The process of live painting in acrylics

The Joy of Live Painting: Behind the Scenes of Acrylic Art 

Hey, art lovers! 🎨✨ Today, let’s dive into the vibrant world of live painting in acrylics. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or simply an admirer of creativity, understanding the process can add a whole new layer of appreciation to your experience. So grab your paintbrush (or just your imagination) and let’s embark on this colorful journey together! 

What is Live Painting? 

Live painting is an exhilarating form of art where artists create stunning pieces in real-time, often in front of an audience. Imagine the atmosphere: music, laughter, and the smell of fresh paint swirling around as the artist transforms a blank canvas into a masterpiece right before your eyes! This performance art not only showcases skill but also engages viewers in a unique, interactive experience. 

The Acrylic Advantage 

Why acrylics, you ask? Acrylic paints are a fantastic medium for live painting due to their fast-drying properties, vibrant colors, and versatility. Unlike oils, which can take days to dry, acrylics allow artists to layer and blend quickly, making them perfect for the spontaneous nature of live art. 

Setting the Scene: Preparing for the Event 

Preparation is key! Before the event, I like to gather my materials and set a clear intention for what I want to create. Here’s a quick checklist for you: 

• Canvas: Choose a size that suits the venue and your vision. I typically go for a medium to large canvas to make a statement. I’ve also recently moved onto painting on linen, which adds a gorgeous texture to your paintings. Ideal if you are painting loose expressive pieces. If you tend to paint more realism, I would stick to the canvas to allow for those smaller details. 
• Acrylic Paints: Bring a vibrant palette! I love using a mix of primary colors along with black and white for shading and highlights. A little tip too, rather than paint using store bought greens, skin colours, etc, mix your own using just a few colours. This creates more depth in your colours, and has a nicer feel to the whole artwork. Also, another great tip is painting the shadows in an opposite hue, so darker greens can be richer by adding a dark red, which creates a warmer shading.
• Brushes and Tools: A variety of brushes, palette knives, and even sponges can add unique textures to the painting. I always use the biggest brush possible, to make sure I have energy and don’t get too tight with the painting. 
• Water Container and Rags: Keeping things tidy is essential, even in the heat of creativity! 

The Creative Process 

Once the event kicks off, it’s time to let the magic happen! Here’s how I approach the painting process: 

 * Prepping the canvas

I always paint a loose layer of paint over my canvas to cover the white. I choose a mid tone, like brown or yellow ochre. This means that I can be looser in my other layers, knowing that no white will show through. I use a mixture of oranges, browns, and reds to create a light wash, which will also make the greens pop more. Another reason for adding a mid range colour, is it allows you to add highlights to your painting for lighting effects. When the canvas is white, you aren’t able to highlight any lighter, so it can be challenging to get the lighting right. but bringing down the tone of the canvas to midway, you can paint up or down in shades. 

* Sketching the Idea

I then start by lightly sketching the outline on the canvas. This gives me a roadmap while allowing for spontaneity as I paint. I use chalk, pencil or even paint to create the sketch. There are other tricks that can be used for mapping out a composition, especially when doing by reference photo. You can use a grid technique, where you grid up your canvas and your preference photo in the same size grids and draw each grid at a time. This helps to break down the drawing and make sure your lines are correctly positioned. Another option is using a projector. You can get small or large ones, and then project the image onto the canvas to trace around it. Da Vinci Eye App is an app where you can view your canvas through your device, layer the image on top and then sketch onto the canvas while looking through your device. It can be tricky to master but a great tool for speeding up the drawing process. 

* Layering Colors

Acrylics are fantastic because they dry quickly, allowing me to layer colours without waiting too long. I begin with the background, applying broad strokes to set the mood. As I build up layers, I often hear feedback from the audience, which can sometimes be confusion as they cannot see the vision I have for the final piece. I love this, as it means they will be more surprised at the end of the night! 

* Adding Details

Once the base is established, I delve into the details. This is where the brushwork gets intricate—floral patterns, textures, and the couple. I still keep using the largest brush possible, to keep the strokes light and energetic. This is the part where guests will start to appreciate the vision and really engage with me as I paint.  

* Final Touches

As I near completion, I step back to assess the piece. This is the moment where I invite viewers to share their thoughts. It’s incredible how different perspectives can influence the final touches, whether it’s adding a pop of colour or a whimsical element that ties the piece together. 

The Connection with the Audience 

One of the most rewarding aspects of live painting is the connection with the audience. I love engaging with viewers, answering questions, and sharing my passion for acrylics. The energy in the room is palpable, and it fuels my creativity, making each stroke more vibrant and intentional. 

The Takeaway 

Live painting is a beautiful blend of skill, spontaneity, and community. It’s not just about the final product but the journey that unfolds during the process. Whether you’re an artist or a spectator, there’s something magical about witnessing creativity in action. 

So, if you have the opportunity, make sure you book a live painting for your next event! Not only will you see art come to life, but you’ll also feel the joy and passion that artists pour into their work. And who knows? You might even be inspired to pick up a brush yourself!