How to Paint Wood Grain with Acrylics

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’re well aware that there’s no need to know anything about painting to attend a paint and sip class. Whether you’re a novice painter or have studied the arts for years, you’ll have a great time and create a painting you’ll be proud to display. Really! We promise!

However, we know there are a few planners and preppers in this audience. So, here are some bonus instructions for everyone who likes to be extra-prepared. Today’s topic: how to create realistic-looking wood grain with acrylic paint!

If you’re more of a visual learner, here’s a handy-dandy video to make things even easier.

This painting tutorial is for acrylic paints like we use in our studios, so the instruction won’t work the same for oils or watercolors. Grab your supplies, pour a glass of wine, and let’s paint some wood texture!

• You’ll need a canvas, flat medium paint brush, small round paint brush, and acrylic paints in black, white, brown, and yellow.
• Mix the paint for your first layer: two parts white, one part brown, one part yellow.
• With your flat brush, apply this blend to the whole canvas with big, sweeping strokes.
• Now, add in horizontal strokes with all four colors. Use each color as-is, without mixing.
• Use just a little bit of paint at a time. For a more natural look, don’t rinse your brush in between colors.
• If the lines look too harsh, barely dip your brush in water and use it it blend and soften.
• Now paint the "planks." Use only the tip of the brush to get a nice thin line. You’ll want thin, evenly-spaced, straight-ish lines to mark off each plank.
• Using the small round brush and brown paint, paint oblong wood shapes. These will be the knots and rings on your planks. Keep them inside the plank lines, and don't paint too many.
• Go back over the lines between beams to give a sense of depth and accentuate the space between boards.

There you have it! The perfect rustic woodgrain background for your next painting project. Chip and Joanna would be so proud.

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