10 Acrylics Painting Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

When Rita Isaac discovered the versatility of acrylics, she sought to share both foundational techniques and innovative approaches in her book. You’ll explore everything from basic brushwork to creative effects like pouring and marbling, guided by examples from contemporary artists who push the medium’s boundaries. The chapters move you through skill-building exercises and inspire experimentation with acrylic spray paints and markers, making it a resource for anyone wanting to expand their painting repertoire. This book suits artists at any level eager to deepen their practical understanding and creative use of acrylics without getting bogged down in overly technical jargon.

When Anita Hörskens first discovered the expressive potential of abstract acrylic painting, she channeled decades of teaching experience into this collection of 55 projects designed to inspire and instruct. You’ll explore not just brush techniques but also layering, texture, collage, and color theory, with each chapter breaking down complex abstract concepts into manageable exercises. This book suits artists eager to deepen their understanding of abstraction and experiment boldly with mixed media. Its mix of practical guidance and creative freedom makes it a solid companion whether you’re refining skills or seeking fresh inspiration.

This personalized acrylic painting guide provides a tailored framework to build foundational skills in acrylic techniques, adjusting content to your experience level and artistic goals. It offers structured exercises and methodical approaches to core skills such as brushwork, color mixing, layering, and texture creation. By focusing on the specific challenges and preferred styles you identify, the book cuts through irrelevant advice and fits your unique painting context. The methodology emphasizes progressive skill development, enabling you to confidently apply learned techniques across varied acrylic projects. This tailored approach ensures practical mastery that aligns with your creative ambitions and pace.

When aspiring artists struggle to capture realistic skin tones and dynamic expressions, Hashim Akib steps in with this approachable guide to contemporary portraiture using acrylics. Drawing from his extensive experience exhibiting with the Royal Institute of Oil Painters and teaching techniques across Europe, Akib breaks down complex concepts like composition, lighting, and mark-making into digestible lessons. The book offers six hands-on projects that guide you through everything from self-portraits to full-length depictions, emphasizing a modern style rather than strict realism. If you're looking to develop your own artistic voice while mastering acrylic portrait techniques, this book provides clear direction without overwhelming you.

When Marylin Scott first discovered the versatility of acrylics, she set out to demystify this medium for artists at all levels. You’ll explore how acrylic paint can mimic oils, tempera, and watercolors through detailed step-by-step demonstrations, plus delve into less conventional techniques such as airbrushing, sculptural effects, and collagraphy printing. Chapters on combining acrylics with ink, pencil, and pastel expand your creative toolkit, while practical guidance on materials helps you select the right supplies. Whether you want to capture landscapes, portraits, or abstract forms, this book grounds you in both foundational skills and inspiring applications.

When beginning acrylic painters struggle with the intimidating blank canvas, this book offers a gentle way forward through manageable, small-scale projects. Mark Daniel Nelson, with his background in classical sculpture and visual communications, designed 50 mini painting exercises that gradually build your skills—from mastering brush strokes to tackling complex scenes like reflections and multiple planes. You’ll find chapters dedicated to color mixing and negative space that deepen your understanding without overwhelming. This is ideal if you want to overcome creative blocks and steadily develop a portfolio of finished works, but it’s less suited for those seeking large-format or highly abstract acrylic techniques.

This tailored book on abstract acrylic art offers a personalized framework that explores creative methodologies for acrylic abstraction and mixed media textures. It provides adaptable strategies for layering, texturing, and integrating diverse materials, focusing on bold expression through acrylics. The content adjusts to your specific artistic background and goals, cutting through generic advice to present techniques that resonate with your unique style. It emphasizes the fusion of abstraction principles with hands-on mixed media applications, enhancing your capacity to craft textured, dynamic compositions. This tailored approach ensures relevance and depth, guiding you through innovative methods that elevate abstract acrylic artistry within your personal creative context.

What changed the perspective here is how Annie Gonzales moves beyond traditional acrylic techniques to embrace expressive painting that feels personal and accessible. Drawing from her own journey—delaying art for decades while juggling family and work—she offers more than technique: you learn how to gather meaningful inspiration and experiment with color, pattern, and texture to express feeling in your work. The book especially benefits beginners who might feel intimidated by acrylics or have put off painting due to time constraints, offering projects that range from landscapes to abstracts, enriched by insights from Expressionist masters.

When Cinnamon Cooney, widely known as The Art Sherpa, first embraced the transformative power of daily painting, she set out to share that journey with artists at every level. This book guides you through 30 distinct acrylic projects designed not just to teach technique but to nurture your creative confidence and ease artistic fears. You’ll find clear, approachable lessons on basic brushwork, color mixing, and composition, alongside encouragement to express yourself freely. Whether you’re a total beginner or returning to painting after a hiatus, the blend of technical instruction and emotional insight makes this a supportive companion for developing your skills.

Marcy Ferro's approach to acrylic pouring reshaped conventional ideas about abstract art creation. Her book offers a clear view into mastering the nuances of paint pouring techniques, covering everything from setting up a workspace to controlling pours and using tools like hair dryers or strings for unique effects. You gain hands-on knowledge of color mixing and learn various methods such as the dirty pour and flip cup, empowering you to experiment confidently. While beginners will appreciate the accessible steps, even experienced artists will find fresh inspiration to expand their creative repertoire.

When Jerry Yarnell first discovered how to translate the vibrant essence of wildlife into acrylic paintings, he transformed his teaching approach into a series of engaging projects that make complex scenes approachable. In this book, you learn how to paint a variety of animals and landscapes—everything from horses in spring pastures to owls amid snowy pines—through eight step-by-step scenes that balance technique with artistic expression. Yarnell’s clear instructions and helpful tips not only improve your brushwork but also encourage you to capture nature’s mood and atmosphere effectively. This book is ideal if you want to deepen your acrylic skills while focusing on peaceful, lifelike wildlife compositions, whether you’re a beginner or have some experience.

When Rhéni Tauchid first explored the evolving world of acrylic mediums, she recognized the confusion many artists face amid the explosion of new products and techniques. Drawing from her extensive background as a materials consultant and educator, she breaks down complex acrylic mediums—thinners, thickeners, glazes, and textures—demystifying how each can transform your painting. You’ll gain insight into over twenty detailed demonstrations that reveal practical uses for mediums, illustrated by vibrant photographs and examples from contemporary painters. This book is ideal if you want to deepen your technical understanding and expand your creative options with acrylics beyond basic color application.