In the digital age, Isaac Sternbach of Vermont knows that everyone is looking for ways to spend less time on their phone and more time enjoying the simpler things in life. With constant distractions all around us, Isaac Sternbach of Vermont has found that painting is a great way to unplug from the 24/7 media cycle and enjoy some creative relaxation. Today, Isaac Sternbach will discuss different acrylic painting ideas for beginners.
Isaac Sternbach of Vermont believes new acrylic painters should start with a straightforward color palette and avoid mixing or blending, as these skills will typically be acquired over time. While it is understandable if one’s favorite paintings are more complex and have lots of blending of unique shades of colors, Isaac Sternbach explains that beginners are not trying to hang their paintings in a museum. They are looking for a way to get creative and enjoy an activity that doesn’t cause additional stress. To that point, Isaac Sternbach reminds beginners to be kind to themselves. It’s easy to get frustrated when the picture you have in your head doesn’t immediately find its way to the page. Allow room for error and know that growth will occur as a painter increases the frequency of their projects.
As most YouTube tutorials on acrylic painting for beginners will tell you, shapes and patterns are typically the best starting point for an acrylic painter. Perfecting a geometric pattern is exceptionally rewarding without being overwhelmingly complex. After succeeding with a few different patterns, Isaac Sternbach recommends painting one large object. For example, one large apple will be easier to paint than an apple that rests in a bowl on a kitchen table with the cabinets in the background. Each simple object that is brought to life through acrylic paint brings about a new learning opportunity. As a painter progresses, they can start incorporating more nuances, but beginners should focus on getting a little better with each session.
Only the most talented and experienced artists will use acrylic paints to make photorealistic paintings. Photorealism is a skill that many take a lifetime to acquire. For this reason, Isaac Sternbach recommends focusing on more abstract paintings. Abstract paintings provide an artist with the freedom to add their personal touches. Many abstract paintings will find that their details are spurred by a mistake, which is turned into an opportunity to create something entirely new. There’s no need to worry about accurately depicting a scene or real-world scenario when the art is in the eye of the beholder. Abstract painters can take chances, which is exactly what a beginner should do.
Isaac Sternbach can’t recommend free tutorial videos enough. Because acrylic painting is a hobby that many people share, an online community has formed. Tutorial videos help people who are just starting to paint or haven’t painted in years tackle a project confidently. These videos will typically focus on recreating a classic piece of art. As a person follows the movements of an experienced painter, they will begin to develop skills that can be applied to future painting projects.
Because every artist has a unique style, watching multiple tutorial videos is the best way to find an artist that shares similar artistic interests to your own. It’s also nice when you find someone that is entertaining and engaging. If they are not controlling your interest, finding the next video is easy. Because Isaac Sternbach utilizes his time acrylic painting to break away from his cell phone or tablet, he likes to watch tutorial videos ahead of time and then apply those skills in later sessions. Still, every painter can choose their path.