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acrylic painting for beginners step by step

Step-by-Step Acrylic Painting for Beginners: Learn to Paint Like a Pro 🎨

If you’ve ever dreamed of picking up a paintbrush but didn’t know where to start — you’re in the right place. At Artvana, we believe everyone can paint, and our step-by-step acrylic painting classes are designed to help beginners feel confident, inspired, and proud of their creations. Whether you join us in person at one of our lively paint and sip events or paint along from the comfort of your own home with our online tutorials, you’ll get the same friendly, approachable guidance to bring your vision to life.

Why Acrylic Painting is Perfect for Beginners

Acrylic paint is one of the most versatile, forgiving mediums out there — perfect for new artists who want quick results without the stress. It dries fast, layers beautifully, and allows you to easily cover up “happy little accidents” (thanks, Bob Ross). This means you can experiment, play with colors, and build your skills without worrying about perfection.

At Artvana, our classes focus on beginner-friendly techniques such as:

  • Composition – Arranging the elements of your painting so it feels balanced and visually appealing.

  • Point of Light – Learning how to make your painting glow with a clear light source.

  • Color Mixing & Blending – Creating the perfect shades and smooth transitions between colors.

  • Shape Building – Breaking down complex subjects into simple, paintable shapes.

  • Contrast & Value – Making your artwork pop with depth and dimension.

  • Rule of Thirds – A simple trick to instantly improve the composition of your piece.

These skills are the foundation of great painting, and once you learn them, you’ll be able to paint almost anything you can imagine.


In-Person Painting Classes: Paint, Sip, and Socialize

Our in-person classes are where creativity meets community. Held at local venues across Washington State — from cozy breweries to charming cafes — these events are perfect for a night out with friends, a unique date, or even a solo creative escape.

Here’s what makes them special:

  • Step-by-step instruction from a friendly local artist.

  • All supplies provided — just show up and start painting.

  • A fun, relaxed atmosphere where mistakes are just part of the process.

  • The chance to connect with others and share your creative journey.

Many of our in-person class subjects — from colorful landscapes to seasonal favorites — are also available as online tutorials. So if you loved a class and want to paint it again, or if you missed it in person, you can still enjoy it from home.


Online Painting Tutorials: Learn Anytime, Anywhere

Our online acrylic painting for beginners step by step Tutorials are perfect for anyone who can’t join us in person — whether you live in another state, have a busy schedule, or simply prefer to paint in your pajamas.

When you purchase an online tutorial, you’ll get:

  • Unlimited access to paint at your own pace.

  • The same step-by-step guidance we give in our live classes.

  • A list of recommended supplies so you can follow along easily.

  • The flexibility to pause, rewind, and replay as needed.

These tutorials cover many of the same subjects as our in-person classes — so you’re getting the same great instruction without the travel. They’re a wonderful way to try painting for the first time or to revisit a subject you’ve already enjoyed.


Why Start with Artvana

If you’ve ever told yourself “I’m not artistic,” we’re here to prove you wrong (in the nicest way possible). Our mission is to make art accessible, fun, and beginner-friendly for everyone.

With Artvana, you’ll:

  • Learn real techniques you can use in future paintings.

  • Build confidence in your abilities.

  • Create something beautiful — even if you’ve never painted before.

  • Have fun in the process (because painting should never be stressful).

We’ve helped countless new painters go from blank canvas to “I can’t believe I painted that!” in just a couple of hours. And we can help you, too — whether we’re sitting across from you at a paint night or guiding you on screen from hundreds of miles away.


Ready to Start Your Painting Journey?

Whether you join us for an in-person paint night in Washington or purchase an online tutorial to enjoy from home, we promise you’ll walk away with new skills, more confidence, and a painting you’ll be proud to show off.

🖌 In-Person Classes – Perfect for socializing, celebrating, and getting live guidance.
💻 Online Tutorials – Ideal for learning at your own pace, anywhere in the world.

No matter which option you choose, we’ll help you create something amazing with our Acrylic painting tips. All you have to do is take the first step — and pick up that paintbrush.


Paint with us in person or online — your masterpiece is waiting.
View Upcoming Classes   |    Shop Online Tutorials

Why am I not learning from art tutorials on youtube

Hello my name is Rikki, I am an Artist and a therapeutic art coach. A question I get from clients often is
“I tried a few  art tutorials on youtube but my painting still looks bad, why can’t I do it?”

I LOVE this questions and I am here to answer it for you today. This is a common frustration people face when they just begin painting. How do we accomplish anything we can be proud of when we are literally just starting our painting journey?

Theres more to the story…

The fact is, there is so so so much to learn about painting that you could probabaly study it your whole life and still learn new things. So when we jump into a tutorial, we often don’t have event the basic knowledge of that art form and we are trying to accomplish something that may look simple and easy but still has a lot of know how built into it that we may not yet have.
So what is the solution?

It takes time to grow…

Practice. Yes, I see so many painters get frustrated and think they have no skill before they even give themselves a chance to grow that knowledge and skill base. Also depending on the tutorial, they may be explaining one technique in the video and assuming you already know the other basics or techniques, which if you don’t can be very overwhelming. So how do we paint more successfully using art tutorials?

How to use art tutorials for success…

Well of course I am going to recommend the Artvana paint club, which I designed specifically to help you burst through these common hurdles that stop new painters, with new art tutorials each month. Aside from joining me in the club I can tell you that you need to give yourself some grace, some space and some time to grow! Commend yourself on the one things you are working on and learn to relax a little if the rest of your painting isn’t up to speed yet. It will come, with time and practice.

Art is a journey and learning and making mistakes is half the fun. I hope you paint soon.  You can learn more about our paint club here – LEARN ABOUT THE PAINT CLUB

I also wanted to include some additional information in this great article from the Cleveland Clinic on how and why patience is important for our health and how we can be more patient when learning new things – READ IT HERE

online painting courses, art memberships, art subscription box, painting tutorials, easy paintings, beginner art classes

Good morning beautiful soul! Today I want you to slow down and think when the last time you let loose was? And I am not talking about getting tipsy, but letting go inside, you know in that place in your chest where we ball up tension just under our ribcage, the place that moves when you realize you have forgotten to breathe! Let’s let it out, big breath in……..
And let it out……..Ahh better right?

Today I am going to talk to you about this aspect of letting go, of surrendering to flow and discovering where the fun really happens when we are creating.
When we create we have a choice, to strive for an outcome or to play and experiment. So many of my painters get stuck in the first aspect of striving for an outcome in their work. Today I wanted to shed some light on the other aspect of creating that seems to go almost completely ignored.

Chaos. Well it can feel like that sometimes, this part of creating is a super special part of the process and even the best and most famous artists take part in this aspect. This part of the process is vital for you to get in touch with your creative source, to hear your creative voice and to create the momentum for you to discover what you are truly capable of.
Now you might be thinking, I want to be able to create a pretty picture though! Of course you do, the reward of art is creating something you like. Learning techniques, rules of art and how to achieve certain values and textures is the other side, striving for an outcome. I belive both of these aspects are necessary to truly grow and improve as an artist or creator and to feel fulfilled in your art practice and painting classes.

This month in the paint club we are diving deep into play and seeing how it can help us grow and shape our artistic style and creative voice. We will be making a mess and loving every minute of it! If you want to join a supportive community of fun loving creators, no matter your skill level or prior painting experience I want you to join me in the Artvana paint club.online painting courses, art memberships, art subscription box, painting tutorials, easy paintings, beginner art classes

Each month I curate a special project for my painters and send them a fresh art kit supply box in the mail. You get to create on your schedule and join us in a live group coaching session each month to discuss and get one on one coaching from me if you need it, its like book club for painting! See what you are capable of and start your membership at www.artvana.life

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