Are you an acrylic artist looking to elevate your painting skills? Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, these acrylic painting tips will add new dimensions and textures to your artwork. Let’s dive into ten fun and effective techniques that will make your acrylic paintings truly stand out!

1. Use Bubble Wrap to Create Texture

Bubble wrap isn’t just for packaging—it’s an amazing tool for texture with acrylic paints! After painting a small area, press bubble wrap over the wet paint. This technique blends and softens edges, creating an organic, textured effect perfect for backgrounds! 

2. Splatter Paint with a Round Brush

Are you looking for a way to spice up your painting and add energy to your canvas? Paint splatters are the perfect option! Mix paint with water until it’s the consistency of light cream. Tap the loaded brush over the handle of another brush to achieve splatters. Adjust the water-to-paint ratio for varied effects, and experiment with colors to bring movement to your piece. I have to warn you though, once you start splattering, it’s hard to stop! 

3. Easy Clouds with a Stencil Brush

Cloudy skies are a breeze with this trick. Using a stencil brush with acrylic paint to dab your first layer of clouds onto your canvas. Once dry, add a second, lighter layer, focusing on the brightest spots. Leave parts of the first layer visible for natural-looking shadows. Repeat until your sky looks soft and full of depth.

4. Cardboard Trees for Easy Texture

Need to add trees to your painting for some easy texture? Transform a small piece of cardboard into a stamping tool! Use its corrugated edge to stamp vertical tree-like textures onto your canvas. Layer with tissue or sponge for even more detail, giving your trees a natural, textured appearance. I love adding these to the background of landscapes or nature scenes! 

5. Knit Patterns with a Round Brush

It’s time to get cozy with this technique! Create fun, knit patterns by loading your round brush with two colors. Use a "V" motion to mimic the look of stitches. This technique works wonderfully for winter-themed or abstract pieces - think mittens, sweaters, or even a snowman’s scarf! 

6. Experiment with a Palette Knife

Time to change it up for something fun! For bold and unpredictable results, ditch the brush and pick up a palette knife. Use thicker paint to sculpt, spread, or scrape across your canvas. The textures and layers you create will give your painting a modern, dynamic feel. 

7. Wood Grain with Three Colors

Add rustic charm to your next piece with this simple hack! Achieve realistic wood grain by dipping a flat brush into black, brown, and white paints—without over-blending them. Drag the narrow edge of the brush across your canvas to create fine, grain-like lines. It’s important to trust the process with this technique, at first you might not see it but with some repetition, you’ll have a beautiful wood grain in no time! 

8. Create Speckles with a Toothbrush

Grab a toothbrush for this next technique, you’re going to love it! For a delicate, speckled effect, use a toothbrush! Dip it into a mix of water and paint, then flick the bristles toward the canvas using your thumb. Allow layers to dry before adding more speckles for a dimensional, layered look.

9. Bokeh Background (Two Ways)

Bring dreamy softness to your backgrounds with bokeh dots. Use a pouncer to create circular shapes, blending 2-3 colors for a gradient effect. Soften the edges with your finger for a glowing look. Alternatively, use a paintbrush for a similar result with more precision.

10. Add Sparkle with Glitter

A little shimmer goes a long way! Glitter paint is perfect for adding sparkle to any part of your artwork. Use it to highlight key areas or sprinkle it throughout for an eye-catching finish that makes your painting shine. 

These 10 easy techniques will bring fresh creativity and depth to your acrylic art. Experiment with them one at a time and watch how they transform your art. Want to see these techniques in action? Check out this video, where I walk you through how to recreate each one.