ACRYLICS FOR BEGINNERS:

Workbook
By Malcolm Dewey © 2018
WELCOME TO
ACRYLIC PAINTING
FOR BEGINNERS

© 2018 Malcolm Dewey Fine Art

YOUR
WORKBOOK
This workbook will closely follow the
course, but I also want to add many other
tips and topics that you can try out.
Painting is a practical subject, but we also
love to read about it. Often we try out
ideas much later, but as long as you keep
learning. That is my goal for you.
Where possible I have included photo
references for the painting
demonstrations. Try them out to
consolidate the lessons. Before we start I UP NEXT: MATERIALS
must say that acrylics is a vast medium
and I cannot cover every possible use in
this course. My primary aim is to
introduce you to acrylics and show you
how to paint well.
 MATERIALS
What you will need: A selection of good student quality
paints. There is no need for expensive artist paints for this
training. I can suggest brands like Maimeri’s Acrylico or
Galeria by WInsor & Newton and also Golden acrylics.
Colors include: Titanium white, cadmium yellow lemon and
yellow deep, a warm red, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue,
cobalt blue, burnt sienna, yellow ochre and orange. If you
want a few high key colors then add a bright green, blue and
red.
Unlike with oil painting I do use a few extra convenience
colors with acrylics, because the medium does offer so many
creative options.
Less is more when it comes to materials. If you know what
Brushes and more: A large square brush for blocking in. A
you are going to paint you will have an idea what
household brush will do. Synthetic brushes in sizes 4-10 cover
materials you need. Size, subject, traditional or modern?
most approaches. Round and long flat brushes are perfect.
Add a painting knife or two. A long and short pear shaped
blade is best.
 Palette
Palette: Any non porous material can make a temporary
palette for acrylics. But it is better to use something
comfortable and reliable. For regular painting I like the
stay-wet palette. It keeps my paints wet for days or more and
is convenient to carry with me.
Make a Stay-Wet Palette: Use a plastic container of about
35cm x 25cm with a sealable lid. Line the bottom of the
container with paper towel. Moisten the towel with water. Not
too much. Then place two pieces of wax paper over the moist
towel. Make sure a waxy layer faces the water. The other
waxy layer will face upwards. You can now squeeze out your
Use the stay-wet palette to keep you paint moist and usable
paints onto the top wax paper layer. When finished simply
for days at a time. Also have a water atomiser on hand to
seal the container with the lid.
lightly spray water over your paints in very dry conditions.
Also use a water atomiser to spray the paints lightly when
conditions are very dry.
Brushes Care: A warning here. Quick drying acrylics can ruin
your brushes so make sure you clean them with water
straight after painting. Store your brushes upright over night.
Do not leave them standing bristles down in the water jar.
 Paper: Use good quality watercolor paper.
A 300g paper will be best. I like to tape the
paper onto an MDF board and lightly wet
the paper with water. Let the paper dry

PAINT fully for the day to stretch the paper. I

then prime it with acylic gesso and let that

SUPPORTS
dry for an hour.
Canvas Panels: You can make these
easily as demonstrated. Glue the canvas
to a MDF panel and let it dry overnight.
The firm support is an excellent surface
for painting.
Acrylics will stick to just about anything
Of course regular stretched canvases are
that does not repel water. Beware your
excellent especially for large works.
clothing can get ruined too so use an
Modern or abstract paintings on box
apron.
canvases are very attractive.
As far as supports go the traditional
supports like paper, card, and canvas
will work in most cases.
I use all of these supports without
problems. Make sure you prime these
supports with acrylic gesso or similar
primer. If you use paper, card or MDF
panels I suggest priming both sides of the
support. This keeps the support free from
moisture contamination.
Mediums
There are many mediums available to mix into your paint.
Some help the paint dry slower, make them more watery, add
body or gloss and much more. You can quickly run up a big bill
on these items. Personally I find impasto medium to be useful
at times if I want a thick textured surface.
Impasto mediums are white then dry transparent. They bulk
up your paint and extend it without losing the color. Within
reason.
Impasto mediums can be very thick like texture paste. They
can also be thinner and smoother like gel medium. Experiment
with these to find your happy medium (sorry about that).
Having said that I do suggest that you get comfortable with the
basics of painting before using these mediums. As always
successful paintings require planning so that you can use the
materials effectively.
We all dream of a fabulous studio filled with
space, light and cool gear. But for most of us the
reality is limited space, clutter and compromise.
For many years my studio was the corner of our
bedroom!
Studio
But do not despair. You can do very nicely with
a little bit of space. Acrylics do not have harsh
solvents, smells are minimal and with a little
planning you will not disturb the household.
The most important thing is to leave your
painting space ready for painting. Avoid packing
everything away then unpacking it all the next
day. This is a creativity killer. Also have a place
to store paints and other kit to avoid clutter (my
biggest issue).
Have an easel that is easy to move about if you
have space issues. A mast easel is big yet easy
to take down and store. Perhaps a desktop
easel works best for you.
Display your paintings for added motivation too.
Painting
Basics:
Composition:
This is an important part of your painting skills to practice. Poor
composition will ruin a painting even if your colors and brushwork are
excellent.
The video lesson gives many of the most important tips.
When approaching a scene I always suggest looking for the horizon line
first. Draw that in on your sketch and panting surfaces. All shapes must
relate accurately to your horizon line. Observe shapes closely. Where are
they in relation to your horizon line?
Next make sure that you are leading the eye towards the focal area.
Avoid distractions that take the eye away from the focal area. You may
notice these distractions a day or two after you complete the painting.
Remove them. Color, values and edges all contribute to eye movement
too. More on those to follow.
 VALUES
THE LIGHT AND DARK NATURE OF SHAPES What are they and why do
they matter?
What Value?

Every color note is usually lighter or darker

than another color note.

We use the term values to describe the light and dark

nature of color notes.

Values are measured with the Munsell value scale.

(example on left)

By observing the value relationships

between color notes you can add drama and
interest to your painting. Make it stronger or
more impactful.
Values
at Work
In this demonstration you will learn
about preparing a notan sketch with a
felt tip marker. The notan sketch
isolates the main mass shapes that give
a painting structure.
Then move that sketch onto a painting
panel.
You will see how a strong dark mass
creates strength and drama when set
off against vibrant light values. If you
follow this idea for your paintings you The Lane Demonstration Painting
will have an excellent chance of
developing strong paintings.
Shapes
Study master painters and see what
shapes they leave in. Usually the shapes
are isolated according to value and
composition requirements. Leave out
what does not add to the simple
structure of a painting.
Notice in this picture I have drawn lines
around the main shapes. The values are
measured on the value scale. I can now
mix color according to that value scale.
Usually there are 4 values in a
landscape, but it varies too. Squint at a
scene to isolate big shapes and
eliminate minor details. See how this The Process of Isolating Shapes
helps to get a big and strong start to
your painting.
Light & Shape
In this lesson I want to demonstrate what to look out
for when you want to start painting a subject. Instead
of being intimidated by the job in front of you take
this approach. Break the process down into assessing
the following:
1. Direct light shapes;
2. Indirect light shapes;
3. Cast shadow shapes
Mark out these shapes like jigsaw puzzle pieces.
Draw them on a sketch if you can. Now decide on the
colors for each shape. Consider its value and color
temperature by comparing the relationship between
each shape.
Mix color and compare it to the shape. Lighter or
darker? Warmer or cooler? When happy put the color
down as a flat plane of paint.
The Process of Isolating Shapes
In this way the entire subject is simplified.
Move forward by developing each shape with
variation in color temperature. But overall the shape
keeps its’ initial value.
Perspective
Artists worry about getting perspective
mathematically correct. Unless you are an
architect I suggest not worrying at all.
Instead know where your horizon line is
and use a viewfinder.
Relate all objects to the horizon line and
edges of the picture plane and you are
good to go.
As a painter I think more about aerial
perspective. This means getting your
paint to follow the effects of atmosphere
on shapes and color. Light and color
change over distance. So does your AERIAL PERSPECTIVE NOTES:
perception of objects. Adapt your paint COLORS COOL WITH DISTANCE (MORE BLUE) - YELLOW GOES FIRST
accordingly and your painting will look OBJECTS GET SMALLER OVER DISTANCE
fantastic. This lesson covers the important EDGES GET SOFTER - TEXTURES REDUCE OVER DISTANCE
points. Practice them on your palette too.
Color
Color is a vast topic and I cover that in much detail in my
Course Learn to Paint With Impact.
But I also go into some depth in these videos looking at
the nature of color in acrylics.
Acrylics can be used in a variety of ways. Mix it thin and
use almost like watercolor. Keep it thick out the tube
and use it thick. Add gel medium and make it even
thicker for deep textured effects.
Generally I use acrylics straight out the tube without
adding mediums. This gives me the most options.
These lessons focus on:
1. the idea of color notes in relationship to other
color notes.
2. Opaque and transparent color
Colors consist of hue, saturation and value.
3. Color temperature
Color Relationships
1. It is not just the hue (name of the color) or value
(light or dark) that is important when mixing
color. It is the temperature of the color that is
critical.
2. Is the color note warmer or cooler in relation to
other colors in your painting? Use your artist’s
eye to observe the color relationships.
3. ALWAYS CONSIDER COLORS COMPARED TO
OTHER COLORS AND ADJUST.
4. Ask is the color warmer or cooler, lighter or
darker?

Colors are warm or cool depending on

relationships to other colors.
Color Transparency
1. Acrylics are generally transparent out of the
tube. Lighter colors more so than darker ones.
2. Transparency can be used by letting dry colors
show through color painted over them. This
layering of color can develop rich color effects.
3. Shadows can benefit, for example by being left
transparent and layered.
4. Add white paint to make shapes opaque. White
paint also cools down a color and changes its
value. Sometimes dramatically. Once the white
is in the color is permanently changed.
5. Start off with less or no white paint and add
later once the painting is established. Too much
white can lead to chalky looking color.
Use the transparent and opaque nature of paint.
 COLOR
PALETTE
WHAT COLORS?

LIMITED PALETTE We love buying new colors. But I

always ask my students to get a
A limited palette does not mean few colors to begin with. Cadmium
limited results. Have the essential red light, cadmium yellow lemon,
colors instead of all the colors on sale. alizarin crimson, yellow ochre,
Too many colors wastes money, time burnt sienna, titanium white,
and results in haphazard color mixing. ultramarine blue, cerulean blue
Instead focus on mixing pure color and perhaps orange or yellow
according to temperature and value RAPHAEL deep. This is a generous palette
required. Tint with white paint where that has a few convenience colors
necessary. too. Notice I avoid tube green as I
cannot find one that is suitable. I
prefer to mix my greens. I also
avoid black unless I am paining an
illustration or poster.
 NEUTRAL
COLOR
Beautiful Grays

LIMITED PALETTE We often refer to neutral colors as

grays. This does not mean black mixed
with white. Rather it is a desaturated
color. For example green mixed with a
little red. Maybe a touch of white
Nature is made up of color mixes. This added too. That may result in a perfect
means that you will need to mix color match for a distant green in your
to get an approximation of natural landscape. Generally a tertiary color is
color. Most of natures colors are heading to neutral territory. But do not
neutrals of some sort. Often you will overdo the mix as it can lead to mud,
says things like: that color is greenish which is a lifeless color. So keep one
or reddish. To me this means it is a color dominant. This results in a
cool or warm neutral leaning towards a neutral that is either warm of cool. And
certain hue. also beautiful.
VARIETY
When using color try to think of it more than simply a pigment. Consider
the relationships between colors and experiment with them. What will
violet look like next to light yellow? Maybe use a blue in the shadows.
What does that look like? Experiment and assess.
Then there is the thickness of paint. Thin in the shadows. Thick in the
sunlit parts. Textured in the foreground.
Use a bristle brush for more textured brushwork. A fine hair brush will
give you smoother surfaces.
Palette knife for thick impasto smears of paint or thin lines.
Some artists use other tools like credit cards to smear lots of paint on.
Teeth of a comb can make amazing uniform lines when dragged through
upper layers, exposing lower layers of color.
Or what about dribbling paint over a canvas? It is up to you to try.
 BRUSH
Round Filbert Large
Flat
Flat
WORK
VARIETY OF BRUSHES VARIETY OF TECHNIQUE CONFIDENCE
Acrylics do seem to favour the finer Remember that acrylics dry quickly. This takes time, focus and practice.
synthetic brush. I like the square Use this to your advantage by letting Above all practice and experimentation
shaped brush heads called flats. They layers dry then going over those layers will develop your painting quickly. This
are especially versatile for my with variety of brushwork. Build up the also means reminding yourself to paint
approach. A good round brush or two layers for richer and interesting without worrying about what others
and perhaps a filbert shape especially paintings. think. There is no paint police. You only
for portraits. Use the brush with vigour and full arm grow by making mistakes. Yes many
A large flat like a house brush is ideal movements. Not like a pencil. Stand flops too. This is the learning process
for preparing large canvasses or big and move your arm to get a big shape so go for it.
projects. Generally bristle is not ideal on the canvas. Twist your wrist, move
for water based paint, but I use your hand and so on to get shape
cheaper ones at times for texture. variety. Curves, lines and juicy dabs of
Know what shapes each brush offers color make a painting come to life.
and try them out.
PAINTING
DEMONSTRATIONS
Value Painting
1. This painting as previously mentioned shows the
benefit of using a strong value contrast.
2. Look out for large dark mass shapes in your
scene, like the trees on the left.
3. Use thick paint on the sunlit portions to make
the most of this bright and colorful part. Layers
of acrylic can be built up there.
4. You will also note the process I follow from
toning a canvas (in this case I use red) to
painting the large dark mass shape, then the
lights, then developing those shapes with
smaller shapes.
5. Shadows are thin, but not flat. See how the
toned board shows through on the road
The Lane.
shadows?
6. No details. Only suggested details.
Dune Shadow
1. This painting builds on the value based painting
by adding the element of a complementary
color scheme.
2. The violet and yellow colors work off each other
for added impact.
3. Also note the composition lines curving into and
down to the water.
4. Thicker and warmer paint in the foreground.
Thinner and cooler in the distance.
5. Shadows are not flat. They are filled with
information, but within that dark value range.
6. Details are suggested, but not laboured.

Dune Shadow.
 Expressive
Landscape
1. This painting is all about bold color and loose
shapes.
2. Contrasting warms and cools and
complementary colors work off each other.
3. It is still a representational painting using rules
of aerial perspective for three dimensions.
4. Work quickly for more spontaneous effects.
5. Impasto paint application with thick scoops of
paint placed on the canvas.
6. Palette knife and brush work together.
7. Texture through impasto and scraping with the
painting knife.
8. Wet into wet painting creates blended edges
here and there if I want.
Expressive Landscape.
9. I use the road to lead the eye into the painting.
Plus lines in the landscape, diagonals and
verticals for balance and interest.
 Flowers
1. This painting is about interpreting a simple
flower arrangement.
2. Approach still life paintings similar to landscape.
3. Consider shapes and color relationshsips.
4. Avoid details early on. Look only for shapes.
5. Compose the painting by considering viewpoint,
cropping and dominant light source.
6. Basic palette of colors and build up vibrancy
with layers.

FLowers.
 Process
From the course demonstrations you will notice that I
follow a similar process. I encourage you to do the
same. A process makes painting simpler by taking a
series of steps that help you to succeed. Painting is
complicated enough so you want some steps you can
count on. These are:

1. Sketch the subject. Thumb nail sketches. Notan

value and mass shapes sketches.
2. Think about the composition. What stays and
what goes?
3. What format canvas? Landscape, portrait or
square.
4. Tone the canvas? What color?
Your process will develop and become personal to you.
5. Draw in the horizon line. Basic shapes too.
Be patient and do not get down when a painting does not
6. Block in the dark masses. Then the lights and
work out. That is also part of the process. Mistakes. Then
middle value mass shapes.
leaps of growth. Then plateaus before another leap
7. Develop shapes with smaller shapes.
forward in skill. Time and consistent work will result in
8. Stand back and assess.
greater achievement. Accept that so you can also find
9. Add or subtract shapes.
time to relax and have fun. That is the point of painting
10. Complete with accents both light and dark. Sign
after all.
the painting.
 Thank
You
I hope that you enjoyed this introduction
to painting. If you are interested in more
resources and lessons please join me on
my website:
malcolmdeweyfineart.com
Also on YouTube/mdfineart
Facebook/MalcolmDeweyFineArt
Instagram/malcolmdeweyfineart