Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or switching from watercolors or oils, acrylic painting offers the perfect balance between flexibility, color vibrancy, and beginner-friendliness. In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential acrylic painting techniques that will help you get started with confidence.
These beginner-friendly tips are ideal whether you're painting in your Toronto apartment, joining a local art class, or exploring a new creative hobby at home anywhere in Canada.
Why Acrylic Paint?
Before diving into techniques, let’s look at why acrylics are great for beginners:
l Fast drying – No long waits between layers
l Easy clean-up – Water-based, no harsh chemicals needed
l Versatile – Works on canvas, wood, paper, fabric, and more
l Affordable & Accessible – Widely available at stores like Michaels Canada, Deserres, or even Amazon
Top Acrylic Painting Techniques for Beginners
Here are 7 essential techniques to build your painting foundation:
1. Dry Brush Technique
Drag a mostly dry brush across the canvas to create textured, scratchy effects—great for wood, fur, or abstract textures.
Best for: adding rough textures, landscape painting
2. Blending Colors
Since acrylics dry fast, blending can be tricky. Try working in small sections and adding a tiny amount of retarder medium or water to slow drying.
Tip: Use soft synthetic brushes and overlapping strokes for a smooth gradient.
3. Layering & Glazing
Acrylics are opaque, but with water or glazing medium, you can layer translucent washes over dried paint to build color depth.
Best for: shadows, glowing effects, or transparent details
4. Scumbling
This involves applying a light, broken layer of paint over a dry, darker layer using a dry brush. It creates a misty, soft texture.
Use it for: clouds, fog, soft backgrounds
5. Dabbing or Stippling
Use a sponge or stippling brush to dab small spots of color. This adds texture and can mimic foliage, fur, or abstract effects.
Fun for: tree leaves, grass, pointillism-style art
6. Knife Painting
Swap the brush for a palette knife to apply thick, bold strokes. Great for impasto effects or modern abstract painting.
Popular for: bold textures, urban art, mountain peaks
7. Wet-on-Wet Blending
Apply new paint over still-wet layers for smooth blending—requires quick work due to fast drying time.
Pro tip: Use a misting spray bottle to keep the surface workable
Tools & Supplies You’ll Need
Basic supplies list:
l Acrylic paints (student-grade like Liquitex BASICS or Amsterdam)
l Canvas or canvas paper
l Round and flat brushes (sizes 2–12)
l Palette knife
l Water cup, palette, rag/towel
l Optional: Retarder, glazing medium, gesso
At LoveFunART, we make painting simple, fun, and accessible — no experience required! Whether you're a complete beginner or just looking to spark your creativity, our 6-week acrylic painting course is the perfect place to start.
✅ All tool & supplies included
✅ Develop basic skills in acrylic painting techniques
✅ Zero experience required
✅ Over 300 sessions successfully hosted
Why Choose LoveFunART’s Beginner Acrylic Classes?
At LoveFunART, we specialize in helping adults and teens with no artistic background learn how to paint with confidence. Our step-by-step teaching method, combined with vibrant acrylics and friendly guidance, ensures that anyone can discover the joy of painting — even if you've never held a brush before.
l Perfect for complete beginners – no experience needed
l Learn acrylic painting, the most beginner-friendly medium
l All supplies provided – just bring yourself
l Taught by professional, patient artists
l Located in North York, Toronto
l Learn to paint and improve mental wellness, focus, and self-expression
Whether you're looking for a weekend hobby, creative escape, or want to explore the world of visual art, this is Toronto’s top-rated acrylic class for beginners.
6-Week Beginner Acrylic Painting Program
Each session is 2.5 hours long, held once a week in our cozy studio. You’ll walk away with a complete understanding of acrylic painting — and 6 beautiful canvases to prove it!
✅ Course Highlights:
l Foundations in brush control, color mixing, layering, and light & shadow
l Learn from iconic works by Monet, Van Gogh, and the Group of Seven
l Discover your unique artistic style and grow your confidence
l Small group sizes for maximum personal guidance
What You’ll Learn – Course Breakdown
Week 1: Acrylic Basics & Brush Techniques
l Understand acrylic paints and tools
l Learn warm vs. cool color theory
l Explore blending, layering, and brushwork
Week 2: Color & Emotion – Monet’s ‘Sunset over the Church’
l Discover Impressionist painting
l Practice gradients and light expression
l Experiment with colorful skies and shadows
Week 3: Rhythm & Texture – Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’
l Paint swirling skies and stars
l Create movement using textured brushstrokes
l Understand bold color expression
Week 4 Reflection –‘Starry Night Over the Rhône’
l Learn how to paint glowing night landscapes
l Capture reflections in water
l Blend shadows and highlights
Week 5: ‘Snow Mountains’ – The Canadian Group of Seven
l Study iconic Canadian artists
l Paint bold, geometric-style mountains
l Master snowy landscapes and crisp lines
Week 6: Final Project – Your Unique Artwork
l Use all techniques learned
l Choose your color palette and theme
l Create a personal masterpiece to take home
Have a Preferred Style or Goal?
We offer personalized instruction in a small-group setting. Share your inspirations with us and we’ll help you build toward the art you want to create.
Student Work Showcase
You won’t believe what our beginner students have accomplished! Here’s a glimpse of what you could create in just a few weeks.
✨ Ivy’s fifth painting ever – proudly created after only four classes!
Who Is This Class For?
This class is perfect if you’re:
² A total beginner looking to explore art
² A working professional seeking a relaxing hobby
² A student wanting to expand creative skills
² Looking for a unique gift or date idea in Toronto
² Interested in mindfulness through painting
Location & Pricing
Location:
LoveFunArt Studio
5635 Yonge St, Unit 202, North York, Toronto, ON M2M 3S9
Schedule: Weekends, 10:00am–4:00pm
Duration: 6 sessions (2.5 hours each)
Price: $599 + tax (includes all materials)
How to Sign Up
✅ Option 1:
Visit www.lovefunart.ca and sign up online.
We accept all major payment methods—no PayPal required.
✅ Option 2:
Send an E-mail transfer to LoveFunART01@gmail.com
Set the password to or
In the message, include:1234123456
l Your full name
l Course name + session time
l Your email address
Note: Please add Ontario tax (13%)
About LoveFunART
Founded in 2015, LoveFunART is one of Toronto’s leading international art education institutions. We offer creative courses in:
l Fashion Design
l Architecture
l Interior Design
l Graphic Design
l Film Production
We’ve helped over 680 students enter top art schools around the world, earning $2.8 million+ in scholarships. We believe everyone has a unique style—our mission is to help you discover and express yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’ve never painted before — is this course really for me?
A: Yes! This course is specifically designed for beginners with zero painting experience. You’ll be amazed at what you can create!
Q: What materials do I need?
A: Nothing! We provide all professional acrylic paints, brushes, canvases, and tools.
Q: Is this class suitable for teens?
A: Absolutely — anyone aged 13+ is welcome.
Still wondering if this is the right course for you?
Send us a message—we’d love to help you explore your path into art.
✅ Enroll Today – Spaces Fill Fast!
Over 300 students have already discovered the joy of painting with us. Ready to start your journey?
For more exciting updates and tips, check out our other articles and explore how we can help you achieve your artistic dreams：
Ø How Much Does Art Class Cost in Toronto?
Ø Ten Wonderful Art Supply Stores You Will Find in Canada