7 Beginner-Friendly Acrylics Painting Books to Start Today

What started as Cinnamon Cooney's personal challenge to make painting accessible has evolved into a guide that removes barriers for newcomers eager to learn acrylics. You’ll find 30 detailed projects that walk you through each painting step—from mixing colors to mastering brush techniques—without assuming prior experience. The book also embraces the emotional side of art, encouraging you to overcome fear and embrace creativity with a supportive, positive tone. If you want a gentle yet thorough introduction to acrylic painting that balances technical skills with artistic confidence, this is tailored for you.

The clear pathway this book provides for first-time learners shines through Annie O'Brien Gonzales's approachable style. Drawing on her experience balancing family life and a later start in art, Gonzales focuses on helping you overcome common obstacles with acrylics. You'll explore color, pattern, and texture through expressive techniques that invite personal interpretation rather than rigid rules. The book includes practical tips on supplies and mixed-media touches, plus eight guided projects covering landscapes, still life, figures, and abstracts, making it especially helpful if you want to start painting without intimidation.

This tailored book explores the complete journey from beginner to confident acrylic painter, focusing on your unique background and learning pace. It covers foundational techniques, color theory, brushwork, and composition, carefully matched to your interests and goals. Through a personalized approach, it removes overwhelm by breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps that build your skills progressively. The book emphasizes hands-on practice with guidance designed to boost your confidence and creative expression. By concentrating on your specific needs, this resource offers a focused learning experience that helps you develop a strong acrylic painting foundation and steadily advance towards mastery.

What started as a desire to make acrylic painting approachable for everyone became a thorough guide through Marylin Scott's expert lens. You’ll learn how acrylics can imitate oils, watercolors, and tempera, with distinct chapters dedicated to each technique, plus innovative uses like airbrushing and three-dimensional relief painting. This book suits artists who want a solid foundation with plenty of visual examples, from landscapes to portraits, and need a go-to reference that breaks down materials, tools, and mediums without overwhelming jargon. If you want to explore acrylics beyond basics while keeping clarity, Scott’s book offers a well-measured blend of instruction and inspiration.

When Hashim Akib transitioned from a 15-year career as an illustrator to an acclaimed artist, he brought with him a fresh, approachable method to portraiture that demystifies the process for newcomers. In this book, you learn to create striking contemporary portraits using acrylics through six detailed projects, each unpacking essential skills like color mixing for realistic skintones, composition techniques, and working effectively from photographs or live models. Akib’s guidance on lighting, atmosphere, and markmaking offers nuanced insight, making it a practical guide for anyone eager to explore portrait painting without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you're an enthusiastic beginner or aiming to refine your style, this book offers clear pathways to develop your artistic voice.

Jerry Yarnell's decades of teaching experience led him to craft a beginner-friendly guide that demystifies painting wildlife and landscapes with acrylics. You’ll learn to create vivid scenes featuring animals like owls and elk, alongside natural elements such as rivers, deserts, and night skies, all through clear step-by-step projects. His approachable style breaks down complex techniques into manageable strokes, making the process enjoyable rather than intimidating. Whether you’re new to acrylics or looking to deepen your nature painting skills, this book offers practical insights to help you capture both detail and mood in your work.

This personalized book explores the art of color mixing specifically for acrylic painting, designed to match your background and goals. It introduces foundational color theory concepts and progresses at a pace suited to your experience level, removing overwhelm and building your confidence as you learn. The book covers techniques for blending hues, achieving harmony, and understanding pigment interactions, all tailored to your interests and skill. By focusing on your specific needs, it offers a clear, engaging path to mastering acrylic color blending, revealing the secrets behind vibrant, balanced paintings through hands-on, accessible instruction.

Dave White, who transitioned from a 30-year finance career to animal portraiture, offers you a clear route into painting dog portraits with acrylics. He breaks down essential skills such as composition choices, using reference materials, and specific techniques like underpainting and capturing realistic fur textures. The book suits beginners eager to understand the basics, while also giving experienced artists insight into conveying a dog's unique character. For example, you’ll find detailed projects that guide you through painting different dog types and practical tips on running a pet portrait business. If you want an approachable yet thorough guide focused on dogs, this book fits well.

Jodi Ohl's journey from a self-taught mixed media artist to a full-time creative instructor shapes this lively painting workshop. You learn to embrace spontaneity with 22 playful projects that explore layering acrylics and ink through techniques like marbling, image transfers, and gel mediums. The book invites you to experiment boldly with textures and materials, from eggshells to graffiti influences, turning every page into an invitation to push your artistic boundaries. Whether you're just starting out or seeking fresh inspiration, this approachable guide offers concrete ways to build your own creative vocabulary and studio setup without overwhelm.