Some of history’s finest artists were rebels and non-conformers. If that is a trait that comes with artistic talent, then you probably aren’t inclined to follow the rules either. But crafting a great acrylic painting starts with following this one basic principle of painting.
When painting with acrylics, you should always paint the background first. Acrylic paints are fast-drying, so it will be more difficult to blend a background around the subject. Moreover, painting the background first helps set the lighting for your subject and adds depth to the overall picture.
The rest of this article will explain in more detail why you should paint the background first when working with acrylic pigments. I will also offer you a different point of view by presenting the logic behind a couple of methods that go against this principle. So, Do You Paint the Background First or Last With Acrylic? Let’s get started.
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Why You Should Paint the Background First With Acrylic Paints
Painting is typically seen as a liberally expressive art medium with no constraints. However, on the contrary, there are principles painters need to follow to create a good work of art. One of these is painting the background first, and there is so much wisdom in it.
Here are some of the key reasons why you should begin a painting with the background:
Blending is more difficult with fast-drying acrylics
Painting the background last means that it will have to be blended with the foreground. Acrylic paints are known for their fast drying time. Yet, this “advantage” will work against the artist here because the paint could start drying out while they are still blending the background with the foreground. This would make it difficult to keep the painting looking smooth. Also keep in mind the preparation of the brushes
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Painting the background first helps add depth
Most basic art classes teach students to paint in three stages — the background, middle ground, then foreground. By dividing a painting into these three different planes, the artist is able to create an illusion of space within the canvas and add depth to it. Beginning with the background helps set the picture’s depth much better than painting the foreground first.
The background sets the lighting for the subject
An artist should paint a subject in a good relationship with their background, and the lighting is vital to this. Because the background sets the lighting, it should be painted before the foreground. The subject cannot be painted before the lighting has been established as doing so denies the overall image a natural, flowing appearance.
You won’t accidentally paint over your subject
It goes without saying that you should not paint over your subject. Nonetheless, this mistake happens quite often with beginners — and even with some experienced painters — who paint their backgrounds after their foregrounds. They end up making a mess of their already-painted subject. This is one of the reasons why artists, especially beginners, are advised to paint their backgrounds first.
You won’t create a halo effect
Some artists paint their backgrounds after their foreground and overzealously avoid painting over their subjects. In so doing, they leave a small but discernible space between the edges of the subject and the background as they paint around it. This gives the subject a so-called halo effect.
The edges of subjects are not always solid
The practice of painting the background around the subject is not the best idea because you may need to paint a subject whose edges are not solid. Take, for example, a pet with fluffy fur or a person with wispy hair. You cannot easily paint around such subjects while keeping the detail of their edges untouched.
Although these points are quite straightforward, there are artists who prefer to follow a different sequence when starting a painting and still manage to produce quality works of art.
These artists can navigate the aforementioned reasons for painting a background first and use them to their advantage. In the following section, we’ll take a look at how they do it.
The Case Against the Status Quo
In the years spent painting, some experienced artists have discovered they have a preference that goes against the traditional sequence of starting a painting with the background.
There are those who favor painting their subjects first, while others opt to work on the subject and background simultaneously. Each of these methods presents a decent case:
Paint the foreground first
An artist can further refine the subject by using the colors of the background they paint around. This “touch-up” can do wonders for the subject and the overall painting. Of course, there are some considerations; the artist will have to be able to keep up with the acrylic paint’s drying time, and the subject should have solid edges.
Paint the foreground and background together
Developing these two planes of the painting together helps them look better integrated. That’s not to say that the masterpieces created by great artists who painted the background first do not look integrated. However, for less skilled painters, this method could help them create a more fluid image.
These are good arguments against the status quo. As a painter, you might also be inclined to veer away from the unwritten rule of painting the background first. Ultimately, it will be up to you to decide what works best for you and your artwork.
Final Words
Painting has given the world some of the greatest pieces of art throughout history. While the great masters brought their individual techniques into their work, there are unwritten universal rules and principles that, when followed, allow an artist to produce an aesthetically pleasing piece.
This sequence has been tested and proven, and the logic behind it is sound. Still, some artists have discovered other approaches that work better for them. What’s more, they present quite a compelling argument for going against this principle.
At the end of the day, you decide for yourself as an artist which route to follow.