How to Blend Acrylics Like Oils

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Amazon CHAPTERS
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0:00 Introduction
0:15 Using OPEN acrylics or regular acrylics with retarder
2:00 How to create smooth blends with acrylics
5:02 Creating soft edges with acrylics
8:32 How to keep acrylic paint wet on the palette
9:53 Finishing touches
10:22 the finished still life painting

In this video, I demonstrate how to blend acrylics in a manner that's similar to oils. The secret to blending acrylics is to use acrylic retarder to prevent the paint from drying out too soon. I prefer to use Golden OPEN acrylics because the retarder is already mixed into the paint.

I usually blend acrylics after I apply the colors to the canvas. Another tip is to blend the paint with a soft brush.

I also demonstrate how to create soft edges with acrylics. Soft edges have a blurry, out of focus appearance to them. The soft edges make the hard edges stand out more. This is a way to guide the viewers eye to the focal point.

Judging the colors while placing them on a white canvas can be tricky. I find that I have to adjust the values as the painting progresses.

ART SUPPLIES & TOOLS USED IN THIS VIDEO
All of the links that lead to Blick Art Materials or Amazon are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no cost to you.

GOLDEN OPEN ACRYLICS
I used Golden OPEN acrylics for this painting. They're convenient because the retarder is already in the paint, in the proper proportions. The link below contains sets of small tubes of OPEN acrylics so you can try them out, or you can buy the standard sized tubes of individual colors.

THE COLORS I USED IN THIS PAINTING
Titanium White

Quinacridone Magenta

Ultramarine Blue

Hansa Yellow Opaque

Carbon Black

ACRYLIC RETARDERS
You can add retarder to any brand of acrylics to make them dry slower. This is useful if you already have a brand of acrylics that you prefer. Follow the instructions, you usually don't want to add any more than 25%-30% retarder because it may take too long to dry. The paint may remain tacky even after it dries if you add too much.

BRUSHES
I use mostly synthetic brushes that are made for acrylics like these ones from Robert Simmons
The softer brushes are for watercolor.

ACRYLIC PALETTES

This is the smaller palette that I store inside of the Masterson Palette.

Since the OPEN acrylics stay wet for so long, I never really have to peel the paint off. I just clean it with a wet paper towel or rag. I find the microfiber towels work great.

MICROFIBER TOWELS
I bought a large package of these on Amazon, the link is below. The small fibers create more surface area than paper towels and they do seem to make it easier to clean things. They work great for drying paint brushes and cleaning palettes. Make sure that you handle them properly if you use them with oil paints because they can spontaneously combust.

TABLE TOP EASEL
This is where you can buy the easel I use in the video:

I have been using this table top easel for some time now and I like how portable it is. The top folds down and it has a handle which makes it easy to carry. The drawer on the bottom opens to the side and the inside is divided into separate compartments for storing pencils, brushes, and tubes of paint.

PAINT SPATULA
This paint spatula from Princeton is handy tool to have in the studio.

CANVAS PANELS

USING PENCIL TO SKETCH ON CANVAS
Pencils with harder leads are less likely to smear as you paint over them. I discuss this in-depth on my blog.

MUSIC: "A Night Alone" by TrackTribe
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I don't know if you will still get a notification for this comment but, if you do, I just want to tell you how amazing you are! Not just for your talent as an artist, but for all of the detailed information and links you've included in your description section. So few individuals take the time to add information regarding the products used in a video which either leaves the viewer guessing or backing up the video to try to catch the product names if they're mentioned. So, THANK YOU!

MythKitty
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As a very new painter your tutorials are amazing and exceptionally relaxing to listen to. Thank you so much for sharing 🥰

tiredtears
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I'm not an artist but I still like watching your tutorials and seeing your beautiful paintings.

wendythompson
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please please think about doing some more lessons the way you explain things is amazing, i have been attending lessons for a year and you explained things in one session that i have been confused about all that time, you are an amazing teacher

danmi
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Thank you Chris, you are such a great teacher, no rush and explanations in easy to understand language. I now want to watch every video you have made. Keep up the great work. I have just started in acrylics after many years of working with watercolor so your blending techniques are especially helpful. Many artists demonstrate with skies on large boards but you have shown it's possible on smaller work and elements. I have just purchased a wet palette so keen to try it out. Thanks for sharing.

helenwinter
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God Bless you sir..I've learned more from your video than all the other videos I've wasted time on..Your a great teacher and Artist, thanks again Brother...

davidsisk
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Thank you so much. You just fixed all my issues in one vid. 👍. Subscribed !

redpoppy
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Thank you for this tutorial, the tips are super helpful for just starting out doing still life paintings in acrylic.

Riviera-klod
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This is a very thorough video and you seem like a sweet person

bdml
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I’m so grateful I found your channel, it’s supper detailed yet so simple. It has really helped me understand how to work with acrylic paints

franklyfair
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Wow, Chris, this is super. Such simple, wonderful, and practical instructions: As you show and tell it, I can see it. And I can't wait to try it. Thank you. ❤❤❤🎨

walterreansalley
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Hello, I am from Iran, and it is very expensive to buy oil paint here, and this method of yours helped me a lot to use my own acrylic paints, thank you for your excellent training❤

SadafMoazamigoodarzi-pwfx
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This is the artist I dream to reached thank you for the tutorials

查理-mi
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As someone who comes from oil painting, I use the same Badger blending brush. It's flat but fluffy.

TODOMATIO
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You super color mixer..thanksss..harmonious combo...have a great 😊 day Mr Artist...

mayhtoo
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This video is pure gold Chris! Just what I was looking for!

awakeenlighten
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This was very, very helpful! The way you speak is very calming and it's very detailed and straight to the point. Thank you for your help!

ishaniahmed
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Thank you very much for sharing. Amazingly beautiful art piece and tutorial.

lenasmirnova
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Chris, your explanation and demos are superior. you have excellent attention to detail, without getting finicky or tight.

michaelbuchanan
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Recently started painting and I'm very happy I came across your channel - immensely helpful and given me a new outlook on how to use acrylic paint.

afw