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Acrylic Painting Tutorials

Learn How to Paint Loose Portraits with Acrylics – 5 Minute Timed Challenge

One of the best ways to loosen up your acrylic portraits is to set a timer. Learn how to paint bold, abstract portraits in just 5 minutes.

Robert Joyner | Garage Studio Artist & Art Educator

Robert Joyner | Garage Studio Artist & Art Educator

— 3 min read
Learn How to Paint Loose, Expressive Portraits with Acrylics

Painting portraits doesn’t have to mean tight details, endless layers, and hours of fussing over accuracy. In fact, one of the best ways to loosen up and discover your expressive side is to put yourself on the clock.

I discovered this technique one afternoon when I was frustrated with how tight my portraits were becoming. I realized I was getting way too fussy, spending far too much time trying to perfect every detail. On a whim, I grabbed my phone, set a timer for five minutes, and painted without stopping. That’s how the loose acrylic portraits challenge was born.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to paint abstract acrylic portraits in just 5 minutes. By limiting the time, you’ll free yourself from perfectionism and create portraits that feel fresh, bold, and alive.

Looking for more acrylic tips, free courses, and tutorials?
Check out the Acrylic Hub — your one-stop guide for everything from beginner basics to advanced techniques.

Hit play and discover tips for painting loose, expressive acrylic portraits. Scroll down to see images of art and materials list.

Why Try a 5-Minute Acrylic Portrait Challenge?

Working quickly forces you to:

  • Simplify shapes (face = egg shape, not every eyelash).
  • Focus on values (light vs shadow) instead of exact color matching.
  • Embrace expressive, unexpected colors.
  • Leave parts unfinished — letting the viewer’s imagination do the rest.

The result? Portraits that feel more energetic, spontaneous, and personal than those overworked marathon pieces.

Materials for Quick Abstract Portraits

  • Acrylic paints: Payne’s Gray, Hooker Green, Red, Yellow Ochre, Orange, Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow, plus any bold accent colors.
  • Brushes: flat or round for blocking, liner for accents.
  • Optional: acrylic ink markers for sharp lines.
  • Timer (phone, kitchen timer, whatever you’ve got).

💡 Tip: Work with whatever’s already on your palette. The goal is speed and expression, not control.

Step 1 — Set the Timer and Start with Shapes

  • Set your timer for 5 minutes.
  • Block in the basic head shape (oval, egg, or square). Don’t chase likeness.
  • Add quick directional strokes for hairline and shoulders.

Step 2 — Block in Midtones and Base Colors

  • Drop in a loose base color for the face (ochre, sienna, or even orange).
  • Work fast — don’t worry about whether it “matches.”
  • Keep strokes chunky and open.

Step 3 — Add Dark Accents and Features

  • Use Payne’s Gray + Red or Green mix for shadows.
  • Suggest eyes, eyebrows, and mouth with just a few strokes.
  • For lips: paint partial shapes, leaving some areas unfinished for a natural, open look.

Step 4 — Play with Color Freedom

  • Add bold, unexpected hues (lemon yellow, cherry red, turquoise) in highlights or clothing.
  • Experiment with smudging edges or layering over wet paint.
  • Use a liner brush or marker for quick linear accents where needed.

Step 5 — Stop When the Timer Ends

When the buzzer hits, step back and leave it. Don’t “fix” it. The beauty lies in the unfinished edges, awkward marks, and spontaneity. These are portraits that breathe.

Learn How to Paint Loose Portraits with Acrylics

The Lesson: Abstract Portraits Are About Expression

Acrylic portraits don’t need to be realistic. They can be messy, unfinished, and colorful — and still capture more personality than a polished likeness.

By embracing the 5-minute challenge, you’ll:

  • Train your eye to simplify.
  • Build confidence in bold strokes.
  • Discover your unique expressive style.

👉 Try this challenge for yourself. Set the timer, grab a photo reference, and paint your first 5-minute portrait. Tape it up, resist the urge to judge it too soon, and repeat the exercise with different faces.

The more you practice, the more you’ll see beauty in those imperfections.

Learn & Improve Your Acrylic Skills

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links are affiliates, and I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend materials I use regularly, often from Blick Art Materials. Your support keeps my tutorials free and ad-free—thank you!

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