Acrylic Techniques:
1. Gradient Blending : Blending colours smoothly creating a gradient transition from one to the other, or from light to dark.
2 . Wet-on-Wet : Layers of thick or thin wet paint are applied to paint that is still wet to blend into one another and mix directly in the painting. This is a fun technique because it creates very extemporary effects that can never be predicted.
3. Wet-on-Dry : Layers of thick or thin wet paint are applied to paint that is dry to blend the two and create a gradient.
4. Dry brushing : A painting technique where a small amount of paint is used on a dry brush and dragged across the surface. The brush strokes have a scratchy, rough visual effect.
5. Washing : A very thin layer of diluted paint is applied over other colours. This semi-transparent layer ( or wash ) allows the colours underneath to still shine through. The result is a smooth effect with no brush strokes.
6. Dabbing : This is a great technique to add texture. It can be used to create bushes, or sand. For this technique the paint is somewhat thick and is applied with a brush with quick dabs. The more layers are added the more depth is created.
7. Sponging : This technique is very similar to the dabbing technique, but a sponge is used instead of a brush. This is used for larger areas and is not as detailed as when using a brush.
8. Detailing : This technique creates definition. Details are added by using a small pointed brush, such as precise edges, clean lines, and other small details. All the finishing touches before a painting is done!