Your Beginner Acrylic Painting Supply List and Guide

Want to paint but don't know where to start? Start here!

This is a simple method I use for my acrylic painting time, from preparing my space with everything I need to sketching from a reference image, painting in thin layers, and finishing with black outlines for a fun and easy way to create with acrylics.

No experience needed, and no wandering the art aisle wondering what you actually need.

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The Method in Five Easy Steps

1. Make Space for YOUR Art and Gather your essentials - Prep your space.
2. Prep your canvas for painting. 
3. Sketch your reference image onto the canvas in pencil.
4. Paint in thin layers, starting with the lightest areas.
5. Outline the details in black to make the colors pop.
   

Step 1:

Where and how my space works varies over the years as  my kids grow lol.

I have a space in the garage now, with a small table to keep my materials and an art easel like this one where I can leave a canvas I'm working on for days, weeks, or even months! 

In my old house, I used a guest room... 

I set up a small table with a tablecloth, a table easel like this one, and my painting materials.

It worked as long as we didn't have guests staying over!

If you're limited on space, as I have been many times, I love the idea of using a rolling cart like this one to store your painting supplies.

You can keep your materials and a small easel together, then move everything around the house as needed.

There are also easels with storage like this one I added to my personal wish list!. 

Canvas: I love using a 16×20 canvas for my classes, but choose any size that feels right. A smaller canvas is great for your first painting.

Acrylic paint set: Find a set with colors you love, or choose individual colors for your project. Make sure to include black and white.

Paintbrushes: Choose a few different sizes so you can work on both larger areas and smaller details.

Palette tray: Or use paper plates!

Two water containers: I like to repurpose old glasses or cups.

Cleaning supplies: Old rags, paper towels, or napkins for cleaning your brushes and wiping up extra paint.

Pencil, sharpener, and eraser: For sketching your reference image onto the canvas. Check out this kit. 

Ruler or straight edge: Helpful for drawing straight lines and using the drawing grid method.

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Step 5:

Before You Shop, Check What You Already Have!

Reuse what you can for a more earth-friendly approach. Repurpose containers, use paper plates for your palette, and start small. You can always add to your kit later.

If you'd prefer to start fresh with everything in one place, or you're putting together a gift for someone who wants to learn to paint, you can purchase these items through the links above. 

One last Note:

I'd Love to See What You Create!

When you finish a painting, I'd love to see it and hear about your experience!

Share it and tag me, or if you'd rather share privately, email me at karina@purposefuldreamer.co. 🎨✨

Looking for more ways to explore your creativity? Visit my Free Creative Resources page for free art classes and creative projects designed to support self-expression and personal growth.

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