Somebody Call 9-1-1!
Wait, don’t panic—it’s not an emergency, but we’re about to break things down.
This post is dedicated to helping you teach acrylic painting successfully at the middle or high school level using a scaffolded approach. With this method, you’ll ensure great results for all your students.
Starting with the Basics
Let’s begin with the questions your students will ask—or should be asking. While we as teachers know the answers, they don’t! Here are the essential questions I tackle right at the start of the unit:
- How fast does acrylic paint dry?
- Which brush should I use for each task?
- How do I properly clean my brush (it’s more than just a rinse!)?
- How do I load the paint onto the brush?
- How do I mix colors effectively?
- What is “value,” and how do I achieve it?
These may seem like simple questions, but without addressing them upfront, students can struggle, and frustration will set in quickly.
For detailed lesson plans and resources to teach these basics, visit Mrs. T Fox’s Resource Store on TPT.
The Turning Point: Back to Basics
In my early years of teaching acrylic painting, I realized my lessons weren’t structured well enough to support student success. Confusion was evident in their work, so I took a step back and focused on the Value Scale.
Why start here? Because before diving into creative projects, students need a solid technical foundation. This includes:
- Mixing hues
- Creating tints and shades
- Brush control
- Understanding the medium
The result? My Acrylic Value Scales Lesson was born. Students work with warm and cool primary colors (plus white) to create 4- and 7-part value scales, learning:
- Color mixing basics
- Creating grays and chromatic blacks
- Building confidence in their abilities
This simple yet effective exercise allows students to master the medium without the pressure of creating a finished masterpiece. Learn more about scaffolded lessons like this in Mrs. T Fox’s Online Courses.
Keep It Simple, Build Confidence
When teaching acrylic painting, I’ve learned that simplicity and confidence-building go hand in hand. Students need to understand how acrylic paint behaves before they can predict and control it.
This first lesson provides a safe space for experimentation. Mistakes? No problem—my classroom mantra is SWSW: “So what if you have to repaint it. So what if you don’t.” It’s all part of the learning process.
The Benefits of Mastering the Basics
Once students have mastered the basics—mixing colors, creating value scales, and controlling their brushes—the transformation is incredible.
Here are just a few benefits:
- Creative Confidence: Students feel empowered to create custom hues and tackle new challenges.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Using a limited palette of primary colors and white is budget-friendly for teachers and a creative challenge for students.
- Skill Building: By mastering foundational techniques, students are better prepared for more complex projects.
As one student put it, “I always thought painting was hard until I realized I could mix any color I needed.” Mic drop.
Explore more lesson plans to build creative confidence in Mrs. T Fox’s Resource Store on TPT.
The Next Steps: Scaffolded Lessons
After the Acrylic Value Scales Lesson, I introduce a series of scaffolded projects, each building on the last. Here’s the progression:
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Acrylic Value Scales
- Focus: Color theory, value creation, and paint control.
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Impossible Shape Painting
- Focus: Value blending with both soft and crisp edges.
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Acrylic Vektor Painting
- Focus: Advanced blending and creating contrast.
-
Magnificent Metallic
- Focus: Surface texture, highlights, and reflections.
-
Sensational Silverware
- Focus: Tackling complex subjects and enhancing collaboration skills.
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Acrylic Automobile Lesson
- Focus: Bringing it all together with realism and advanced techniques.
Each lesson builds upon the skills from the previous one, ensuring students are ready to tackle increasingly challenging projects with confidence.
Trust the Process
My biggest takeaway after 11 years of teaching is simple: Trust the process. This scaffolded approach works, and the results speak for themselves.
Students leave my class with:
- Confidence in their abilities
- Mastery of foundational techniques
- A genuine love for painting
If you need proof, check out the incredible work being done at Fernandina Beach High School under the direction of Joy Keith. She implemented my curriculum and saw tremendous success with her students.
Quick Recap: Acrylic Painting Scaffold
- Acrylic Value Scales: Focus on color theory and value.
- Impossible Shape Painting: Master value blending.
- Acrylic Vektor Painting: Create contrast and refine techniques.
- Magnificent Metallic: Explore reflections and texture.
- Sensational Silverware: Tackle complex surfaces.
Explore More Resources and Stay Connected
1. Shop Mrs. T Fox’s Resource Store on TPT
Looking for ready-to-use tools to take your classroom or art program to the next level? Visit Mrs. T Fox’s Resource Store on TPT for exclusive resources, including scaffolded acrylic painting lessons, editable templates, and more. Empower your teaching with practical, high-quality resources that save you time and make a lasting impact!
2. Learn with Mrs. T Fox’s Online Courses
Want to dive deeper into teaching strategies, classroom management, or creative project planning? Check out Mrs. T Fox’s Online Courses for expert guidance, step-by-step lessons, and actionable advice to help you succeed in your teaching journey. Start learning today and feel confident as you build your art program!
3. Follow Mrs. T Fox on Social Media
Stay inspired and up-to-date with the latest tips, resources, and behind-the-scenes highlights by following @mrs_tfoxresources on Instagram. Join a community of like-minded educators and discover fresh ideas to spark creativity in your classroom!
Thanks for stopping by! With these strategies and resources, your students will be painting like pros in no time.
Tiff 🙂
