tong uses layers of acrylic paint and bold strokes to describe coastal landscapes
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO MASTER PAINTING IN WATERCOLOUR • With step-by-step tutorials and in-depth workshops, this is the perfect guide for anyone wanting to get started with watercolours. Learn the basics, uncover core techniques and find your inner artist!
How to capture a night atmosphere • David Farren creates an evocative after-dark scene using a limited palette of acrylic colours
Flamingo painting and the power of ‘negative shapes’ • Marie Antoniou guides you through the use of negative shapes and how these can be used to bring out the main feature and add interest
Bring a fantastical fairytale to life • With her love for felines and larger-than-life figures, Tran Nguyen illustrates an unexpected paradox to the damsel in distress
Express your abstract scenes with texture • David Body describes how he paints colourful, expressive landscapes with layered acrylics and emulsion on canvas
Eight steps to paint plumage • Sue Sareen shows how to convey the vibrancy and colour of these characterful birds, using slow-drying Atelier Interactive Acrylics
Paint a classically inspired scene • Tran Nguyen reveals how she captures the essence of a maiden’s distress through the use of body language, dynamic elements and a rich blend of colours
Going further with acrylics • Once you’ve become confident with acrylic paints, it’s time to start experimenting. Illustrator Terese Nielsen introduces some more advanced techniques
Using acrylics with other media
Paint like…...