32 Easy Acrylic Painting Tutorials To Channel Your Inner Artist

Ready to channel your inner Picasso, or maybe it is Monet, Matisse? Even if you think there is not an artist secretly lurking inside, you can paint, you can, I promise. You might have had trouble when you tried years ago, but that was before the age of blogging, Youtube and free online art tutorials. Painting can be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable past times, too. We think you will definitely want to unplug and paint away after you see some of these amazing painting tutorials for acrylics. I love giving handmade things as gifts, and two of these tutorials are going to win Christmas for me, I do say. I am budgeting for the canvases now and plan to give at least ten people on my list a painting I made more them.

Super thoughtful and sure to be appreciated, this budget-friendly DIY gift idea is my favorite of all times. Whether you want to learn to paint stars or starfish, skies or subliminal shapes, we found the best acrylic painting tutorials around. All you need are paints, brushes and a side of creativity, and you’ll be in business. Did we mention you could sell these on Etsy, too?

Acrylic Painting Tutorials

1. Funky Florals Acrylic Painting Tutorial

lindseycrafterblog

You’ve got your acrylic paint, your work surface is ready to go, and you’re really inspired to paint. Now comes the fun part, just go ahead and paint. The beauty of acrylic paint is that it can look totally different depending on how you apply it. The more you experiment, the better it gets! Just look at these Funky Florals Acrylic Painting, so pretty!

2. Easy Flower Painting – Bubble Wrap

diyjoy

Learn how to paint flowers -easy when you use bubble wrap. The easy-to-follow instructions will guide you through creating your own beautiful flowers. Take out your brushes, paints, and canvas, and follow along with the easy tutorial. No artistic skills required – this is a great art project for beginners.

3. Marbled Acrylic Painting

alisaburke

Besides looking like a lot of fun, the results are absolutely gorgeous. This was really an incredible technique, the results are just outstanding and I can’t wait to try this myself. There’s a great tip as well to press the panel back into the paint or add more paint and water to the plastic to achieve a more marbled look.

4. Acrylic Pour And Swipe With Color Shift Paint

acrylicpouring

Are you in a sparkly mood? This painting has an iridescence to them, a bit like the sheen and color changing qualities that are just mesmerizing. Depending on the light and the direction you look at them, you can see different shimmering colors. I am in love with this painting.

5. Crab Nebula Acrylic Painting

artinstructionblog

If you’re looking for easy painting ideas that still deliver a big visual impact, this step-by-step acrylic painting demo is a great place to start. The tutorial walks you through creating a luminous galaxy-inspired “Crab Nebula” on canvas using Golden acrylic paints and glazing medium. With simple tools like a black base coat, a white charcoal pencil, and just a few color layers, beginners can achieve deep, space-like effects. This is a perfect project for anyone interested in celestial themes or abstract acrylic techniques.

6. How To Paint A Pumpkin In Acrylic

jenniferrizzo

This step-by-step pumpkin painting tutorial is one of the best easy painting ideas for fall and beginner artists alike. Using just a few simple brushstrokes—mainly shaped like the letter “C”—you’ll learn how to paint a soft, creamy white pumpkin with beautiful shading and texture. No sketching or drawing is needed, and the entire design is built from layering paint directly onto the canvas. It’s a relaxing project perfect for seasonal decor, and great for anyone looking to build confidence with acrylics.

7. DIY Beach Painting

artsychicksrule

This beach-inspired project is one of the most creative and easy painting ideas for bringing a breezy, coastal vibe into your home. Using molding paste and a palette knife, you can create faux texture that mimics waves and sand before layering in soothing beach tones with acrylic paint. The process is playful and forgiving—even mistakes can be reworked into the final piece. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned DIYer, this textured artwork makes for a stunning, personal addition to any room.

8. DIY Abstract Art

nourishandnestle

DIY abstract art is easy! This tutorial is a fantastic example of easy painting ideas that feel high-end but are totally DIY-friendly. Using a large canvas, acrylic paints, drywall mesh for texture, and a touch of gold leaf, you can create abstract artwork that looks professionally made. The process is intuitive, creative, and customizable—no fine art skills needed. It’s ideal for decorating blank walls or adding a personal, modern touch to your space.

9. DIY Birch Tree Art

persialou

This birch tree painting project is a go-to for anyone looking for easy painting ideas with a modern, nature-inspired feel. Using painter’s tape and a simple layering technique, you can create clean, crisp birch tree silhouettes against a colorful or neutral background. It’s a fun project for beginners and a great way to add texture and interest to your walls without needing detailed brushwork. The final look is stylish, calming, and perfect for seasonal or year-round home decor.

10. How To Paint Flowers With a Plastic Bag

diyjoy

Looking for fun and easy painting ideas? Learn how to paint beautiful flowers using nothing but acrylic paint and a plastic bag! This beginner-friendly project is perfect for kids or adults and creates stunning textured blooms without any fancy tools. A creative way to reuse plastic and make unique artwork at the same time.

11. Paint Poppy Flowers With Acrylic Paint

melissamckinnon

How to Paint Poppy Flowers with a Palette Knife

This step-by-step tutorial is an excellent example of easy painting ideas that create stunning results with bold color and texture. Using acrylic paint mixed with gel medium, you’ll learn to build thick, sculptural layers on canvas using only a palette knife—no brushes needed. The technique emphasizes expressive strokes and rich impasto texture, especially in the vivid red poppy flowers and grassy foreground. Perfect for beginners wanting to try something new, this project shows how approachable and satisfying palette knife painting can be.

12. Wolf Wildlife Acrylic Art Demo

artgraphica

Acrylic Wolf Painting Demo

This wildlife-themed acrylic tutorial guides you through painting a realistic wolf, making it a great choice for animal lovers exploring easy painting ideas with a bit more detail. The focus is on layering light and dark tones to bring the wolf’s fur and facial features to life, using simple brush techniques. While the result looks advanced, the steps are broken down clearly for beginners ready to try something a bit more adventurous. It’s a great introduction to wildlife painting and working with acrylics for depth and realism.

13. Folk Art Canvas Painting

lilblueboo

Distressed Folk Art -Acrylic Painting Tutorial

This vibrant folk art tutorial is perfect for those exploring easy painting ideas with a vintage or boho vibe. Using layers of acrylic craft paint, stencils, and a paper collage base, you’ll create a colorful image inspired by Mexican folk art. The unique finishing touches—like sanding, glazing, and adding crackle effects—give the painting a beautifully aged and textured look. It’s beginner-friendly, expressive, and great for creating personalized wall art with character.

14. Acrylic Leaf Printing

createmixedmedia

This nature-inspired tutorial combines watercolor and acrylic techniques to create beautiful leaf prints—perfect for art journals or standalone wall art. Real leaves are painted and pressed onto paper to capture organic textures and shapes, making each print unique. The process is easy, relaxing, and ideal for beginners or anyone wanting to explore mixed media. It’s a creative way to bring the outdoors into your artwork while experimenting with layering and color.

15. Paint Flowers With Acrylic Layer By Layer

paintingdemos

16. DIY Mandala Painting

diyjoy

Step-by-Step Mandala Canvas Painting

If you’re searching for easy painting ideas that are both calming and creative, this mandala painting tutorial is a perfect fit. The design may look intricate, but it’s broken down into simple, paint-based “doodling” steps that anyone can follow. With just a canvas, acrylic paints, and some patience, you’ll end up with a beautiful geometric design full of symmetry and style. It’s a relaxing and rewarding project, great for beginners or anyone wanting to explore mindful painting techniques.

17. Cherry Blossom Painting Tutorial

Studio Silver Creek – YouTube

Learn to paint delicate cherry blossoms on a branch in this beginner-friendly tutorial. The step-by-step instructions make it simple to create this classic floral scene.

18. How To Paint A Cat And Moon

stepbysteppainting

19. Easy Acrylic Painting Landscape

YouTube

This tutorial focuses on painting gentle ocean waves rolling onto the shore, with colorful mountains and sky in the background. You’ll explore techniques for creating movement and translucency in water. Ideal for beginners wanting to capture the essence of the sea.​

20. How To Paint A Bear Silhouette With Quote

stepbysteppainting

21. How To Paint The Stars And Moon In Acrylic

onlineartlessons

22. Acrylic Painting Step-by-Step Trees

YouTube

This tutorial teaches you how to paint a vibrant lavender field under a bright sky. You’ll focus on creating depth and texture using simple brush techniques. Ideal for beginners wanting to explore floral landscapes.​

23. Paint An Autumn Tree In Acrylic

artistsnetwork

24. Acrylic Beachscape Tutorial

explore-acrylic-painting

25. How To Paint Green Summer Trees With Acrylics

willkempartschool

26. Photo Transfer How To Create An Acrylic Transfer Image

thevirtualinstructor

27. Heart Collage Mixed Media Acrylic

hodgepodge

28. Super Simple Trick To Paint Realistic Mountain Ranges Acrylic Painting Tutorial

mydrawingtutorials

29. Painting An Apple In Acrylics

willkempartschool

30. Glaze With Acrylics

thevirtualinstructor

31. Cupcake Acrylic Paint Tutorial

hodgepodge

32. Paint A Sunset Acrylic Seascape

mydrawingtutorials