🎨 Beginner’s Guide to Acrylic Painting

Everything you need to get started with acrylics – from brushes to bold, vibrant colours.

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 (choose from Mid Body, Inks, 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 Acrylic 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