
Immerse yourself in the world of acrylic painting and discover how this versatile medium can transform your illustrations. Learn to capture the beauty of cityscapes with Maru Godas, who will guide you in using layers and textures to create unique atmospheres. Explore visual storytelling with Adolfo Serra, who will teach you how to create magical universes full of color and emotion. Floral illustration comes to life with Maya Hanisch, who will show you how to use acrylics to bring organic shapes and vibrant patterns to life.
Discover the poetry in the art of creating dreamlike landscapes with Florencia Fraschina, as you learn to communicate emotions through color and light. Ariel Olivetti will guide you on a journey where character design becomes a creative experience, using professional techniques to bring your illustrations to life. Each instructor brings their unique perspective, providing you with tools and techniques that will enrich your artistic journey. This specialization brings together these five experts to offer you a comprehensive experience in the art of acrylic illustration.
1Introduction
Acrylic paint opens the door to a vibrant and expressive way of creating. Its quick drying time and versatility allow you to play with layers, textures, and transparencies. In this session, you'll explore how this medium enhances intuitive creation, letting your personal world emerge with every brushstroke. Let your imagination lead the way.
2m
2Referents and influences | Maya Hanisch
I will talk about my references and how I look for inspiration for my works. I will show books, photos of religious celebrations, costumbristas suits, masks, Latin American ethnic groups, European and Asian folklore, crafts, et cetera, that inspire me deeply.
2m
2Influences | Maru Godas
Watching and admiring the artists you are passionate about is part of learning. In this course I propose some of the influences that have pushed me to paint and that have inspired me in my language applied to the acrylic medium. In this lesson I will tell you about some of my favorite painters, but also about geniuses from other disciplines who have also fueled my artistic spirit. Do you want to know who they are?
8m
2Influences | Adolfo Serra
Next, I will tell you what my main influences are for this course. I will tell you about artists who create their own universe combining technique, narrative, inner world and dreams, transforming all of this into works of art that excite those who observe them.
12m
2Influences | Florencia Fraschina
In this lesson I will tell you what were and are the influences that build me as an artist.
5m
2Influences | Ariel Olivetti
Here I will share everything about my artistic influences.
6m
3The materials
I will show the materials that we will use in the course and I will talk a little about them: acrylics, papers, brushes, water, etc.
1m
4The sketch
I will make a sketch on white paper, explaining how to make it symmetrical and proportionate.
5m
5Transfer of the sketch to the notebook or "first layer"
We will learn to transfer the drawing of the sketch to our product, to be able to paint it later.
12m
6Color palette and "first layer" finish
Apply the acrylic on the crochet, finishing with the first layer and starting the second. I'll talk a little about the characteristics of acrylic paint while I apply it with different brushes. I will show you how we can move the brush, the amount of water and paint necessary, so that the acrylic flows correctly on the surface.
12m
7The second layer
Apply the acrylic on the product, finishing the second coat of paint. There will be moments of preparation of colors in the palette and some cuts to let dry between layer and layer.
7m
8Adding volume, light and shadow
I will talk a little about the concepts of volume, light and shade while I paint and prepare colors in the palette.
12m
9Painting details
Now we will paint small details by freehand. They are graphic color details that will help us to finish the composition and give the last personal touches to generate harmony. Unlike the previous lessons, here we will work with pencils.
3m
3Nature as a source of inspiration
In this lesson I share with you some readings that have led me in recent times to rediscover my relationship with nature, observing it and loving it in another way. Painting forests, urban parks and small green spaces goes beyond the defense of the environment, for me it has become a profound demand for a return to nature. We will also see how the theme of landscape has evolved through art.
8m
4Painting outdoors or in the studio?
This is one of the most frequent questions! That is why in this lesson I want to reflect with you on the pros and cons of painting outdoors or in the studio. so you can choose the process that interests you the most. My goal is that you get the best of all possibilities and learn to combine them to shine with your own style.
5m
5Sketch materials
Next, I am going to present you the materials that I use to make sketches and studies before painting. With black and white you can fit in and decide the composition, make decisions about proportions, planes, etc. This is my proposal of materials, but remember that you can use the material you want.
5m
6Acrylic paint: types and mediums
In this lesson I introduce you to the guest star of the course, acrylic paint. It is the technique that has more varieties and options on the market, so I will give you an overview so that you know the different types of paint that exist according to consistency and quality so that you do not go crazy when choosing. We will examine the information on the label and also show you some of the mediums that I use to accentuate and modify some of the properties of paint. This is the lesson that I would have liked to receive when I started painting with acrylics.
19m
7Papers, fabrics, brushes and palettes
Finally, I will show you different types of brushes, palettes, fabrics and surfaces where to capture your art. I'll show you which ones I use and what for. Remember, you don't have to buy everything, but you do have to know the materials that exist.
12m
8Color and emotional landscapes: the Rothko charts
It is time to start playing and mixing colors. We will make small color charts inspired by Mark Rothko's “color fields”. We will create simple emotional landscapes where we will learn the behavior of acrylic paint, we will play with opacity and transparency, we will create relationships between colors and we will observe the emotions they transmit to us.
19m
9There is a jungle in my brush!
In this lesson we will practice strokes and smudges to let go of your hand and get the most out of the brushes. We will paint lots of trees and plant masses in different ways. You will be amazed at the amount of nature that comes out of your brush!
14m
10Nature textures: skies, seas and mountains 1
In this lesson, I propose that you experiment with me with different acrylic techniques to achieve textures and effects that will help you paint your landscapes. We will create marvelous seas, mountains, skies ... We will make sponge washes, sea waves with dry brush, we will drag paint, we will make glazes ... We will have fun together experimenting with the textures of nature!
14m
11Nature textures: skies, seas and mountains 2
We continue to recreate textures of nature. In this case, we will see different ways to paint clouds.
14m
12Nature textures: skies, seas and mountains 3
We finish these exercises recreating other textures that we can find in nature such as trees or the sea.
16m
13The nature of the abstract: synthesis of color and form
Now I am going to show you some examples of how to apply synthesis both in color and in shapes; how to combine local and synthetic color. We will see how you can find inspiration in a nearby park or on a walk on the beach and, with your impressions, tell a little story in small formats. We will also see how we can get a more subjective view of nature, playing with abstraction and creating a random landscape. I'm sure you will have a great time. [textbox type=alert]Before you begin As you are starting in a new environment, I suggest that you carry out the tasks and practices with the supports that are most comfortable for you. In the videos in this unit, I do exercises in a notebook, loose leaves and lined cardboard. My recommendation is that you try all the supports you can, the more options you know, the better.[/textbox]
12m
14Composition and depth tricks
In this lesson I will talk to you about some bases of landscape composition, we will see Edgar Payne's schemes and I will tell you some laws to keep in mind to better play with the structure and fit your landscape creating points of interest.
11m
15Sketches, Color Studies, and Scene Creation
Now we will choose the final drawing based on elements of reality, but applying synthesis in shapes and color, adapting them to what we want to convey. We will leave everything ready to start painting.
10m
16Transfer to canvas: fitting and backgrounds 1
Staining the pristine white of the fabric for the first time can bring a little respect. In this lesson I show you how to fit the main composition lines on the fabric. We will start by painting the spots of the largest elements: the sky, the earth and the sea.
16m
17Transfer to canvas: fitting and backgrounds 2
We continue with the main spots, this time with the blue of the sea, the sand of the beach and the mountains in the background.
15m
18Points of interest and half plane 1
Next, we will continue our landscape by adding the elements located in the background and medium plane: trees, green masses, reflections of the water ... You will see how, little by little, brushstroke by brushstroke, your painting comes to life.
17m
19Points of interest and half plane 2
We continue to add elements to the box. We will work on the elements of the trees and some details on the water.
18m
20Points of interest and half plane 3
We continue to add elements before continuing with the details and elements for the final finishes.
12m
21Close-ups, details and finishes 1
Now we will paint the elements in the foreground and the details that make the difference: Human figures, houses, branches, leaves, glitter, elements that will give life to your scene and help tell your story. At this point we will finish the job.
18m
22Close-ups, details and finishes 2
We finalize the last details to finish the work. [textbox type=alert]Now, before you start to paint your final illustration and do the homework for this unit, take a look at the previous tips that I have left you in the additional resources.[/textbox]
9m
3Fantasy, imagination and creativity
In this lesson I will explain what we are going to do in this course and why I think it is important for each artist or creator to find their own magic to create.
10m
4Magical thinking in art
Next, I will tell you about magical thinking and how it has influenced artists over time.
18m
5Tarot
In this lesson I will teach you the history and origin of the tarot, and I will explain to you how I understand this tradition or artistic manifestation.
19m
6Interpreting an arcane: concept and creative thinking
Now is the time to tell you the steps I take to illustrate a concept or symbol and how to encourage creative thinking and discard the most obvious ideas.
17m
7Interpreting an arcane: tools to generate ideas
Now I will show you how to practice writing and automatic drawing can be a useful tool to generate new ideas.
12m
8Acrylic, watercolor and gouache
In this lesson I will talk about these materials and show you the differences between them.
8m
9Brushes and their strokes
Next, I will explain the peculiarities of each type of brush, as well as the narrative possibilities of the brushes depending on your type of stroke: intention, strength, doubt, etc.
11m
10Playing with acrylics: techniques
Now we are going to go step by step looking at the various possibilities of the acrylic technique, how it works with more or less water and the textures or lines that are generated.
14m
11Playing with acrylics: other possibilities
In this lesson I will continue to show the possibilities of acrylic paint. In this case: glazes, frottage, dry brush or cutouts and stencils.
7m
12Experimentation: textures, patterns and effects
In this lesson I will talk about the pictorial capacity of acrylic to generate textures, patterns and effects. So you can apply it to your creations.
9m
13Experimentation: other alternatives
Next, I'll show you even more possibilities to let your imagination run wild.
19m
14Acrylic markers
Now I will show you how in the market there are also acrylic markers with which you can directly create. They offer many possibilities!
7m
15The sketch and the color
In this lesson we will make several more finished sketches in a small format. Later, we will choose one to make it big and transfer it to paper.
17m
16Working the final illustration 1
This is the time to get down to work, connect with your creativity and develop the illustration of a major arcana using the techniques previously proposed. I show you how I have done it.
12m
17Working the final illustration 2
We continue to work on the illustration, paying attention to details.
8m
18The deck
Finally, I will show you my other two completed major arcana, as well as the previous process until I get the final image.
8m
3Observation of Landscapes
In this lesson you will understand fundamental issues for the inspiration of your landscape through a brief historical journey.
10m
4The Visual Rhythm
I invite you to think about what motifs can inspire you to paint a landscape. In this lesson you will analyze how some outstanding painters of different times approached it.
9m
5Materials and the Craft
Here I will talk to you about the characteristics and possibilities of acrylic painting. As well as pigments, surfaces, soluble media and drying times.
8m
6Formal Experimentation 1
In this lesson I will teach you the applications of passages and contrasts.
9m
7Formal Experimentation 2
I continue with the experimentation, here you will learn different ways to exercise the stroke and you will explore ways to give texture to your painting.
15m
8Glazes
Here you will learn this essential technique to provide atmosphere to the scene or make glass texture, transparent or translucent gauze.
10m
9How to Form Colors
In this lesson I will share my tips to form the desired colors for my palette.
18m
10Complementary Contrasts
Now you will experiment and analyze the way in which colors are related so that you can take full advantage of their expressive potential.
10m
11Cold - Warm Contrast
Now, you will analyze palettes of cold and warm tones and how to get more expressiveness from the contrast between them.
9m
12Contrast of Light and Shadow
In this lesson I invite you to observe and experience how light and shadow work, keeping in mind that, in general, a landscape has a single source of light: the sun.
14m
13Composition Tips
Follow me in making sketches and making composition decisions.
11m
14Layout of the Painting
In this lesson I will transfer the sketch to the canvas and start painting by locating the base elements and colors of my landscape.
15m
15Shadow, Light and Texture
Here you will see the progress on the definition of shapes and color adjustment.
8m
16Details and Varnish
Time to give the final details, you will learn how to varnish the final work and I will make an analysis of the production of the work.
8m
4Materials
In this lesson, I will show you the materials you need to paint in acrylic and that you will use throughout the course.
10m
5Light and shadow 1
Now I will explain to you the theory of light and shadow. I will tell you the effect of light on different objects.
16m
6Light and shadow 2
During this second part of the lesson, I will show you how to apply lights and shadows to a section of the character. Besides, I will explain in detail everything you must take into account for this to look incredible.
13m
7Drawing and shading
In this lesson, I will show you the drawing that I chose to produce my project, and you will see how I completely shade it.
9m
8Color
I will explain to you what colors you should use as a base and what kind of chromatic variants I like to use for my illustrations. This is a strategic moment in any illustration. Remember that the color palette will give you different results, going from the emotional to the gimmicky.
6m
9Watering technique and transparent glazes
Now you will see how to prepare the paper and how to give the first coats of color with diluted acrylic over the entire illustration.
18m
10Lighting and volume
Here you will learn how to lighten the lightest parts of the illustration with acrylic and how to add volume to them.
14m
11Final details
Finally, I'll show you how to make the details and the subtle toning changes.
6m
12Conservation digitization and format
I will tell you about the finish of the original with varnish and how to present it. Besides, I will tell you the technical data to take into account when scanning your original. Finally, I will show you how you can do so that your works preserve the highest possible quality.
6m
13Editorial review
Finally, I will give you some useful tips based on my personal experience in this wonderful profession.
4m
You will create a cohesive series of acrylic illustrations, integrating landscapes, natural elements, and characters into your own narrative universe. You will develop sketches, detailed compositions, and apply advanced painting techniques, culminating in a standout piece for your portfolio.
Illustrators, visual artists, and designers who wish to master acrylic painting as an expressive medium will find this specialization a unique opportunity to develop their creativity. Ideal for those seeking to expand their skills in contemporary acrylic illustration techniques.
An interest in acrylic painting and basic drawing skills are required. A variety of brushes, a canvas, quality acrylics, and a palette for mixing colors are recommended. Extensive experience is not necessary, just a willingness to experiment and learn new techniques.
La metodología te acompaña paso a paso, las explicaciones y el material son muy claros y la experiencia de los profesores invaluable!
Great course
Excelente curso introductorio.
Excellent course. I learned a lot.
Me encanta!
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You’ll learn how to prepare surfaces, mix colors, apply light and shadow, create textures, experiment with mixed techniques, and get your work ready for professional printing—combining classic foundations with modern methods.
This is an intermediate-level course, perfect for those who already have basic drawing or painting skills and want to deepen their knowledge of traditional and mixed techniques applied to illustration.
You’ll need heavyweight papers, acrylics, watercolors, oils, various brushes, palette knives, masking tape, thinners, varnishes, and auxiliary materials like black pencils and acrylic markers.
You’ll learn how to create textures, mix colors with a palette knife, apply layers and glazes, generate light and shadow effects, and use acrylics to build contrast and depth in comic illustrations.
The course teaches you to select thick, acid-free papers and prepare them with the right primer to ensure proper adhesion and durability of acrylics.
Thinning with water reduces the opacity and body of acrylic paint, while varnish preserves texture, enhances transparency, and protects the paint. The course covers both methods depending on the desired effect.
Yes, the course includes how to prepare originals for digitization, choose the right format and resolution, and key tips for professionally printing your illustrations.