If you're a beginning acrylic painter, it can be overwhelming to figure out what supplies you need to get started. With so many options out there, it can be challenging to know what's necessary and what's not. Here are a few essentials to guide you through buying supplies as a beginning acrylic painter.
- Paints: Acrylic paints are water-based, quick-drying, and come in a vast range of colors. You'll need to get a basic set of paint colors to get started. Start with a set of primary colors - red, blue, and yellow - plus white and black. Then, add in some extra hues in your favorite colors - maybe orange, teal, a second shade of blue, etc. This will allow you to mix any color you need using red, blue, yellow, black, and white, but sometimes it's nice to have other pre-mixed colors on hand, especially if you like certain hues.
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Brushes: You don't need a vast collection of brushes to get started. Two or three brushes of different sizes will do. A flat brush is ideal for large areas and a round brush for details. A filbert brush is also handy as it has a rounded tip that can make both broad strokes and fine lines.
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Canvas: You'll need something to paint on, and canvas is the most popular choice. Stretched canvas is ready to use and comes in various sizes, and I recommend choosing deeper gallery-wrapped canvas if you don't want to add a frame later. Canvas painting panels or canvas boards are also available and can be a great economical option. I always look for sale weeks for buying pre-gessoed canvas or canvas panels online or online for pickup in my local stores.
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Palette: A palette is where you mix your paint. You can use a disposable paper palette or invest in a reusable one. A plastic palette with wells is ideal as it allows you to keep your colors separate and clean.
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Easel: An easel will hold your canvas upright while you paint, but you can also paint with the canvas laid flat on a table or other surface. You can choose from a table easel, which sits on a table, or a floor easel, which stands on the floor. A tabletop easel is usually sufficient for beginners.
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Other Supplies: You'll need a container of water to clean your brushes, paper towels, and perhaps a spray bottle of water to keep your paints wet. A palette knife is useful for mixing colors and applying paint thickly.
Buying supplies as a beginning acrylic painter doesn't have to be expensive. You can find good quality, affordable materials at art supply stores or online if you know what to look for. Start with the basics, and as you become more experienced, you can add to your collection.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and experiment with different techniques and styles. Acrylic painting is a rewarding and enjoyable hobby that can bring joy and satisfaction for years to come.
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