Complete Guide to Acrylics

Every painting technique explained and demonstrated, plus everything you need to know about paints, additives, brushes, papers, canvases, colour palettes, colour mixing, composition, and more.

This comprehensive and accessible reference guide provides an in-depth exploration into the art of painting with acrylics, and has been created as one book that will accompany the reader on the complete journey from beginner to artist. With expert advice and step-by-step guidance in a wide range of techniques, this is an indispensable resource for beginning artists, students, and experienced painters alike.

Drawing on the expertise of master painters from around the world, Complete Guide to Acrylics covers every aspect of working in acrylics in detail, from materials and mediums to tools and techniques. It is also a very practical approach, brimming with demonstrations to explain and reinforce the essential skills, and offering useful insights into all stages of the creative process.

Accompanied by a wealth of images, and with a useful reference section with technical data and notes on commissions, selling and exhibiting, this is the ultimate desktop resource for artists, students, and hobbyists alike.

Previously published as Complete Guide to Painting in Acrylics.

Book Contents

Introduction
Chapter One: About Acrylic Paint
Different types of acrylic
Comparison to other paints
Top 10 brands of acrylic paint
How to read a paint label
How to make your own acrylic paints
Mediums & additives
Keeping acrylics workable
Metallic paints
Varnish
Chapter Two: Equipment
Beginner's guide to art supply shopping
Palettes
Set up
Visual tools
Masking
Special effects tools
Brushes 
Brush shapes
Palette knives & shapers
Different types of canvas
Stretching & mounting
Paper
Art panels
Surface preparation
The artist studio
Chapter Three: The foundation
Colour theory
Different brands, different colours
Choosing colours
Values
What do you want to say?
Size and dimensions
How to make a good reference
Order of work
Transferring images
Chapter Four: Acrylic painting techniques
Mixing colours
Painting whites
Painting greys
Painting blacks
Underpainting
Grisaille
Mixing acrylics with other paints
Blending
Watercolour effects
Oil effects
Alla prima
Lettering & fine lines
Shadows
Sponging
Spattering
Frottage
Hard edges vs. soft edges
Backgrounds
Squeegee/roller brush
Pouring
Texture effects
Chapter Five: The airbrush
The tool: The airbrush & compressor
Acrylic airbrush inks
Mediums & supports
Stencils & masks
Other tools
Airbrush techniques
Chapter Six: Be a pro
Rules of ethical behaviour
Entering competitions/exhibits
Art community
Consistency in art
Finding a title for your painting
Keeping records
Photographing your work
Framing
Shipping your artwork and reproductions
Social media & tuition
Resources
Index & credits