Welcome! Whether this is your very first painting or you’re simply looking for a relaxing creative project, this guide was created to help make acrylic painting feel approachable, enjoyable, and rewarding.

 

Painting is not about perfection. It is about learning to enjoy the process, experimenting with color, and creating something meaningful with your own hands.

 

Take your time, pause often, and remember that every painting will turn out a little different — that is what makes it special.

 

 

Before starting, set up a comfortable area where you can relax and paint.

You will need:

Helpful Tip:
Acrylic paint dries quickly. Lightly misting your palette with water in a spray bottle or sealing it inside a zip lock bag between sessions can help keep your paint fresh longer.

 

Acrylic paint is beginner friendly because:

Paint generally dries slightly darker than it appears when wet.

Do not worry if your painting looks unfinished in the early stages. Most paintings come together near the end once details and highlights are added.

To follow the video tutorial, you will need to either create your own sketch, download the free sketch to print at home on fine art paper, or purchase a Paint Along Kit which includes a professionally printed sketch and a reference print of the original artwork shipped directly to you to follow along with the tutorial.

 

You do not need expensive brushes to create a beautiful painting.

The main brushes used in this tutorial are:

 

Used for:

 

Used for:

 

Helpful Tip:
Rinse brushes often and reshape the bristles gently after cleaning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add Titanium White slowly.
A little white goes a long way.

 

Add a tiny amount of Ultramarine Blue, or Raw Umber depending on the warmth of the color.

 

Mix small amounts of white into pinks and yellows.

 

Add a tiny amount of the opposite tone or Raw Umber.

 

Do not try to paint every detail immediately.
Start with larger shapes and general colors first.

 

Thin layers help build softness and allow easier blending.

 

Looking at your painting from a distance helps you see balance, contrast, and areas that may need adjustment.

 

There is no rush.
Paint at your own pace.

 

 

Start with smaller amounts of paint and build gradually.

Too much water can make acrylic paint streaky or transparent.

 

Your painting does not need to look exactly like mine to be beautiful.

Every artist paints differently, and every brushstroke helps you learn.
The goal is simply to enjoy the process, relax creatively, and create something you feel proud of.

 

I hope this tutorial brings creativity, joy, and peace into your day.

Thank you so much for painting with me.

 

— Ashley Salvatori

 

© Original artwork, sketch template, tutorial content, and paint along materials by Ashley Salvatori are for personal use only. Reproduction, teaching, resale, distribution, or commercial use of the artwork, sketch, or finished paintings created from this tutorial is prohibited.