The 12 Best Acrylic Painting Books

Explore the world of acrylic painting with this selection of highly recommended books. From beginner guides to advanced techniques, these titles provide an invaluable resource for anyone looking to delve into this versatile and enjoyable medium. Learn how to mix colors correctly, discover the different types of paint available, and find out which brushes are best suited for your project. With expert advice on composition and technique, each book will help you create beautiful works that capture your unique style.

1. Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques
   
   Gill Barron
   Published in 2014
   
   

   Gill Barron’s Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques is an invaluable guide for all levels of artists, from beginners to professionals. This book provides detailed instructions on how to mix colors and create effects with just one set of tubes, as well as offering advice on setting up a studio space and using affordable materials. It has helpful ‘Try it and Fix it’ panels throughout that suggest solutions for common painting errors. In addition, the unique section revealing professional secrets will help readers take their art public more quickly. All in all this comprehensive manual covers every aspect of acrylic painting – making it perfect for those wanting to develop their skills or start out afresh!

2. Lee Hammond’s Big Book of Acrylic Painting
   
   Lee Hammond
   Published in 2012
   
   

   Lee Hammond’s Big Book of Acrylic Painting is an essential resource for anyone wanting to learn the basics and create stunning, professional-looking paintings. It contains numerous step by step exercises and demonstrations that promise amazing results with just seven or nine pigments. With practical guidance on selecting materials, mixing colors and adding layers one stroke at a time, this book will help users work confidently through ‘the awkward stage’ of painting. Detailed instruction covers still life, landscapes, animals and people as well as advice on creating realistic fleshtones, eye color & more. This complete acrylic painting course provides a friendly boost from mentor Lee Hammond who encourages success with her helpful tips along the way – making it easy to become a skilled painter in no time!

3. Painting in Acrylics: The Indispensable Guide
   
   Lorena Kloosterboer
   Published in 2014
   
   

   Painting in Acrylics: The Indispensable Guide by Lorena Kloosterboer is a comprehensive guide to painting with acrylics, covering all aspects of this versatile medium. With expert analysis and step-by-step instructions, the book takes you from beginner level through to advanced techniques and professional practice. Its topics include materials and equipment, colour theory, different methods for creating surface texture and form as well as advice on how to make it as a professional artist. An added benefit of this volume is its size; at over 200 pages long it offers great value for money compared to other art books that are much smaller in size. The author’s realist style has been widely exhibited across ten countries making her an experienced voice on the subject matter – Painting in Acrylics: The Indispensable Guide provides readers with years of invaluable guidance and inspiration!

4. Color Mixing in Acrylic
   
   David Lloyd Glover
   Published in 2014
   
   

   This comprehensive guide, Color Mixing in Acrylic, is perfect for artists wanting to build their acrylic painting skills. It provides detailed instructions on necessary materials and tools needed as well as information about color theory, the color wheel and basic concepts of mixing colors. The book also offers guidance on creating vibrant greens for landscapes; soft flesh neutrals for portraits; and tints, shades and tones for every color in between. Written with plenty of inspiration included, this easy-to-follow reference manual is ideal for any artist’s library – from beginner to intermediate level – giving them a great source of knowledge when it comes to working with this classic medium.

5. Acrylic Painting Mediums and Methods
   
   Rheni Tauchid, Alice Teichert
   Published in 2018
   
   

   This comprehensive guide to the modern medium of acrylic painting is an essential resource for any artist. Rhéni Tauchid simplifies this daunting subject, clearly explaining each type of acrylic paint medium and suggesting ways it can enhance your painting practice. Over twenty step-by-step demonstrations teach you how to apply various methods with vibrant colors, sensuous surfaces, and striking visual effects. Hundreds of beautiful photos illustrate its almost limitless potential while showing examples from both abstract and realist artists alike. With detailed information on chemical components, production methods, grades, materials needed, glazing techniques and more – Acrylic Painting Mediums and Methods offers something for everyone! This book is a must have; packed full with everything one needs to master their craft in today’s age!

6. Abstract Painting
   
   Petra Tholken
   Published in 2021
   
   

   Abstract Painting, a book by Petra Thölken, is an inspiring guide to creating beautiful abstract artwork with acrylic and mixed media. It contains 20 detailed step-by-step painting projects accompanied by helpful video instructions. The basics of colour theory, techniques and materials are laid out in an easy to understand format so readers can quickly learn the fundamentals. This book encourages experimentation through alternative approaches to each project as well as advice on mixing shades and new techniques. With ideas provided from the author’s art journey, this volume will get your creativity flowing instantly! Those already acquainted with these mediums will be able to expand their knowledge further while beginners have everything they need for a perfect introduction into abstract painting. All in all Abstract Painting provides both fun challenges and useful tips; whatever level you’re at it’s worth taking a look inside its pages!

7. Abstract Explorations in Acrylic Painting: Fun, Creative and Innovative Techniques
   
   Jo Toye
   Published in 2016
   
   

   Abstract Explorations in Acrylic Painting: Fun, Creative and Innovative Techniques by Jo Toye is an engaging workshop-style book that provides readers with step-by-step instructions on how to use acrylic paints to create vibrant abstract art. The author offers 17 demonstrations of her most useful tools along with 8 start-to-finish painting projects which teach users unique techniques like stenciling, sponging, making gesso and using resist pens. This book also teaches cutting edge methods such as working over a failed painting or creating patterns with mouth atomizers and Clear Tar Gel for original results. It encourages readers to approach their artwork playfully while instilling confidence through its detailed explanations and helpful visuals. Abstract Explorations in Acrylic Painting is the ideal guidebook for those looking to explore the world of abstract art through innovative processes!

8. Painting for Beginners
   
   Joy Laforme, Paper Peony Press
   Published in 2021
   
   

   This book, Painting for Beginners by Joy Laforme, is an amazing way to start your painting journey! Step-by-step instructions and comprehensive technique details provide guidance from a well-known designer and illustrator. With her signature aesthetic, charming drawings and projects such as cityscapes, swans, bicycles, bakeries and envelopes of flowers included in the project section makes this book full of joy. The binding lays flat when opened making it easy to use plus there are 8 pages of premium watercolor paper within the hardcover matte gold lettering cover. Plus color theory tips on how to mix colors using the color wheel that will help you create your own unique pieces of artwork with additional information on digitizing them too! This book is great for anyone at any level – beginner or experienced artist – looking for creative inspiration!

9. Painting Animals That Come To Life
   
   Adeline Halvorson
   Published in 2021
   
   

   Painting Animals That Come To Life by Adeline Halvorson is the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their acrylic painting skills up a notch. With over 40 years of experience as an artist, this book provides detailed instructions about all necessary artistic tools and how-tos when it comes to creating lifelike animal portraits with acrylic paint. Readers will get step-by-step guidance on what colors work best together, understanding values within coloring and sketching onto canvas, layering techniques, standing while you paint and much more! This comprehensive read is easy to understand no matter your level of expertise or skill set so that you can begin applying these helpful tips today! Painting Animals That Come To Life is sure to leave any reader inspired with newfound creative genius — don’t miss out on this opportunity!

10. Acrylics for the Absolute Beginner
    
    Charles Evans
    Published in 2018
    
    

    Acrylics For The Absolute Beginner by Charles Evans is an invaluable guide for aspiring artists who wish to learn how to paint with acrylics. Exploring a variety of topics that includes light and shade, buildings, water, skies, figures, animals, working from photographs and colour mixing – this book provides 12 reusable outline drawings alongside 6 step-by-step projects. Each project offers simple instructions that can be adapted according to individual skill level and art style preferences. Friendly advice combined with the author’s exuberant personality makes it easy for beginners to get started quickly in producing fantastic artwork!

11. Learn to Paint in Acrylics with 50 Small Paintings
    
    Mark Daniel Nelson
    Published in 2015
    
    

    Learn to Paint in Acrylics with 50 Small Paintings by artist Nelson is the perfect book for beginner and experienced artists alike. Containing an overview of painting fundamentals, it provides detailed step-by-step instructions for creating stunning mini paintings measuring 5 inches squared. With a multitude of exercises varying from abstracts to figurative subjects, this unique guide offers readers the chance to experiment with their creative abilities while also mastering acrylic painting techniques. Furthermore, each two page project features a helpful sidebar listing materials used as well as similar projects found elsewhere in the book. By working through all sections of Learn To Paint In Acrylics with 50 Small Paintings readers will end up with an impressive collection that can be mounted or gifted away; thus allowing them to create something special without being overwhelmed by a large canvas or blank piece of board!

12. Sea & Sky in Acrylics: Techniques & Inspiration
    
    Dave White
    Published in 2015
    
    

    Dave White’s Sea & Sky in Acrylics: Techniques & Inspiration is a comprehensive guide to painting stunning seascapes with beautiful and realistic skies. With this book, readers can learn the simple but effective techniques such as spattering paint, blending backgrounds, finger painting clouds and foam, creating ripples, surf and spray – all of which will drastically improve their artistry. The sky section provides clear instructions for producing various types of cloud formations using innovative methods like tipping up the surface to let dilute paint run. There are also lessons on perspective for achieving depth in sea and beach scenes plus useful advice about sunsets full of dramatic examples. Finally there are three step-by-step projects demonstrating how to produce an impressive panorama featuring rolling waves crashing against rocks at sunset or during calm seas. Definitely worth adding to any artist’s collection!

Additional resources

If you’re looking for a great blog on acrylic painting, we recommend JacksonsArt Blog, containing a range of tutorials and tips for acrylic painting.