- 1). Outline or photocopy the scene you want to paint onto a transparency, available at most office supply stores. Set up the overhead projector and trace the scene onto your blank canvas. If you are creating a painting from a live scene, then begin free-hand drawing what you see around you using a pencil. Use light strokes, as harsher ones may be more visible in your art.
- 2). Fill in the drawing that you have done using paint, starting with the largest sections, such as sky or grass. Choose colors that best reflect the scene. As you begin filling in the shapes, do not worry about fine details at this point, as this initial layer of paint will serve as a base. Always clean your brushes in water before applying a new color to your canvas. Let the paint dry; this should take 10 minutes or less, as acrylic paints are fast-drying.
- 3). Choose one specific element within your painting scene to work on. This is the best way to avoid getting intimidated by an elaborate work. Usually starting on the background is best, as it may require less work than the painting's focal points. Common focal points in painting can be people, cars, animals, homes or anything that the eye will naturally tend to look at first. Focal points are often in the foreground or middle distance.
- 4). Move on to the more elaborate parts of your painting using as much detail as you want. Use the appropriate brushes for more complex-looking components to your artwork. Having a small, round detail brush handy is a great way to achieve this. For larger areas of your work use a thicker brush to cover more of the canvas at once.
- 5). Correct any mistakes or details that you are unsatisfied with. If you find yourself accidentally making a mistake on your art or spill paint on your canvas, the best way to fix this is by taking a clean wet brush with a little bit of soap and gently going over the mark in circular motions. Once the error has faded, carefully wipe the soapy paint away. Paint is a medium which can have multiple layers; this allows for changes to be done with ease.
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