How Long Does it Take to Learn Acrylic Painting?

Acrylic paints are popular among beginner and experienced painters. These paints are made up of a combination of water, a polymer binder, and pigment. They’re easy to use, fast-drying, and versatile. This makes it easy to learn how to paint with them. 

You can learn the basics of acrylic painting in about three to six months. However, it can take years to master acrylic painting. The amount of time it takes you to learn acrylic painting will depend on several factors. Keep reading to learn about how you can learn acrylic painting and some resources to help speed the process along.

What is Acrylic Painting?

Acrylic paint was developed from acrylic resin in the 1930s by a German chemical company. It was used primarily by house painters in the 1940s who were satisfied with its low toxicity and ease of use compared to other paints marketed at the time. Artists soon picked up the medium and it became popular in the painting world by the 1960s. 

Artists quickly latched onto acrylic paint because it was much cheaper than other mediums. They also realized that by diluting it with water they could achieve a similar degree of transparency as they could with watercolors and by adding another medium, they could thicken it to mimic oil paint. The versatility of acrylic paint has made it common among artists and hobbyists who are looking to add something extra to their arts and crafts. 

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Benefits of Learning Acrylic Painting?

Acrylic paint is known for its versatility. It can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, from paper to wood to silk. Acrylic paint is therefore not just used by artists but by other professionals and hobbyists. If you already make arts and crafts, you might consider learning acrylic painting to help elevate the pieces you’ve created. 

Acrylic painting makes for a great therapeutic activity. When you’re painting, you’re focused on the brushstrokes you’re making and the piece in front of you. This can distract you from the stressors in your life, helping reduce stress and anxiety. Creating something is also an effective way of boosting serotonin and reducing depression. 

Average Time It Takes to Learn Acrylic Painting

Understanding the basics of acrylic painting can take between three to six months. Students who major in fine arts and focus on acrylic painting may study anywhere from two to six years. Most professional artists claim to not have become fully satisfied with their painting until they’ve had upwards of ten years of experience. 

Hobbyists may become satisfied with their ability to and knowledge of acrylic painting by around the seven or eight-month mark. At this point, you should understand the foundations of acrylic painting and have a good amount of practice using basic techniques. 

You can enroll in an in-person acrylic painting class to learn the basics of acrylic painting efficiently and thoroughly. Professional artists and expert instructors lead classes. They’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of acrylic painting and can answer your questions and provide you with feedback. You can also use online videos and tutorials to learn acrylic painting, although this method may take longer because you won’t have access to an instructor. 

The amount of time it takes you to learn acrylic painting will depend on a variety of factors, which are detailed in this guide. 

Other Factors

How quickly you learn the basics of acrylic painting and how quickly you become a proficient acrylic painter will depend on factors that influence your learning. You should consider your prior experience with painting, how much time you have available to learn, your speed of learning, and your project type when determining how long it might take you to learn acrylic painting. 

Prior Experience

Acrylic painting may be easier for you to learn if you have previous experience painting. Painters are more likely to already know color theory, how to mix colors, composition, and depth when painting. All of this information is essential to acrylic painting. However, it may be difficult for some painters to jump between mediums. 

Although acrylic paint is considered easy to use, it’s very different from other mediums like oil paint. Oil paint is oil-based and requires the use of solvents and oils to change its characteristics. Acrylic paint is water-based, so it can be diluted and cleaned using water. Understanding the composition of acrylic paint and other mediums is especially helpful when learning the foundations. 

Available Time to Learn

The more time you have available to learn about acrylic painting and to paint, the faster you’ll learn. You should try spending around 10 hours a week learning the basics of acrylic painting when first starting. This should put you on track to thoroughly understanding the foundations of acrylic painting within a few months. 

Learning Speed

Everyone learns at a different pace. Those who naturally learn things quickly will learn acrylic painting faster. This might be especially true for those who have worked with paint before. However, you shouldn’t rush the learning process. It’s important that you understand the foundations of acrylic painting and understand how to use the medium properly first. 

Project Type

It’s recommended that you work on basic projects while you learn the essentials of acrylic painting. Working on a project as you learn acrylic painting can help information and techniques stick in your mind. The type of project you’re working on will determine what skills you’re learning and how long it’ll take for you to master those skills. Longer projects may focus on certain techniques for a longer time whereas shorter projects will allow you to jump around to learning a wider variety of techniques. 

What to Know Before Learning Acrylic Painting: 

You should focus on the basics of acrylic painting when you first begin learning. This includes color theory, color mixing, composition, and techniques. You should also learn about the best materials for the type of acrylic painting you’re looking to make. This may include brush type, surface type, and paint colors. You can find resources online to help you get started or you can enroll in an in-person or online acrylic painting class led by an expert. 

Beginner-level classes won’t require you to have previous painting experience. It might be recommended that you have drawing experience, but not always. 

Acrylic painting is one of the less expensive avenues to getting into painting. Acrylic paints are one of the least expensive mediums and they can be used on inexpensive surfaces like cardboard and paper. It’s recommended that you buy several essential colors and comfortable, durable brushes. You can purchase these items at a local craft or hobbyist store. 

Can I Learn Acrylic Painting for Free / on My Own?

Free online videos and tutorials can teach you the basics of acrylic painting. With these resources, you can learn the basic techniques and terminology. This is a convenient way to learn the foundations of acrylic painting on your own time. However, for a more traditional classroom experience and an instructor available to answer your questions, you should enroll in an acrylic painting class. 

Key Takeaways

• The basics of acrylic painting can be learned in a few short months. To be considered a professional-level painter, however, will take years of experience. 
• The time it takes you to learn acrylic painting will depend on your prior painting experience, how much time you have to dedicate to learning, your speed of learning, and the type of projects you’re working on. 
• You can learn the basics of acrylic painting using free online videos and tutorials. 
• Contact CourseHorse to learn about online and in-person acrylic painting classes that can help you learn acrylic painting quickly and efficiently.