Acrylic Abstract Painting Materials for Beginners

Think you need to take a class in order to learn acrylic abstract painting? You can begin acrylic abstract painting with no instruction and without spending a lot of money on class fees or on materials. All you need to begin acrylic abstract painting is the desire to have fun with color and texture and a willingness to lose control.

I started acrylic abstract painting four years ago. I needed another creative outlet, one that I didn't take as seriously as writing. In high school art classes, I became convinced that watercolor was too hard to control and oil painting was just plain out of the question - too many steps involved, too expensive. I never got the chance to explore acrylic abstract painting.

Did you dabble in painting as a kid, then decide it was for those "naturally talented" people? Do you feel drawn to art supply stores, but become overwhelmed by all of the different materials and instruction books? If so, you too might find a haven in acrylic abstract painting.

I won't give you a lot of rules or explanation about acrylic abstract painting. Rules are beside the point. The idea is simply to begin acrylic abstract painting and see what happens.

Art teachers may insist that you need Brush Style X, Y, and Z and Paint Brand Q to start acrylic abstract painting. My only guides as I browse art supply store aisles are my gut and my wallet.

Acrylic Abstract Painting: Canvas

When I create an abstract acrylic painting, I like to play at being a "real" painter, so I buy canvases. Generally, canvases come in three levels of quality: economy, studio, and gallery. For my abstract acrylic painting, studio quality suits me fine. You do get what you pay for, as with most products. Economy is usually stapled around the sides, and it tends to buckle (I'm pretty hard on my canvases). Gallery is sturdy, but far more expensive.