Acrylic on canvas lion

 

The steps in my (lion) painting process - I definitely do not claim to be a professional, painting is something I do as a hobby.  This painting is part of an African-inspired three-painting series including an elephant and zebra (seen above).

Materials:

Stretched canvas, about 17x21" or so

Acrylic paints

Synthetic brushes, made for acrylics

Crystal Clear Acrylic coating spray

1. Blank canvas. 

2. Lightly sketch your drawing on the canvas with pencil. It doesn't have to be perfect or full of detail, you're just using it as a guide.  Try not to erase too much; erasing can damage the canvas.  I use my own photos or find photos on the internet to base my sketches on.  If you're bad at sketching, you can use a light projector or print your picture, tape it on the back of the canvas, hold it up to a window, and trace.

3. Do a rough color wash with watered down paints for general color blocking. I did the background here too using a sponge-paint method.  Don't forget to paint the sides of the canvas! You may still see some pencil lines here, that's okay.

4. Based on your color wash, begin to add more definitive color, altering the picture to your liking if need be. Start to develop harder, definitive edge lines if that is the style you are going for.  Small details will be added later, but I chose to start the eyes and nose here.

5. Continue to add detail and adjust colors, letting your painting take a more finished look.

6. Add final details, complete picture. Sign your initials - I think everyone should have a signature, not just the pros. I like to add the year too.

7. Spray with clear coating to give a matte finish and protect your painting.  Now you can display for all to see!

Painting with acrylics is fun, relatively easy, and does not have to be done all in one sitting. If you do wish to take a break and work later, make sure to cover your paints and keep a damp sponge or damp crumpled paper towel with them to prevent drying out.  Once acrylics dry, they basically turn into plastic. Sometimes you can peel off the top layer on your pallet and find good paint underneath, but it's best to prevent them from drying out in the first place.

Remember, the more you experiment and try new things, the better you will get at painting!  Don't be afraid to make a mistake - it may end up making the picture better, or you can cover it later.