Acrylic Paint Application Techniques
Overviews I’m always excited at the start of an acrylic workshop. Whenever I start a class, I ask students what their goals are. In a painting class, often many students express to me a similar goal: “I want to get past that stupid AWKWARD STAGE!” I use the term awkward stage in my acrylic painting books.
Variety of Applications 1. Dry brushing 2. Washing 3. Dabbing 4. Sponging 5. Detailing
Dry brushing
This is where you scrub layers of colors on using small amounts of paint. This is when it actually feels like you are drawing with paint as the stroke is similar.
Washing
This is when you apply a thin layer of diluted paint over the colors already applied. The thin veil of color allows the colors underneath to still shine through.
Dabbing
This stroke is used when you are adding texture.You can apply dabbing if you want to create bushes or texture seen on the ground.
Sponging
This is similar to the dabbing technique, but rather than using a brush, you tear pieces from a kitchen cellulose sponge, and dab the paint on with a piece of sponge.
Detailing
This is when you use a smaller, pointed brush to add clean lines and details. This is where you use a lot of control to create definite shapes and precise edges. The other applications