5 Common Mistakes Beginners Make with Acrylics (And How to Fix Them)

Acrylics are amazing, they dry fast, are easy to clean, and have strong colors. But they can also be tricky if you’re just starting.

Here are 5 mistakes I often made myself:

• Using too little water: Acrylics can feel thick. Add a bit of water to make them flow better. Not too much, or they become see-through!
• Painting on dry brushes: Dry brushes make rough, scratchy marks. Keep your brush slightly wet for smoother strokes.
• Not working fast enough: Acrylics dry quickly! If you wait too long, blending is hard. Work in small sections. This is a challenge especially in the summer, like here in Spain as it is super warm.
• Skipping layers: Don’t try to finish everything in one layer. Build up the painting slowly, background first, then details.
• Forgetting to clean brushes often: Dried acrylic is hard to remove! Wash brushes every 10–15 minutes while painting.

And here’s a bonus tip: Don’t be afraid to mess up! Every painting teaches you something.

So having said that, have fun and enjoy exploreing!

Saludos, Anne