Unlock Your Creative Spark
A Course for Beginners Ready to Start Painting
Acrylics 101 is the perfect course for beginners who want to explore their creativity without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or reconnecting with your passion after years away, this course will ignite your artistic spark and make painting fun and accessible.
Whether you’re a total beginner or returning to your passion, this course makes learning acrylics fun, simple, and stress-free.
No experience required!
Feeling inspired to paint but unsure where to begin? This course is your step-by-step guide to unlocking your creative potential!
Does this sound like
- You have no idea which brushes to buy, let alone how to use them.
- Mixing colors feels overwhelming and you keep ending up with muddy shades.
- You’ve tried following YouTube tutorials, but your results never look quite right.
- You’re ready to dive in, but you just need someone to show you the basics.
I totally get it, because I was there too!
guess...
Let me
Introducing:
learn to paint with shelby dillon
brushstroke.
You just need to take the first
every step
Art doesn't take talent.
Acrylics 101 will guide you
of the way!
your guide on this journey
Hi, I'm Shelby
For years, I thought there was some secret technique, some special (and often expensive!) supply that would finally get me where I wanted to go with painting.
I spent way too many years—and way too much money—trying to make my paintings look beautiful. But as a beginner, I remember the frustration: not knowing how to handle the paint, wondering if I was using the right amount on my brush, feeling uncertain about which paper or canvas to choose, and struggling with materials that just didn’t work the way I expected.
I get it. I was right there, too.
After painting professionally for 15 years, teaching thousands of students, and selling my art worldwide, I’m ready to go behind the scenes with Acrylics 101 and show you how to complete a painting, start to finish, without the mystery or overwhelm. This course is built to help you start painting with confidence and joy right from the very first brushstroke.
Follow along
By the end of this course, you will feel comfortable handling acrylics, understand the basics of painting, and be ready to create your own artwork—even if you’re just starting out.
sign up
As soon as you sign up, you’ll get instant access to the course. No waiting around—jump in whenever you're ready and start exploring your creativity.
start learning
Dive into our beginner-friendly lessons at your own pace. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right brushes to mixing colors that pop. Every lesson is clear, approachable, and designed to help you learn to paint from the ground up.
How It Works:
It's as easy as dip, mix, and swoosh
With Instant Access to 6 Modules,
You’ll Discover
Normal Price: $197
sign me up!
Imagine having access to a transformative painting course designed to bost your creativity & technique - for just $197
you gain access to a wealth of knowledge and actionable techniques that can transform your approach to art.
Join Acrylics 101
I started painting 5 weeks ago and really had no idea how to progress. The workshop was wonderful and I am finding the skill builders so helpful. So today I tried this on watercolor paper. I think my Cherry is to large but I am pleased with the wrapper. I want to paint it again on a canvas so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! - Leslie
Look at the progress our Students are Making!
Your classes were life changing for me Shelby!!! Thank you so much for sharing your God given gifts with us!!! - Kerie
inside:
Here is what's
module 1
Intro: Guide to Materials
In this first module, we’ll set the stage for your painting journey by focusing on the most important tool you have: your mindset.
Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or returning after years away, simply starting is key. We’ll explore how to break through the fear of making mistakes, embrace imperfection, and allow yourself to simply enjoy the process.
This module will give you the mental framework to silence that inner critic, focus on progress over perfection, and ignite your creative spark right from the start.
module 2
Basic Techniques
Now that you've got the right mindset, it’s time to dive into the essentials! In this module, we’ll break down the core acrylic techniques that every artist needs to know.
You’ll learn how to load your brush, control your paint, and create different strokes and textures with ease. We'll cover blending, layering, and how to avoid common mistakes like muddy colors.
By the end of this module, you’ll have a solid foundation in the basic techniques, setting you up for success as you begin to bring your creative visions to life.
module 3
Basic Principles of Acrylic Paint and Intuitive Realism
In this module, you'll get a deep dive into the fundamentals of working with acrylic paint. We’ll cover everything from understanding values to mixing the color black.
You’ll learn how to mix colors accurately, create depth with highlights and shadows, and use intuitive realism to make your paintings more dynamic.
Whether you're aiming for a more realistic look or simply want to master how to bring your subject to life, this module gives you the tools and techniques to paint with control.
module 4
How to Paint Bold and Loose
Ready to break free from rigid techniques? In this module, you’ll learn how to loosen up your brushstrokes and paint with boldness and freedom.
We’ll focus on techniques that encourage expressive, dynamic movement, helping you let go of perfectionism and embrace the energy of the painting process.
You’ll discover how to simplify shapes, work with larger brushes, and use color in a more fearless way, giving your paintings a lively, spontaneous feel. By the end of this module, you’ll be creating artwork that feels more fluid, fun, and uniquely yours.
module 5
Putting it all Together in a Full Demonstration
Now it's time to bring everything you've learned together! In this final module, you'll follow along with a complete step-by-step demonstration, combining all the techniques and principles from the previous lessons.
Watch as I guide you through the entire process—from initial sketch to final details—showing you how to balance boldness with precision, layer colors effectively, and let your intuition lead the way. By the end of this module, you'll have created your own full painting and ready to continue exploring your artistic journey!
module 6
Next Steps
You’ve completed the course, and now it’s time to build on the momentum you’ve created! In this module, we’ll discuss how to continue your growth as an artist and the different paths you can take from here.
Whether you want to dive into more advanced techniques, experiment with new styles, or simply keep practicing what you’ve learned, I’ll provide tips, resources, and encouragement to guide your next steps.
This module is all about maintaining your creative spark and making painting a fulfilling, lifelong journey. Let’s explore how you can keep pushing your skills to new heights!
Join Acrylics 101
I took Shelby's class last year and painted this sunflower bouquet. I gained so much confidence after that. My family and friends have been very encouraging. But the best part about working with Shelby is her psychology. She really makes you feel good about yourself and what you're doing.
- Judy
level up Your Composition, Value and Color Skills:
Frequently Asked Questions
Acrylics 101 is designed for true beginners or those returning to painting after a long break. It covers the foundational skills you need to get comfortable with acrylics, including brush techniques, color mixing, and basic composition. Think of it as a starting point to build confidence and learn the essentials without feeling overwhelmed. It’s the perfect stepping stone to prepare you for Confident Acrylics.
Confident Acrylics, on the other hand, is a more advanced course that dives deeper into technique, style, and creative expression. It’s ideal for artists who are ready to expand their skills, tackle more complex subjects, and refine their personal style.
This course is designed to be flexible and accommodating to your schedule. You’ll have access to the course materials for one full year, allowing you to progress at your own pace. Each module contains engaging video lessons, practice assignments, and valuable resources to help you learn effectively. Whether you want to dive in and complete the course quickly or take your time to absorb the content and practice, you can tailor your learning experience to fit your lifestyle.
As soon as you enroll, you'll have instant access to all course modules, allowing you to start your artistic journey right away. Each module includes video lessons, practice exercises, and supplementary materials that you can tackle at your convenience. Whether you prefer to dedicate a few hours each week or binge-watch the content in a single weekend, you have complete control over your learning schedule. There are no deadlines, so you can take the time you need to fully grasp each concept and refine your painting skills.
You will need to provide your own painting supplies, such as acrylic paints, brushes, canvases, and any additional tools you'd like to use. The course does not include personalized one-on-one coaching or feedback on your artwork. This course focuses specifically on acrylic painting techniques; other mediums like oil or watercolor painting are not covered. However, everything you learn about acrylics will set a solid groundwork for exploring other styles in the future!
Email us at hello@shelbydillonstudio.com. Email is the best way to get in touch!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to invest in yourself
For this week only, you can join Acrylics 101 at the low price of $97 and finally take those first steps to grow as an artist by embracing your creativity!
