Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In today's acrylic painting tutorial, we're creating beautiful botanical prints using real leaves and acrylic paint! This simple technique captures the intricate veins, shapes and textures of nature while producing vibrant, one-of-a-kind impressions. Easy enough for beginners and fun for experienced artists, this project is all about experimentation, creativity and discovering unexpected beauty in the natural world.
Botanical Imprints Step by Step Process:
1. I mix all of my paints 4 parts water to 1 part paint. Rather than mixing by hand, I find it much easier to put the ingredients into a bottle or jar and shake vigorously.
2. Flood your canvas with a base color - in this case I used titanium white
3. Spray or splash on some color. This will be the dominant color(s) of your leaf impression.
4. Place your leaves in whatever pattern you like.
5. Cover with plastic wrap. I also like to cover with a canvas of equal size - this keeps the leaves from lifting while drying.
6. Allow to dry for 8-12 hours, and then remove the plastic / top canvas. If it is still wet to the touch, allow another 1-2 hours until it is dry to the touch.
7. With a spray bottle, continue adding color. Remember that some of these colors will be pulled under your leaves, adding accents to your initial base layer.
8. Repeat step 7 as many times as you like, allowing to dry 3-4 hours between layers. Your final color should have strong contrast with your first color.
9. Remove the leaves. Every leaf is different... but I find most leaves are strongest near the step, so I usually loosed that part first and then lift gently. You can use a small razor or artist's knife to lift the edges if it has sealed. It's important not to leave any organic matter on your canvas or it could mold.
10. Allow to dry for 7 days, and then varnish to lock in the paint and protect it from water / sun damage.
✨ EXCITING NEWS! The next Art Lab Retreat is heading to beautiful Marina del Rey, California! Join us for several days of creativity, connection and artistic exploration as we dive into fluid art, abstract techniques and fearless experimentation together. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, Art Lab Retreat is designed to help you learn new skills, stretch your creativity and connect with an incredible community of supportive, like-minded artists. Come paint, play, take creative risks and make a beautiful mess with us!
Visit artlabretreat.com for all the details!
If you'd like to support my channel and collaborate with the BEST and most supportive group of artists, join Nate's Art Lab on Patreon! We do monthly challenges, behind the scenes experiments, share our beautiful art, new and crazy ideas for techniques, and trouble shoot problems together!
patreon.com/natesartlab
All of my music can be found on EpidemicSound.com.
instagram.com/N8_Bright_Art!
#abstractart #acrylicpainting #textureart #abstractpainting #mixedmedia #fluidart
In today's acrylic painting tutorial, we're creating beautiful botanical prints using real leaves and acrylic paint! This simple technique captures the intricate veins, shapes and textures of nature while producing vibrant, one-of-a-kind impressions. Easy enough for beginners and fun for experienced artists, this project is all about experimentation, creativity and discovering unexpected beauty in the natural world.
Botanical Imprints Step by Step Process:
1. I mix all of my paints 4 parts water to 1 part paint. Rather than mixing by hand, I find it much easier to put the ingredients into a bottle or jar and shake vigorously.
2. Flood your canvas with a base color - in this case I used titanium white
3. Spray or splash on some color. This will be the dominant color(s) of your leaf impression.
4. Place your leaves in whatever pattern you like.
5. Cover with plastic wrap. I also like to cover with a canvas of equal size - this keeps the leaves from lifting while drying.
6. Allow to dry for 8-12 hours, and then remove the plastic / top canvas. If it is still wet to the touch, allow another 1-2 hours until it is dry to the touch.
7. With a spray bottle, continue adding color. Remember that some of these colors will be pulled under your leaves, adding accents to your initial base layer.
8. Repeat step 7 as many times as you like, allowing to dry 3-4 hours between layers. Your final color should have strong contrast with your first color.
9. Remove the leaves. Every leaf is different... but I find most leaves are strongest near the step, so I usually loosed that part first and then lift gently. You can use a small razor or artist's knife to lift the edges if it has sealed. It's important not to leave any organic matter on your canvas or it could mold.
10. Allow to dry for 7 days, and then varnish to lock in the paint and protect it from water / sun damage.
✨ EXCITING NEWS! The next Art Lab Retreat is heading to beautiful Marina del Rey, California! Join us for several days of creativity, connection and artistic exploration as we dive into fluid art, abstract techniques and fearless experimentation together. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, Art Lab Retreat is designed to help you learn new skills, stretch your creativity and connect with an incredible community of supportive, like-minded artists. Come paint, play, take creative risks and make a beautiful mess with us!
Visit artlabretreat.com for all the details!
If you'd like to support my channel and collaborate with the BEST and most supportive group of artists, join Nate's Art Lab on Patreon! We do monthly challenges, behind the scenes experiments, share our beautiful art, new and crazy ideas for techniques, and trouble shoot problems together!
patreon.com/natesartlab
All of my music can be found on EpidemicSound.com.
instagram.com/N8_Bright_Art!
#abstractart #acrylicpainting #textureart #abstractpainting #mixedmedia #fluidart
