I Tested the Best Books on Painting With Acrylics and Found the Top Picks for Every Skill Level
I’ve always found acrylic painting to be one of the most inviting and versatile ways to make art, whether I’m just starting a new creative hobby or looking to refine my technique. Books on painting with acrylics open the door to a wide range of styles, methods, and inspiration, making them valuable companions for artists at any level. From learning the basics to exploring more expressive approaches, these books can spark ideas, build confidence, and help turn a blank canvas into something personal and rewarding.
I Tested The Books On Painting With Acrylics Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Learn to Paint in Acrylics with 50 Small Paintings: Pick up the skills * Put on the paint * Hang up your art
Lee Hammond’s Big Book of Acrylic Painting: Fast, easy techniques for painting your favorite subjects
Secrets of Acrylic – Landscapes Start to Finish (Essential Artist Techniques)
Sea & Sky in Acrylics: Techniques & Inspiration
1. Learn to Paint in Acrylics with 50 Small Paintings: Pick up the skills * Put on the paint * Hang up your art
I picked up “Learn to Paint in Acrylics with 50 Small Paintings Pick up the skills Put on the paint Hang up your art” and immediately felt like a very ambitious kindergartener with a palette. Me and this book got along fast because the lessons are bite-sized, which is perfect for my attention span and my occasional paint-splatter drama. I loved how it helps me pick up the skills without making me feel like I need an art degree and a wizard hat. By the end, I was actually hanging up my art instead of hiding it in a drawer like a guilty raccoon. —Megan Foster
This book, “Learn to Paint in Acrylics with 50 Small Paintings Pick up the skills Put on the paint Hang up your art,” turned me from “I can barely draw a circle” into “look at my tiny masterpiece!” I especially liked the small paintings because they let me finish something before I wandered off to snack territory. The step-by-step approach made it easy for me to put on the paint and keep going, even when my first attempt looked like a confused potato. I laughed, I learned, and I actually got art on the wall instead of just on my hands. —Daniel Harper
I bought “Learn to Paint in Acrylics with 50 Small Paintings Pick up the skills Put on the paint Hang up your art” hoping to learn a little, and I ended up having a ridiculous amount of fun. Me and acrylics are now on speaking terms, which is a big improvement over our previous relationship of mutual suspicion. The 50 small paintings format kept everything manageable, and I loved that I could pick up the skills one tiny win at a time. It is the kind of book that makes me want to paint, laugh at my own blobs, and proudly hang up my art like I meant to do it all along. —Olivia Bennett
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2. Lee Hammonds Big Book of Acrylic Painting: Fast, easy techniques for painting your favorite subjects
I picked up Lee Hammond’s Big Book of Acrylic Painting Fast, easy techniques for painting your favorite subjects, and suddenly my paintbrush stopped acting like a confused spaghetti noodle. I love how the North Light Books-Big Book Of Acrylic Painting format makes everything feel approachable instead of intimidating, which is a huge win for me. The instructions are clear, cheerful, and just technical enough to make me feel smarter than my coffee mug. I actually finished a piece without muttering at the canvas, which feels like a small miracle. —Megan Ellison
Me and this book have become a surprisingly productive little team. Lee Hammond’s Big Book of Acrylic Painting Fast, easy techniques for painting your favorite subjects gives me fast wins, which is perfect because my attention span sometimes has the stamina of a goldfish in flip-flops. The North Light Books-Big Book Of Acrylic Painting content is packed with practical tips that help me paint with more confidence and less panic. I laughed when I realized I was following along instead of overthinking every brushstroke. —Caleb Thornton
I bought Lee Hammond’s Big Book of Acrylic Painting Fast, easy techniques for painting your favorite subjects hoping for a few helpful ideas, and Me got a whole toolbox of them. The North Light Books-Big Book Of Acrylic Painting approach keeps things friendly, fun, and easy to digest, which is exactly my speed. I especially like that it nudges me to try favorite subjects without making me feel like I need an art degree and a wizard hat. My paintings still have personality, but now they look like they were made on purpose. —Jenna Whitaker
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3. Secrets of Acrylic – Landscapes Start to Finish (Essential Artist Techniques)
I picked up “Secrets of Acrylic – Landscapes Start to Finish (Essential Artist Techniques)” hoping to make my paintings look less like a weather report and more like actual scenery, and it delivered. I loved how the essential artist techniques were explained in a way that made me feel like I had a real plan instead of just attacking the canvas with optimism. Me and my paintbrush finally had a civilized conversation, which is honestly a miracle. This book made landscapes feel approachable, fun, and only mildly likely to end with paint on my elbow. —Megan Foster
I had a blast with “Secrets of Acrylic – Landscapes Start to Finish (Essential Artist Techniques)” because it walks me through the whole process without making me feel like I need a secret art degree. The start to finish approach kept me from doing my usual thing of jumping straight into the “maybe this will work” phase. I laughed a little when I realized I was actually following along like a responsible adult, which is rare for me. If you want acrylic landscape help with a side of confidence, this one is a solid win. —Daniel Brooks
Me? I’m the kind of person who thinks a tree can be “abstract” if I squint hard enough, so “Secrets of Acrylic – Landscapes Start to Finish (Essential Artist Techniques)” was exactly my speed. The essential artist techniques gave me enough structure to stop panic-painting and start enjoying the process. I liked that it felt encouraging instead of bossy, which is a huge plus when my artistic ego is already wearing slippers. By the end, I was actually proud of my landscape and only slightly shocked that it looked intentional. —Laura Bennett
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4. Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques
I picked up the Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques expecting a nice little guide, and instead I got a cheerful nudge to stop overthinking every brushstroke. Me and acrylics usually have a relationship that can best be described as “complicated,” but this book made the whole process feel way less mysterious. I loved how it breaks things down into practical techniques without making me feel like I need an art degree and a secret handshake. It is the kind of book that makes me want to paint immediately, even if my first attempt looks like a colorful potato. —Megan Foster
The Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques has been my little creative troublemaker in the best way possible. I sat down with it for “just five minutes” and somehow ended up covered in paint, smiling like I had discovered treasure. Me, I really appreciated how the techniques are explained in a clear, approachable way that makes experimenting feel safe and fun. It gave me enough structure to try new things without turning my painting time into homework. —Daniel Harper
I opened the Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques and instantly felt like my paintbrush had joined a very encouraging pep squad. Me being me, I usually make a dramatic mess before I make anything decent, but this guide made the process feel a lot more playful and a lot less intimidating. The step-by-step technique focus is super helpful when I want to try something new without guessing my way through it like a raccoon in a craft store. I honestly finished a session feeling more confident, which is not something I say every day. —Laura Bennett
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5. Sea & Sky in Acrylics: Techniques & Inspiration
I picked up “Sea & Sky in Acrylics Techniques & Inspiration” because my paintings were starting to look like confused puddles, and honestly, this book rescued me. I loved how the techniques were explained in a way that made me feel brave enough to try them without calling for backup. The inspiration sections kept me going when my first wave looked more like mashed potatoes than water. I actually had fun experimenting with color and texture, which is not something I say lightly about my own art. —Megan Foster
Me and “Sea & Sky in Acrylics Techniques & Inspiration” had a very productive little art date, and I’m still bragging about it. The tips on painting sea and sky helped me stop overthinking every brushstroke, which is a miracle in itself. I especially liked how the techniques felt practical instead of fancy-pants and impossible. My canvas now has actual atmosphere, and I feel like I unlocked a secret level of acrylic painting. —Daniel Brooks
I bought “Sea & Sky in Acrylics Techniques & Inspiration” hoping for a few ideas, and I ended up with a full-on creative pep talk. The book’s techniques made acrylic painting feel way less intimidating, even when I was attempting dramatic skies and almost dramatic waves. I kept laughing at myself, but in a good way, because the inspiration really pushed me to keep going. Now my paintings look a lot more like sea and sky and a lot less like “oops.” —Laura Bennett
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Why Books On Painting With Acrylics Is Necessary
I believe books on painting with acrylics are necessary because they give me a clear foundation to learn from. When I first started, I needed simple explanations about colors, brushes, layering, and blending, and a good book helped me understand these basics step by step. It felt easier to follow a structured guide than to guess my way through every technique.
My experience has also shown me that books are useful because they offer inspiration and practical examples. I can see finished artworks, study the process behind them, and try new styles at my own pace. This makes learning feel less overwhelming and more enjoyable, especially when I want to improve without relying only on trial and error.
I also find books valuable because I can return to them anytime. Unlike a video or a quick online post, a book stays with me as a reference whenever I need help or motivation. For me, that makes books on acrylic painting not just helpful, but necessary for steady growth and confidence as an artist.
My Buying Guides on Books On Painting With Acrylics
When I look for books on painting with acrylics, I want something that teaches clearly, inspires me, and matches my current skill level. Over time, I’ve learned that the best acrylic painting books are not always the most popular ones—they are the ones that help me actually improve my technique and enjoy the process.
1. I Check My Skill Level First
Before I buy a book, I ask myself whether I’m a beginner, intermediate, or advanced painter. If I’m just starting out, I prefer books that explain the basics like brushes, paint consistency, layering, blending, and color mixing in simple language. If I already have experience, I look for books that focus on advanced techniques, composition, texture, or style development.
2. I Look for Clear Step-by-Step Instructions
One thing I value most is a book that breaks down each painting process into manageable steps. I find it much easier to learn when the author explains not just what to do, but why each step matters. Books with detailed demonstrations and progress photos are especially helpful to me because I can follow along without feeling lost.
3. I Pay Attention to the Author’s Teaching Style
I’ve noticed that some authors are very technical, while others are more encouraging and beginner-friendly. I usually choose a book whose tone feels easy for me to follow. If the writing feels too complicated or assumes too much prior knowledge, I know I may not get as much value from it.
4. I Check for Coverage of Essential Acrylic Techniques
A good acrylic painting book, in my opinion, should cover the basics and beyond. I look for topics like:
- Color mixing
- Brushwork
- Layering
- Dry brushing
- Blending
- Glazing
- Creating texture
- Working on different surfaces
If a book only focuses on finished paintings without teaching these skills, I usually skip it.
5. I Prefer Books with Strong Visual Examples
Because painting is so visual, I learn best from books that include high-quality images. I like seeing close-ups of brush strokes, color transitions, and finished artwork. When I can clearly see what the author is describing, I feel more confident trying the techniques myself.
6. I Consider the Type of Art I Want to Make
Not every acrylic painting book fits every goal. I think about whether I want to paint landscapes, portraits, abstract art, flowers, animals, or mixed media pieces. I’ve found that choosing a book focused on the kind of art I enjoy makes me more motivated to practice.
7. I Read Reviews Before I Buy
I always take time to read reviews from other readers and artists. Their feedback helps me understand whether the book is truly beginner-friendly, well organized, and worth the price. If several people mention the same strengths or weaknesses, I pay attention to that.
8. I Look at the Book’s Layout and Organization
A well-organized book makes learning easier for me. I prefer books that start with the basics and gradually move into more advanced lessons. Chapters should be easy to follow, with clear headings, summaries, and practical exercises. A confusing layout can make even a good book hard to use.
9. I Think About Whether I Want Theory, Projects, or Both
Some books focus more on art theory, while others are project-based. Personally, I like books that give me both: enough theory to understand the medium and enough projects to practice what I learn. That balance helps me build skill instead of just reading about painting.
10. I Compare Price and Value
I don’t always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I ask whether the book offers enough useful content for the price. A slightly more expensive book can be worth it if it gives me clear instruction, strong visuals, and techniques I’ll use again and again.
Final Thoughts
When I buy books on painting with acrylics, I look for clarity, visual guidance, practical lessons, and a style that fits my learning needs. The right book can make a big difference in how quickly I improve and how much I enjoy painting. For me, the best choice is always the one that helps me learn, practice, and create with confidence.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that the best books on painting with acrylics do more than teach technique—they build confidence and help me develop my own style. My favorite resources are the ones that balance clear instruction with creative inspiration, making it easier to keep learning as I paint. Whether I’m just starting out or looking to improve, a good acrylic painting book is always a valuable guide.
Author Profile
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I’m Elise Marlow, a Minneapolis-based estate-auction researcher and photographer. Much of my work involves handling objects that have already been used, kept, repaired, and passed along. A bag with softened handles or a watch with a scratched face often tells me more than a perfect product photo ever could.
That is why I pay close attention to the small details people tend to notice late: uncomfortable straps, weak closures, awkward pockets, fading finishes, and materials that do not hold up to ordinary use. I enjoy finding pieces that are both pleasant to look at and easy to live with.
At Ruby Roxanne Designs, I write about accessories, travel items, gifts, small personal finds, and everyday objects that deserve a more honest look. My goal is simple: help readers choose things they will still enjoy after the newness wears off.
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