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Acrylic Painting Tutorials

How to Paint Loose with Acrylics (and Love the Imperfections)

Painting loose with acrylics is about expression, not perfection. This step-by-step guide shows you how to simplify, embrace mistakes, and paint with freedom.

Robert Joyner | Garage Studio Artist & Art Educator

Robert Joyner | Garage Studio Artist & Art Educator

— 4 min read
How to Paint Loose with Acrylics and Leave Tight Art Behind

When I first tried painting loose with acrylics, it felt impossible. My brain screamed: “Get it straight, match the colors, don’t mess it up!”

But here’s the truth: painting loosely in acrylics isn’t about perfection — it’s about expression. And sometimes, the best way to grow is to make a lot of “bad art” along the way.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn step-by-step how to paint loose with acrylics using a simple still life. We’ll block in color, play with value, and suggest form — all without tightening up.

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.

Watch video: Hit play and see how painting a simple object loosely is done. You can easily implement these ideas into your work, and to any subject. Start small!

Paint loose with acrylics video demo

Materials for Loose Acrylic Painting

Here’s what I used in this demo, and you can scroll down to bottom post to see my complete toolbox.

  • Burnt sienna
  • Scarlet red
  • Yellow ochre
  • Ultramarine blue
  • Cerulean blue
  • Titanium white (mine had a little red mixed in — happy accident!)
  • Cadmium yellow
  • Light green
  • Brushes: round, fan, and pointed

💡 Tip: Don’t worry about exact paint brands or perfect color matches. Values (light vs dark) are more important than replicating the exact shade.

Step 1 — How to Paint Loose with Acrylics: Block In the Base Colors

Start with a loose mix of sienna, ochre, and scarlet.

  • Don’t over-mix — leave little pockets of color for variety.
  • Apply with minimal strokes. Lay it down, then leave it alone.
  • Think broad shapes, not fine details.

The goal: Suggest color and form without fussing over accuracy.

Step 2 — Adding Loose Shadows and Highlights in Acrylic Painting

  • Use ochre for the light side of your subject.
  • Mix sienna + ultramarine blue for shadows.
  • Dab clean water for a transparent wash (a watercolor-like effect).
  • Focus on values, not on copying the reference photo exactly.

Step 3 — Loosen the Details (Labels and Lettering)

For something like a bottle label:

  • Place one or two anchor letters (like the “A” in TABASCO).
  • Loosely suggest the rest — the viewer’s brain fills in the blanks.
  • Don’t aim for perfect spelling or spacing. Imperfections add character.
How to paint loose with acrylics - demo pic

Step 4 — Finishing Touches for Loose Acrylic Painting

  • Add pops of white and ochre to show highlights.
  • Anchor the bottom with darker values.
  • Drop in touches of green or red to balance the painting.
  • Leave visible brushstrokes — don’t overwork the surface.

Why Painting Loose with Acrylics Works

Loose painting is about attitude, not accuracy.

At first, your brain will fight back — it will want to “fix” crooked lines, patch gaps, or make the subject look “real.” But that urge to control is exactly what we’re trying to unlearn.

Here’s a trick: tape your painting on the wall. Walk past it for a week. Over time, you’ll start to see the beauty in its spontaneity. The loose marks, the crooked edges, the uneven highlights — they’ll grow on you.

That’s the essence of painting loose with acrylics: the magic hides in the imperfections.

FAQs About Painting Loose with Acrylics

Q: How do you paint loosely in acrylics?
Focus on big shapes, values, and expressive brushstrokes instead of fine details. Work quickly, don’t overmix colors, and let imperfections stay visible.

Q: What brushes are best for loose acrylic painting?
Round and fan brushes encourage expressive strokes, while a pointed brush helps you suggest details without over-controlling them.

Q: How do I stop overworking acrylic paint?
Limit your strokes, step back often, and remind yourself: “done is better than perfect.” Resist the urge to smooth everything out.

👉 Now it’s your turn: Try a quick loose acrylic study. Pick a simple subject, embrace the mess, and share your results. Remember — more bad art = more growth.

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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