How to Paint Expressively

Tips for Beginners

Expressive painting is all about capturing the essence of a subject, rather than getting caught up in the details. It’s about letting your emotions and instincts guide your brush and creating a piece that feels alive with energy. For beginners, this can feel like a challenge—how do you balance control with creative freedom? Well, the great thing about acrylics is that they’re incredibly versatile, making them the perfect medium for experimenting with expressive techniques. Here’s how you can dive into expressive painting, even if you’re just starting out.

1. Let Go of Perfection

The key to expressive painting is letting go of the idea that your work needs to be perfect. Perfectionism is the enemy of creativity! When you stop worrying about making mistakes, you’ll find that your brushstrokes become freer, more fluid, and full of life.

Try this: Set aside any expectations of how your painting "should" look. Focus instead on the act of painting itself—the movement of the brush, the interaction of colours, and the overall energy of the piece.

2. Use Bold Brushstrokes

One way to create a more expressive painting is to make your brushstrokes bold and visible. Rather than smoothing everything out, let the brushstrokes be part of the final piece. This not only adds texture but also communicates a sense of movement and spontaneity.

Try this: Experiment with holding your brush at different angles or even gripping it loosely for a more relaxed stroke. Use larger brushes to avoid getting too focused on details.

3. Work Quickly

Painting expressively often involves working quickly, allowing your instincts to take over rather than overthinking every stroke. Acrylics dry fast, which is perfect for this approach—you can build layers and texture without worrying about the paint staying wet for too long.

Try this: Set a timer and challenge yourself to paint within that timeframe. Speed painting can help you focus on capturing the essence of your subject, rather than getting stuck in the details.

4. Embrace Imperfection

Mistakes are not only okay—they’re essential to expressive painting. Smudges, drips, and uneven lines can all add character and depth to your work. Embracing these imperfections can make your painting feel more organic and alive.

Try this: Don’t correct every mistake. Instead, see how you can incorporate those “happy accidents” into your painting. Sometimes, they can lead to unexpected and exciting results.

5. Use Colour to Convey Emotion

In expressive painting, colour is often used to convey mood and emotion rather than to replicate reality. Don’t be afraid to exaggerate or use unexpected colours to express how you feel about the subject.

Try this: Pick a subject you love and choose a bold colour palette that reflects the mood you want to create. Let the colours tell the story rather than focusing on accuracy.

Final Thoughts

Expressive painting is about freedom and emotion, not perfection. For beginners, this can be an incredibly liberating approach to art. So grab your acrylics, try out these tips, and don’t be afraid to let your feelings show through your brushstrokes.

Before you go, dream it, paint it.