Unlock your inner

creative genius.

We'll give you the skills and confidence you need to create paintings you're proud of!

Take the next step in your artist journey.

Check out these resources


FREE Course: Learn The Essentials of Acrylic Painting

A Painting Course for Beginners

The Artist's Guide to

Create with Freedom

*Free* Overcome Your Obstacles Today!

Mini Painting Challenges are Short, Focused Lessons

Which One Is Right For You?

Which Challenge Are You

Going to Take?

Paint Small & Grow Big!

Hi, I'm Jed Dorsey.


I began my art career with lots of questions about acrylics.


The problem was, I couldn't find anyone to guide me! Every workshop I took was in oil, and I'd have to translate what I learned for my medium.


I vowed not to make anyone else have to figure it all out as I did. 


And that's how Acrylic University began. Our mission is to "bring beauty to the world by helping artists flourish." 


So, welcome, artistic friend. I trust you will be encouraged and inspired through your time here!


-Jed


READ MORE ABOUT JED

Inside of Acrylic University, You Will...

Overcome Every Obstacle

Most artists struggle with issues you are facing right now. Many feel overwhelmed, uninspired or too busy on a consistent basis. Have you ever felt...

Lack of Inspiration?

You haven't felt inspired in your art for a long time.

Easily Overwhelmed?

Without a clear path, you end up overwhelmed and discouraged.

Crunched for Art Time?

Your life is busy. Art workshops and classes are difficult to fit in.

Lack of Confidence?

You begin to doubt if you will ever become the artist you desire to be.

No Direction?

You don't know where to start or how to make progress moving forward.

No Support?

You lack the supportive people who will regularly encourage your art.

Here's Where We Come In

You aren't alone in what you feel, and you don't have to grow in painting alone. We will give you step-by-step guidance and a community of artistic friends to walk with in your journey!

Step-by-Step Guidance

Whether you're a beginning or advanced artist, you will find exactly what you need to move forward with step-by-step, expert instruction from professional artists.

Fit Art in Your Schedule

With 24/7 access to premium courses, focused modules, inspiring interviews plus fresh, live content every month, you can participate whenever it works - even in your PJs if you want.

A Community of Art Friends

The most amazing part of Acrylic University is how you will connect with artists from all over the world. You will be encouraged and inspired, and you won't take a step alone again.

Paint with us on YouTube


Acrylic University teaches people from around the world how to paint courageously. We want to be here with you during every step of your creative journey!
VISIT US ON YOUTUBE

Step-by-Step Guidance

From the basics to more advanced techniques, you'll find it all inside Acrylic University's robust membership. From what acrylic paints and tools you actually need for success to the nuances of how to apply paint to achieve the look you desire, you will have it all at your fingertips.



Learn tried and true processes for painting and avoid the frustration of having to figure everything out on your own. You will have access to the greatest resource library for acrylic painting in the world.

START PAINTING FREE

"Acrylics has always been a medium that I wanted to explore, but I found it hard to learn on my own. Jed's work in acrylics inspired me to join, and my skills have greatly improved because of the lessons and encouraging community!"

Johanne Friedrichs

Fit Art into Your Schedule

What if you had an art coach you could turn to anytime you wanted? That's what it's like with Acrylic University's membership.



You can access training and participate in the community whenever you want. There are also live events that you can join, but if you miss you never need to worry, because you can access the replay later. And with high definition video, it will feel like you are watching over the shoulder of some of the best acrylic artists in the world!

START PAINTING FREE

"Since joining Acrylic University, I've found the guidance and tools that I was looking for. Now, I am a lot more confident when I paint."

Daniel Binkhorst

A Community of Art Friends

Every experience is better when it is shared with friends, and the art journey is no different. You'll find great encouragement and joy as you stride forward with other artists who are also on this creative adventure.


And you know what it's like when you feel like people just don't understand why art is important to you? Well, this is where you will find like-minded friends.

START PAINTING FREE

"I wanted to get more familiar with acrylics, but I didn't know where to turn. My friend introduced me to Acrylic University, and I am amazed at how much I'm learning and how much this course has meant to me."

Becca Farmer

Before Acrylic University, I had no idea if I could paint or even draw. Now, I can't believe how much joy I get out of painting and the Acrylic University community. I can't picture my life without painting anymore!

 Kim Abson

Seattle, WA

Free Painting Resources

Dive deeper into acrylics, plein air painting, and the process of becoming a better artist with our latest articles, tips and tricks.

By Jed Dorsey 15 Mar, 2024
How to take a painting from good to great!
By Jed Dorsey 22 Feb, 2024
An in-depth guide on how to paint water with Acrylic Paints
By Jonelle Stout 12 Feb, 2024
"Let the water do the work for you."
By Jonelle Stout 01 Jun, 2023
Are you wanting to varnish your acrylic paintings?
By Jed Dorsey 14 Apr, 2023
Learn how to paint flowers with professional Acrylic Artist Dianna Shyne as she paints a coral rose
Princeton Catalyst brushes how to paint with acrylic paintings acrylic painting
By Jed Dorsey 14 Apr, 2023
Jed reveals his favorite Acrylic Painting brushes and why they're the perfect choice for any Acrylic artist
Show More

Hear from Acrylic University Students

By getting the knowledge you need in the subjects you care about, you'll be ready to fill your dreams and reach.

Acrylic University FAQ

  • Is Acrylic University made for beginners?

    Yes, yes, yes! 


    We are happy to say we've had many people with little to no experience come through our instruction! We will walk you through each step of the painting process, starting with what supplies you want to have and why. You will be able to see paintings come together from start to finish and never miss anything because you can pause, stop & rewind as much as you need!

  • Is Acrylic University good for experienced artists?

    Absolutely, yes! 


    Not only will you be able to be refreshed in the foundational practices that are of great help to every artist, whether beginner or advanced, but you will get an insider look at the secrets both Jed and Dianna have discovered in their 55+ years of painting. Plus, you will get all of the insights they've gained from their own ongoing learning as they have taken myriads of workshops from other master artists.

  • What do I get access to when I join?

    Short answer? A ton!


    Long answer?

    • All 12 of the Monthly Landscape Modules
    • Acrylic 101
    • Plein Air 101
    • Color 101
    • Design 101
    • Primary Palette - Getting to Know Your Essential Colors (mini-course)
    • The Plein Air Adventure
    • Color of Light and Shadow
    • Still Life Course

    And lots of other stuff:

    • Paint-Along Lessons
    • Tips and Hints
    • Frequently Asked Questions Videos
    • Artist Interviews
    • Private Member Community
    • Monthly LIVE Workshops
  • What supplies will I need?

    We give you access to a detailed supply list that will give you all the information you need. You will also have access to videos with helpful information about which supplies to buy and an link to an online art supply store where everything can be purchased. You can start with the supplies you have at home if you want and that’s perfectly fine. Below is a general list of the supplies that are needed to get started:

    • Acrylic Paint
    • Paint Box
    • Palette
    • Canvases
    • Brushes
    • Sketchbook and pencils
    • Value Finder
    • Spray bottle
  • Do I need to be a "techy" person to participate in Acrylic University?

    You do not need to be a "tech wizard" to participate in our courses. We built Acrylic University on a very user-friendly platform that anyone can navigate. And if you ever have questions or issues, you can contact us at support@acrylicuniversity.com. We are here to help.

  • Can I cancel anytime?

    Yes, absolutely, you can cancel your subscription at any time. 


    If you cancel your subscription within 30 days, we will refund all of your money - no questions asked. We believe strongly in what we do and we want you to be thoroughly satisfied.

  • Do I need to use acrylic paints?

    The short answer is no. The vast majority of what we teach is foundational to all painting mediums. So, if you wanted to use oils, for instance, you would find most of the main principles are totally applicable to you, but there would just be some differences in technique as the mediums have different properties.


    The longer answer is that while you COULD use a different medium, there are SO many reasons to paint with acrylics!

    1. Water Cleanup: Acrylic paints clean up easily with water. You will never need to expose yourself or others to special solvents or thinners when you are using acrylic paints.
    2. Fast Drying: I love the fact that I can touch my paintings after a short time and not worry about getting wet paint on myself or what's around me. This makes it much easier to store and transport paintings without all the headache you'd have if they were still wet. Also, when I want to make a change to a painting I can do it quickly.
    3. Super Versatile: Acrylic paints can be applied to almost any surface because they adhere so well. They can also be applied very thin and transparent or very thick and impasto-like without having to worry about rules like "thick over thin" because of their quick drying properties. Acrylic paintings are easy to frame because they don't need to be protected with glass.
    4. Cost Effective: Acrylic paints are fairly inexpensive when compared to other mediums. This means that you can paint and practice with freedom without being too concerned about cost.
    5. Travel Easily: Because they are non-toxic and don't require fancy thinners, you can travel the world with your acrylic paints and never worry about boarding a plane with hazardous materials.
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