Basic Painting Tips

Still trying to figure out why your painting's jacked up??? Let's go... Raise your hand if you've ever painted the same spot over and over for several minutes. Now is the best time to STOP and give yourself permission to let that go in the future. As fast as we may want to finish, patience is required. Sometimes, you have to stop and let your art dry!

Find something else to do if you want to keep going the same day, but don't waste your energy going back over that same spot. How long, you ask? It depends on how hot or cool your work area is, but let's go with 1-2 hours minimum for acrylic paint. (You can use a drying tool, but there are tips for that too.) Overnight does wonders if you have the time. 

Are you constantly getting paint drips on your canvas? Can you see through your paint when you're not supposed to? We've covered wetting your brush, but there's a limit. Let's talk about drying it... If you can see through your paint and it's not watercolor...and you're not doing it on purpose, you need to dry your brush.

Sometimes, a blot on a paper towel or an old rag will do. Then other times, you'll need to squeeze it out. There is a such thing as too much water and it can REALLY affect your painting. Take your time, test your brush before you put it on the surface, and wet or dry as needed. Eventually, you'll get the hang of it. 

​

​

Do your paintings always look dirty or "dingy"??? You just can't seem to get them clear or bright enough? Well...something as simple as cleaning your paintbrush can improve the appearance of your painting!It's a major step that many people miss... BEFORE you change colors, make sure you clean your brush!

Make sure your water/thinner is clean or at least translucent (you can still see through it).Get the brush all the way down to the bottom of the container. Give it a swirl while you feel the container. Slide the brush on the edge of the container. Check for paint near the top of the bristles where they connect. Use a paper towel or old rag to get out the extras. Repeat as needed!

Do your paintings look/feel rough or messy, but you weren't doing it on purpose?

I know it feels super professional to sweep your paintbrush back and forth, BUT this is one reason you have that messy look. Sweeping back and forth also pulls the paint back off the canvas.

Try to use the same direction throughout the whole painting as much as possible. 

BONUS TIP: Make longer strokes. A bunch of short strokes will also give you a messy appearance. 

Another reason your paint might look rough and messy is that you are using a thick paint and it needs to be thinned.

It's important for your paint to be able to move freely across your work surface. If you don't have enough water/thinner, it will cause you to have a thick or unpleasantly dry look.

All it takes is a little moisture to smooth things out! When your brush won't slide, wet it JUST A LITTLE. This will also make your paint go further.

Did you know that you can catch mistakes in your 2-D art (drawing and painting) faster just by stopping, standing back several feet, and studying your work?

This might not sound like much, but it can save you some headache and help you appreciate your work even more because it's probably going to look better from a distance too.