Bringing Acrylics to Life (Blaby Art Society demo)

My Demonstration for the Blaby Art Society

On the 15th of February 2025, I had the pleasure of demonstrating my acrylic painting techniques around the topic of ‘buildings’ for the Blaby Art Society. This group of practicing artists, both emerging and experienced, gathered to explore the versatility and expressiveness of acrylics—a medium I have long been passionate about.

Setting the Scene

The atmosphere in the room was filled with curiosity and creative energy as I introduced my process. Acrylic paint, with its quick drying time and layering potential, allows for a dynamic and intuitive approach to painting. My goal for the evening was to guide the artists through a step-by-step exploration of how to build depth, texture, and luminosity using this medium.

Painting Local Landmarks

I talked and demonstrated how I create acrylic paintings of local buildings, a theme that features heavily in my work. My paintings often depict Market Harborough’s local businesses, retail premises, and people, capturing the unique character of the town. However, last month, I surprised the group with a painting of a subject closer to them—Whetstone Baptist Church on King Street. The reaction was heartwarming, and it was wonderful to see the appreciation for a place that holds meaning for them.

I worked from a photograph and, alongside my sketch, made notes about the atmosphere, feelings, composition and colours—elements that form the language of a painting. The size of the final piece was also an important consideration in my planning and composition.

Building a Composition

I began with a simple yet effective method: blocking in the main shapes with a limited palette. This initial step establishes the composition and ensures a strong foundation. I encouraged the participants to focus on broad strokes and loose forms, resisting the urge to dive into fine details too soon.

Layering & Texture

One of the joys of acrylics is their ability to layer beautifully. I demonstrated how using thin, transparent glazes can create a sense of depth, and can really build up tone, while thicker impasto strokes add a tactile quality and vibrancy to the painting. To keep the colours punchy I limited the amount of mixing used in this demo, and we explored which colours answer the mood of the painting in some detail.

Capturing Light & Mood

A key focus of my demonstration was using contrast to enhance the mood of a painting. I showed how subtle shifts in tone and colour temperature can bring a subject to life, whether it’s a landscape, an architectural scene, or a botanical study.

Engaging with the Artists

One of the highlights of the evening was the lively discussion that unfolded. The Blaby Art Society members asked insightful questions, and it was inspiring to hear about their own artistic journeys. We explored everything from colour mixing tips to the best surfaces for acrylics, making for a truly enriching exchange of ideas.

I also brought a number of my past paintings, which were passed around the group. It was evident from their reactions that the way I compose my work keeps the viewer engaged, using leading edges to guide the eye toward the main point of interest. This technique was reflected in all of my paintings, reinforcing the importance of composition in storytelling through art.

Key Takeaways from the Demo

Composition is key—it should invite the viewer into the painting and guide their eye.
Colours should be warm and inviting, conveying the intended atmosphere.
Light and contrast play a vital role in setting the mood.
Identifying the main detail of interest helps create a strong focal point.

To demonstrate these principles, I painted a warm rendition of Whetstone Baptist Church in less than two hours, showcasing how a structured yet expressive approach can bring a subject to life.

A Creative Community

Demonstrations like this reaffirm my belief in the power of artistic communities. Whether painting alone in the studio or sharing techniques in a group setting, art thrives when ideas are exchanged, and encouragement is given freely. I left the evening feeling inspired by the enthusiasm and creativity of the artists who attended. Thank you so much for having me.

Looking Ahead

I always enjoy sharing my love for acrylics and helping others unlock their potential with this versatile medium. If you’re part of a local art group and would like a demonstration or a workshop, I’d love to hear from you!

Until then, happy painting!