How to Paint Acrylics: One Stroke Method
- 1). Pour the acrylic paints that have been selected for the paint project onto a painter's palette or a disposable plate. If more than two colors are selected, place each pair side by side. For example, light blue next to white or yellow next to orange.
- 2). Dip the bristles of the fan brush into a cup of water, then pat it dry with a paper towel. This prepares the brush for painting and permits the acrylic paint to adhere to the brush without becoming sticky.
- 3). Load the acrylic paints onto the fan brush. Holding the paint brush straight up and down, dip the left corner of the fan brush into the desired color of acrylic paint. Turn the brush over, and dip the right side of the fan brush into another color of acrylic paint until both colors meet in the middle.
- 4). Press the paint brush down firmly, from the bristle's tip to the top of the brush, near the metal ring known as the the "Ferrule." Stroke the paint brush left to right into a 1 inch space, without completely mixing both colors, five times. Repeat this step three times to load the colors onto the brush properly.
- 5). Add another acrylic paint color to the tip of the paint brush if desired, then apply the paint onto the canvas. Stroke the brush with the acrylic paint on the initial area three times, then wiggle or taper the paint brush out to create the desired shape. The result will be a shape with a gradient color effect.