Lorena Kloosterboer (b.1962) is an internationally acclaimed Dutch-Argentine artist, whose award-winning artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums in numerous countries. Her paintings have been published in leading international art magazines, museum catalogues, and art books. Lorena Kloosterboer currently lives and works in Antwerp, Belgium. Visit www.art-lorena.com to see more of her art.

Introduction Chapter One: About Acrylic Paint Different types of acrylic Comparison to other paints Top 10 brands of acrylic paint How to read a paint label How to make your own acrylic paints Mediums & additives Keeping acrylics workable Metallic paints Varnish Chapter Two: Equipment Beginner's guide to art supply shopping Palettes Set up Visual tools Masking Special effects tools Brushes Brush shapes Palette knives & shapers Different types of canvas Stretching & mounting Paper Art panels Surface preparation The artist studio Chapter Three: The foundation Colour theory Different brands, different colours Choosing colours Values What do you want to say? Size and dimensions How to make a good reference Order of work Transferring images Chapter Four: Acrylic painting techniques Mixing colours Painting whites Painting greys Painting blacks Underpainting Grisaille Mixing acrylics with other paints Blending Watercolour effects Oil effects Alla prima Lettering & fine lines Shadows Sponging Spattering Frottage Hard edges vs. soft edges Backgrounds Squeegee/roller brush Pouring Texture effects Chapter Five: The airbrush The tool: The airbrush & compressor Acrylic airbrush inks Mediums & supports Stencils & masks Other tools Airbrush techniques Chapter Six: Be a pro Rules of ethical behaviour Entering competitions/exhibits Art community Consistency in art Finding a title for your painting Keeping records Photographing your work Framing Shipping your artwork and reproductions Social media & tuition Resources Index & credits