Acrylic

Acrylic paint uses pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion. It dries quickly, cleans up with water, and can mimic the effects of both oil paint and watercolor. This versatility makes acrylics the most popular choice for beginners and a favorite of many professional artists.

Acrylics reward experimentation. You can paint thick impasto or thin washes, on canvas or wood or paper. They're forgiving—mistakes can be painted over once dry. And they're practical—no toxic solvents, no weeks of drying time.

Acrylics are relatively new, developed in the 1940s and becoming widely available to artists in the 1960s. Artists like David Hockney and Andy Warhol embraced the new medium, appreciating its bold colors and fast drying time.

Today, acrylics are the most commonly taught painting medium in schools and community classes. Manufacturers have developed professional-grade acrylics that rival oils in quality while retaining the practical advantages that made them popular.

Acrylic painting classes move fairly quickly because the paint dries fast. You'll learn color mixing, brush techniques, and how to build up a painting in layers.

The main challenge with acrylics is their quick drying time—you need to blend colors promptly before they set. Some classes use slow-dry mediums to extend working time.

Studios provide paints, brushes, and canvas or paper. Wear clothes you don't mind staining—acrylic is permanent once dry. Most classes run 2-3 hours, enough to complete a painting.