How to get started with acrylics - Tips for beginners
When I first started with acrylics, I had big eyes and zero knowledge. My first investment? Two giant sets of paints in miniature tubes. It looked so professional, it had fifty different shades :), but you know how it ended? I never used half of the colors, and the rest just dried up. In the end, I threw them all away.
If you don't want to end up like me, here is my proven list of what you actually need.
1. Forget the Sets, Buy "Proper Buckets"
Sets with 24 colors look tempting, but it's a trap. You'll never use half of those colors, and the most important one (white) will be gone in ten minutes.
My strategy: Buy larger tubes (around 100 ml) and pick specific shades based on what you are currently planning to paint. Over time, you'll build a collection of colors you actually love and that won't just sit there unused.
The eternal dilemma: Mixing vs. Buying Pre-mixed?
Mixing: Saves space and money. You only need a few basic tubes to create a whole world of colors. It's a great school of color theory! (But it's also quite tricky.)
Pre-mixed shades: If you know you'll be coming back to a painting or doing touch-ups later, buy the pre-mixed shade. You can be sure you'll hit the exact same color every time.
2. Brushes: Three is Not Enough (Trust Me)
Someone might tell you that three brushes are enough, but in practice, that's nonsense. Unless you want to spend every minute perfectly rinsing your brush so you don't muddy up a new color, you need more.
My kit: I recommend having at least two of every size. Personally, I prefer painting with flat brushes—they are great for both large areas and sharp edges.
Don't forget the details: Definitely get at least one special thin brush purely for details (like bird eyebrows or highlights in the eyes).
Warning: Once you let them dry out, you can only use them as coffee stirrers.
Extra Tip: I'm a big fan of "Da Vinci" brushes (I love the blue ones).
3. The Palette Revolution
Wooden/Plastic Palettes: A total classic, but you either have to wash them constantly or eventually throw them away.
Tear-off (Disposable) Palette: This is my absolute favorite. It's a pad of special paper—when you're done, you tear off the sheet, toss it, and you're clean.
Wet Palette: If you want your paints to stay fresh for several days, try a wet palette.
My trick: Just cover your palette with a regular plastic bag after painting. The paints won't dry out, and you can easily continue the next day.
4. Canvas Boards
For starters, canvas boards are fantastic. They are cheaper than stretched canvases, but they still feel like the real deal to paint on. A huge advantage is that they are easy to frame—they fit into standard frames and look luxurious in them. I use canvas boards for my portraits :)
5. Water Jar and Cloths
You can't move without these. I use old kitchen towels and a pickle jar. :) When changing colors, rinse the brush thoroughly and wipe it on the towel.