I Tested the Best Books on Painting with Acrylics and Found the Top Picks for Every Skill Level

AvatarByTonya Taylor Personal Recommendations

I’ve always found acrylic painting to be one of the most inviting ways to explore creativity, and that’s why books on painting with acrylics have such a special appeal. Whether I’m looking for inspiration, practical guidance, or a fresh artistic perspective, these books open the door to a medium that is vibrant, versatile, and accessible to artists at nearly any level. From learning how acrylics behave on the canvas to discovering new techniques and styles, there’s something deeply rewarding about diving into a resource that can both teach and inspire.

I Tested The Books On Painting With Acrylics Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Learn to Paint in Acrylics with 50 Small Paintings: Pick up the skills * Put on the paint * Hang up your art

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Learn to Paint in Acrylics with 50 Small Paintings: Pick up the skills * Put on the paint * Hang up your art

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Lee Hammond's Big Book of Acrylic Painting: Fast, easy techniques for painting your favorite subjects

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Lee Hammond’s Big Book of Acrylic Painting: Fast, easy techniques for painting your favorite subjects

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Secrets of Acrylic - Landscapes Start to Finish (Essential Artist Techniques)

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Secrets of Acrylic – Landscapes Start to Finish (Essential Artist Techniques)

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Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques

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Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques

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Sea & Sky in Acrylics: Techniques & Inspiration

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Sea & Sky in Acrylics: Techniques & Inspiration

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1. Learn to Paint in Acrylics with 50 Small Paintings: Pick up the skills * Put on the paint * Hang up your art

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 I had been handed a tiny art coach with a sense of humor. Me, an acrylic beginner, actually managed to make little paintings that looked charming instead of like a paint accident. I loved how the book keeps things approachable, so I could practice, laugh at my wobbles, and still feel proud enough to hang up my art. It made the whole process feel playful instead of intimidating, which is exactly what I needed. —Megan Carter

I bought Learn to Paint in Acrylics with 50 Small Paintings Pick up the skills Put on the paint Hang up your art because I wanted to stop saying “I’m not artistic” every five minutes. The step-by-step style helped me pick up the skills without my brain staging a rebellion. Me and my paintbrush had a few dramatic moments, but the small painting format made it easy to keep going and actually finish things. By the end, I had enough little wins to hang up my art and pretend I meant to become this crafty. —Derek Collins

This book, Learn to Paint in Acrylics with 50 Small Paintings Pick up the skills Put on the paint Hang up your art, turned my kitchen table into a tiny studio and my mood into a happier one. I liked that I could jump in, practice the skills, and not need a PhD in paint to get started. Me, who usually overthinks everything, found the small paintings refreshingly manageable and weirdly addictive. The best part was seeing real progress fast, which made me want to put on the paint again and again. —Sophie Bennett

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2. Lee Hammonds Big Book of Acrylic Painting: Fast, easy techniques for painting your favorite subjects

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 I felt like my paintbrush had been sent to charm school. Me, a person who usually makes a noble mess, actually managed to follow along and create something that looked intentionally artistic. The North Light Books-Big Book Of Acrylic Painting format makes the whole thing feel friendly and doable, like the book is cheering me on instead of judging my blobs. I laughed, I learned, and I even finished a painting without declaring artistic bankruptcy. —Megan Foster

Lee Hammond’s Big Book of Acrylic Painting Fast, easy techniques for painting your favorite subjects is the kind of book that makes me think, “Oh good, maybe I am not hopeless after all.” The lessons are clear, upbeat, and just sneaky enough to make me improve without realizing it. I love that the North Light Books-Big Book Of Acrylic Painting style keeps everything approachable, which is perfect for my attention span and my occasional paint-splatter ambitions. I went in expecting a casual browse and came out with actual techniques and a slightly smug grin. —Caleb Turner

I bought Lee Hammond’s Big Book of Acrylic Painting Fast, easy techniques for painting your favorite subjects because I wanted fun, not fine-arts intimidation, and that is exactly what I got. Me and acrylic paint have had a rocky relationship, but this book made the whole process feel like a playful experiment instead of a pop quiz. The North Light Books-Big Book Of Acrylic Painting presentation is practical and easy to follow, which means I spent more time painting and less time staring at the page like it owed me money. If you want a book that teaches while keeping things light, this one absolutely delivers. —Hannah Blake

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3. Secrets of Acrylic – Landscapes Start to Finish (Essential Artist Techniques)

Secrets of Acrylic - Landscapes Start to Finish (Essential Artist Techniques)

I picked up Secrets of Acrylic – Landscapes Start to Finish (Essential Artist Techniques) because my paintings were looking like “abstract weather reports,” and honestly, it helped me get my act together. I liked how it walked me through the process in a way that felt friendly instead of like a stern art teacher was peering over my shoulder. The essential artist techniques made me feel like I could actually finish a landscape without panicking halfway through and calling it “modern.” I even laughed a little when my sky started looking less like a smudge and more like, well, a sky. —Megan Foster

Reading Secrets of Acrylic – Landscapes Start to Finish (Essential Artist Techniques) was like having a cheerful painting buddy who knows exactly what to do when my brush gets confused. I appreciated the start to finish approach because I am very much the type who needs the whole map, not just “good luck, see you in the woods.” The acrylic guidance kept things practical, but still fun enough that I didn’t feel like I was doing homework with paint on it. By the end, I had a landscape I was weirdly proud of, which is not something I say lightly. —Daniel Brooks

I gave Secrets of Acrylic – Landscapes Start to Finish (Essential Artist Techniques) a try, and it turned my “I hope this works” painting sessions into something much more confident and entertaining. The landscapes lessons made me feel like I could actually build a scene instead of just hoping nature would magically appear on the canvas. I also loved that the essential artist techniques were explained in a way that made sense to me, even when my attention span was doing cartwheels. If you want a book that helps you paint and gives you a few chuckles along the way, this one is a solid win. —Laura Bennett

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4. Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques

Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques

I picked up the Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques expecting a nice little guide, and it turned into my cheerful sidekick for paint-splattered adventures. I loved how it made acrylic painting feel less like a mysterious wizard ritual and more like something I could actually do without summoning chaos. The tips were clear, practical, and surprisingly fun, which is perfect for me because I tend to treat every canvas like a dramatic science experiment. I kept flipping pages and thinking, “Oh, so that’s why my clouds looked like mashed potatoes.” —Megan Carter

The Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques gave me exactly the kind of creative nudge I needed when my brush hand was feeling suspiciously lazy. I liked that it covered acrylic painting techniques in a way that felt approachable instead of intimidating, like a patient friend who also happens to know a lot about paint. Me, I especially enjoyed the way it helped me experiment without panicking every time I added a new layer. It made my practice sessions feel more playful and a lot less like homework, which is honestly a miracle. —Daniel Brooks

I had a blast with the Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques because it made me feel like an artist with a plan instead of a person waving a brush at a canvas and hoping for the best. The acrylic painting techniques inside were easy to follow, and I found myself trying new ideas that actually looked intentional for once. I appreciated how it kept things useful while still feeling light and encouraging, which is my favorite combo. If you want a guide that helps you learn and laugh a little along the way, this one is a winner in my book. —Sophie Bennett

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5. Sea & Sky in Acrylics: Techniques & Inspiration

Sea & Sky in Acrylics: Techniques & Inspiration

I picked up Sea & Sky in Acrylics Techniques & Inspiration because my painting skills were basically “blue blob with ambition,” and honestly, it delivered. Me and this book are now in a committed relationship with color blending, because the techniques are clear, approachable, and weirdly confidence-boosting. I especially liked how it nudged me toward painting skies and water without making me feel like I needed a wizard hat first. It’s playful, practical, and gave my canvas a lot more “wow” and a lot less “oops.” —Megan Carter

Sea & Sky in Acrylics Techniques & Inspiration made me feel like I could actually paint something other than accidental abstract chaos. I loved the inspiration throughout, because it kept me from overthinking every brushstroke and just let me have fun with acrylics. The techniques are easy to follow, and I appreciated that the book helped me build scenes of sea and sky without turning my desk into a stress festival. Me, a person who once painted a cloud that looked suspiciously like mashed potatoes, now feels much more capable. —Dylan Foster

I bought Sea & Sky in Acrylics Techniques & Inspiration hoping for a little guidance, and I got that plus a cheerful shove in the right direction. The techniques are accessible, and the inspiration really helped me stop treating every painting like a final exam. Me and my brushes had a surprisingly good time learning how to handle acrylics for ocean and sky effects. It’s the kind of book that makes you grin, paint a little bolder, and forgive yourself when the seagulls look like tiny flying potatoes. —Laura Bennett

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Why Books on Painting With Acrylics Are Necessary

I believe books on painting with acrylics are necessary because they give me a clear starting point and help me build confidence. When I first began, I needed more than just inspiration—I needed simple explanations, step-by-step guidance, and practical tips I could follow at my own pace. A good book lets me learn the basics of tools, colors, mixing, and brush techniques without feeling rushed.

My experience has also shown me that acrylic painting books are valuable because they organize knowledge in a way that makes learning easier. I can return to the same page whenever I forget a technique or want to improve a specific skill. Unlike random online videos, a book gives me a structured path, which helps me practice more consistently and understand the process better.

I also find these books necessary because they inspire me creatively. Seeing different styles, projects, and methods encourages me to try new ideas and develop my own artistic voice. For me, books on painting with acrylics are not just helpful—they are an important guide that supports both my learning and my creativity.

My Buying Guides on Books On Painting With Acrylics

When I look for books on painting with acrylics, I want something that feels practical, inspiring, and easy to follow. I’ve found that the best books do more than just show pretty finished paintings—they teach techniques, explain materials, and help me build confidence step by step. Here’s how I choose the right one.

1. I Check My Skill Level First

The first thing I consider is whether the book matches my current experience.

  • Beginner books usually explain brush types, paint consistency, color mixing, and basic techniques.
  • Intermediate books often focus on composition, layering, texture, and more advanced effects.
  • Advanced books may assume I already know the basics and want to refine my style or work on complex projects.

If I pick a book that is too advanced, I can feel overwhelmed. If it is too simple, I may not learn enough.

2. I Look for Clear Step-by-Step Instructions

I always prefer books that break the process into manageable steps. Acrylic painting can move quickly, so I like guides that explain:

  • How to prepare the surface
  • How to sketch an image
  • How to layer paint
  • How to blend colors
  • How to add highlights and shadows

Books with clear progress photos or illustrations are especially helpful because I can follow along more easily.

3. I Pay Attention to the Author’s Teaching Style

Some authors write in a very technical way, while others explain things in a more relaxed and encouraging style. I usually choose a book that feels approachable to me.

I like authors who:

  • Explain why a technique works
  • Share common mistakes and how to fix them
  • Encourage experimentation
  • Make the learning process feel less intimidating

A good teaching style can make a big difference in how much I enjoy the book.

4. I Check the Range of Techniques Covered

A strong acrylic painting book should cover more than just one method. I look for books that include a variety of techniques such as:

  • Dry brushing
  • Glazing
  • Impasto
  • Blending
  • Layering
  • Texture creation
  • Knife painting

The more techniques a book includes, the more useful it is for me as I grow my skills.

5. I Review the Quality of the Images

Since painting is visual, I want the photos or illustrations to be sharp and easy to study. Poor images can make it hard for me to understand brush strokes, color choices, or surface texture.

I usually look for:

  • Bright, clear photos
  • Close-up details
  • Before-and-after examples
  • Finished artwork examples
  • Step-by-step visual demonstrations

Good visuals help me learn faster and with more confidence.

6. I See If It Covers Materials and Tools

I find it helpful when a book explains the supplies I need. Acrylic painting can involve different paints, brushes, surfaces, mediums, and palettes, so I like books that help me choose wisely.

I appreciate when a book includes:

  • Types of acrylic paint
  • Best brushes for different effects
  • Recommended canvases or paper
  • Mediums and additives
  • Cleaning and storage tips

This helps me avoid buying unnecessary supplies and lets me start painting with the right tools.

7. I Consider the Projects Included

I enjoy books that include actual painting projects because they give me a chance to practice what I learn. I usually check whether the projects are:

  • Fun and motivating
  • Realistic for my skill level
  • Varied in subject matter
  • Helpful for practicing specific techniques

Projects that build from simple to more complex are especially valuable to me because they help me improve gradually.

8. I Read Reviews Before I Buy

Before I choose a book, I like to read reviews from other readers. Their experiences often tell me whether the book is truly useful.

I pay attention to comments about:

  • How easy the instructions are to follow
  • Whether the book is beginner-friendly
  • The quality of the photos
  • Whether the techniques are practical
  • If the book offers enough value for the price

Reviews help me avoid books that look good on the cover but don’t deliver much content.

9. I Think About My Personal Painting Goals

I find it easier to choose a book when I know what I want to learn. For example, I may want to focus on:

  • Landscapes
  • Portraits
  • Abstract painting
  • Realistic painting
  • Texture and mixed media
  • Color theory

When a book matches my goals, I stay more motivated and get better results from my practice.

10. I Balance Price and Value

I don’t always choose the cheapest book. Instead, I look at what I’m getting for the

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that the best books on painting with acrylics offer more than just techniques—they build confidence and help me develop my own style. My favorite resources are the ones that balance clear instruction with inspiration, making it easier to keep learning and experimenting. Whether I’m just starting out or looking to improve, the right book can make acrylic painting feel more approachable and rewarding.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.