Acrylic Painting Tutorials for Beginners
Discover what acrylic painting for beginners and Stonington, Maine have in common. Oh, and the best free courses and tutorials on the Internet!
Welcome to Your Harbor Pass
Discovering this holy grail of acrylic painting tutorials reminds me of an encounter I had with a complete stranger. Two and a half decades ago, a chance chat in Florida sent me to Stonington, Maine—a blue‑collar lobster village off the beaten path. I went on a whim, fell in love with the rugged coast, and I’ve been painting that grit and glow ever since.
My hope is that landing here is your Stonington moment—one small detour that changes your art for good.
My Teaching Philosophy
Here's my approach: construct to deconstruct. Together we build rock-solid fundamentals first—color mixing, brush control, basic techniques—then we tear it all apart to find your true voice. Whether that's loose, and expressive or photorealistic. Skip the foundation and you'll fight your brush forever.
Fair warning: This isn't about shortcuts or posting pretty art on Instagram. It's about building skills that actually work when you're staring at a blank canvas wondering what to do next.
The Essential Acrylic Supplies
Every beginner journey begins with having the right gear. Step inside my personal favs and highly recommended brands I use every day!
- Best Acrylic Paint
Learn what cheese whiz and acrylic paint have in common - Best Acrylic Paint Brushes
Finding your go-to brush is kinda like to-go food - Best Paper to Use for Acrylic Painting
Discover my top paper picks and why fancy restaurants aren't the best choice - Best Canvases for Acrylic Painting
The no nonsense guide without blowing 1K
Beginner’s Path
This is like stepping onto the docks for the first time—simple tools, clear steps, real wins.
- 12 Essential Techniques
Blending, layering, dry brush, glazing, scumbling and more. - Acrylic Color Mixing Made Easy
Clean, vibrant color without mud. - Acrylic Glossary
Essential terms and techniques explained
Still Life & Flowers with Acrylics
Learn how to paint florals and everyday objects in a fresh, expressive way.
- Paint Still Life with Flowers Using Acrylics
A beginner-friendly floral demo. - Tips for Painting Still Life Floral Paintings
Perfect video or developing easy to paint lower art. - Minimalistic & Expressive Still Life with Flowers
Subtle hues but painted with style - Contemporary Vase & Flowers
Try something different, clean & crisp style - Interior Still Life Tutorial
Try this simple and effective interior scene. - Painterly Interior Still Life with Tonal Hues
Loose and inspiring still life step-by-step demo.
Landscapes Tutorials
Landscapes are the heart of acrylic painting. These inspiring tutorials will teach you how to create expressive scenery.
- Acrylic Landscape Painting Tutorial - Step by Step
Shorter lesson and with practical exercises. - Loose Acrylic Landscape Video Tutorial
Go expressive with landscapes. - Painterly Style Natural Landscape
Step by step landscape for beginners and aspiring artists - Painterly Rural Landscape
Loose and expressive tutorial
Other Tutorials
- 5 Minute Loose Portraits
Too rigid? Try this fun drill! - How to Develop Loose Brushwork
Simple and effective way to paint loose art - More Tips For Painting Loose Art
Beginner friendly tips for painterly style art
Get Inspired Daily
- Follow me on Pinterest — Fresh acrylic ideas, tips, and demos.
- Join my email list — Monthly studio notes and new lessons.