Online Class: Acrylic Painting 101

Explore and expand your creative capabilities with this unique acrylic painting course. You'll learn everything there is to know about acrylics and you'll get to practice all the techniques and styles associated with each lesson and share your masterpieces with the instructor and classmates.

Self-Paced, Online Class
Library Subscription
 
  • 16
    Lessons
  • 38
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 14
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.4
    CEUs
  •  
    Video Audit
    Available
 
 

Course Description

Acrylics Unleashed: Dive Deep into the Vivid World of Acrylic Painting

Step into the vibrant realm of acrylic painting—a universe teeming with color, potential, and unbridled creativity. Whether you're a novice taking your first brush strokes or a seasoned artist eager to explore new horizons, acrylics beckon with a promise of endless possibilities.

Why Choose Acrylics? A Closer Look:

At its core, what are acrylic paints? Going beyond the jargon, think of acrylics as versatile liquid plastics. Scientifically speaking, they comprise pigments held together by an acrylic polymer emulsion. But what truly sets them apart is their adaptability. Ever made a mistake on canvas? Fret not, for acrylics' opacity lets you paint right over it, turning missteps into masterpieces. Moreover, their swift drying time—often under an hour—provides immediate gratification unlike any other medium.

Highlights of Our Comprehensive Course:

  • Mastering the Basics: Dive into the core properties that make acrylics a standout medium—from its water-soluble nature, allowing for swift drying, to the difference between acrylics and oil paints.

  • Harnessing Water as a Tool: Discover how water isn't just a binder but an artist's tool, aiding in blending and achieving the desired texture and hue.

  • Extend and Enhance: Uncover the magic of acrylic retarders—powerful agents that prolong drying time. Made predominantly of glycerol or glycerin, retarders offer the artist ample time to perfect and blend, paving the way for richer canvases.

  • Versatility at Its Best: Acrylics don't conform—they transform! Learn to manipulate their texture, from thick impasto styles to watery, watercolor-esque washes.

  • Innovate with Everyday Tools: Push boundaries by incorporating household items like sponges, plastic forks, or saran wrap, adding layers of depth and uniqueness to your artwork.

  • Boundless Canvas Options: With acrylics, the world is your canvas. Paint not just on traditional surfaces like paper but also on wood, leather, clothing, and even glass. Your imagination sets the limits!

  • Finishing Touches: Complete your masterpieces with the perfect seal, be it glossy, matte, or smooth, ensuring your artwork stands the test of time without the need for glass framing.

Why Enroll in "Acrylics Unleashed"?

Acrylics are a celebration of freedom, offering a dance of colors that's both forgiving for beginners and challenging for the experienced. This course is more than just a guide—it's an immersive experience that takes you by the hand, leading you through the mesmerizing world of acrylics, unraveling its secrets, and inspiring you to create like never before.

So, are you ready to unleash your creativity, to blend, layer, and experiment? Dive in and let the vibrant hues of acrylics paint your artistic journey!

 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.6 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(2,042 votes)
  • Lesson 1. Introduction to Acrylic Painting

    Welcome to the world of acrylic painting, an art world full of versatility and bright, bold colors.
  • Lesson 2. That Glorious Paint

    Acrylic paint comes in two different styles including student paint, and professional paint.
  • Lesson 3. Selecting Other Supplies

    Now that you have your paint, you need to obtain the rest of the supplies so you can begin painting.
  • Lesson 4. COLOR ~ COLOR ~ COLOR

    Color Sense, Color Blending, and Color Theory.
  • Lesson 5. The Versatility of Acrylics

    Acrylic paints have an amazing set of characteristics, one of which includes versatility.
  • Lesson 6. Vocabulary, Texture, and Design

    This lesson will help you with some terminology we have not yet discussed that you might come across as you pursue your skills.
  • Lesson 7: Basic Painting

    When you get out your paper and canvas, here are some things to think about before you start painting.
  • Lesson 8. Painting a Still Life

    In this lesson we will talk about how to paint a still life.
  • Lesson 9. Painting Landscapes and Seascapes

    Painting scenery is probably the most common type of composition for artists. Nevertheless, like a still life, there are some important components to laying down a landscape.
  • Lesson 10. Painting Animals and Portraits

    The best way to paint an animal is to first pick what you want to paint and then break it down into sections.
  • Lesson 11. Painting Abstracts

    Many artists like to paint more freely, more informally. Perhaps they are attracted to the wide diversity of color and texture or want to be more creative with their expression of art. This is called non-representational or abstract art.
  • Lesson 12. Creating Your Own Composition

    An artist takes time, needs patience, and thoughtfully thinks about the paint, brushes, and the other tools necessary to be creative.
  • Lesson 13. Creating Compositions Using Tools

    Using the right tools make all the difference in how your art project will fare.
  • Lesson 14. Mixed Media

    In this lesson we will be discussing mixed media and variety of ideas on how to accomplish a piece of mixed media art.
  • Lesson 15. Moving Forward

    For this lesson, let us discuss the final touches.
  • Final Exam

    Final Exam
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe and define what acrylic painting is.
  • Identify the supplies you need for acrylic painting.
  • Demonstrate understanding of how to work with color in acrylic painting.
  • Summarize the versatility of acrylics.
  • Summarize vocabulary, texture, and design.
  • Demonstrate basic painting techniques.
  • Demonstrate painting a still life.
  • Demonstrate painting landscapes and seascapes.
  • Demonstrate painting animals and portraits.
  • Demonstrate painting abstracts.
  • Demonstrate creating compositions using tools.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Acrylic Painting 101
Course Number: 8900321
Lessons Rating: 4.6 / 5 Stars (2,042 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas.
Last Updated: March 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.4 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Nancy Fillip
Syllabus: View Syllabus

Student Testimonials

  • "The instructor was so knowledgeable and it was great to have her share her own and others artwork. I loved all of her suggestions to keep it fun and it was." -- Madeleine A.
  • "Instructor Fillip was very helpful with her critique of my paintings. Her feedback was always done promptly and in a timely manner." -- Nancy S.
  • "I really enjoyed my first ever online class! I cannot wait for the next one which I have already started on which is how to draw and I am glad that I have the same instructor. She is very clear and I look forward to working with her." -- Sandra M.
  • "I loved the instructor she was clear in her explanations and she is very motivating." -- Astrid L.
  • "I thoroughly enjoyed this course and the instructor was great!" -- Geraldine N.
  • "She gave positive criticism that was very useful." -- Tamara S.
  • "I enjoyed the art course and the instructor. The instructor was very nice with her time regarding any of my questions or requests." -- Doreen F.