How to paint a colourful octopus in acrylic paints! There’s something about underwater animals that are just amazing to paint, I think it’s that I can really go crazy with the colours! To paint this octopus I used a range of different techniques, including paintbrushes, finger painting and palette knives.
Below is the time lapse video of me painting this octopus. If you want to watch the full length video then just head to my Patreon! By signing up to my Patreon you will instantly get full access to every painting video and art tutorial that I have ever made! I also add new tutorials every month.
Let's Get Painting!
Step 1:
Begin by roughly sketching the outline and basic details of the octopus with a pencil. Then start to paint in the blue background. Paint a gradient, from light blue at the top to dark blue at the bottom. This will give more depth to the water. This is just the first layer of the background so use a big brush and don’t worry about it being messy!
Step 2:
Next we’re going to paint the first layer of the octopus. Use lighter colours on the right hand side of the octopus, where the sun will catch, and darker colours to the lower left hand side.
Step 3:
Continue to paint the first layer of the octopus, adding more blue/cooler tones towards the bottom of the canvas. Try to paint the octopus arms a slightly different colour to its head/body, so that they stand out against it.
Step 4
The best way to paint the eye is to look at as many reference photos as possible. Octopuses tend to have really unusual eyes so it helps to get a really good look at them!
Step 5:
Now lets paint the second layer of the background! Stick to the same colours you used before, but this time use a palette knife to put the paint on the canvas. Drag the knife sideways in a wavy line to create the effect of water.
Step 6:
Now onto the second layer of the octopus (can you tell I like to paint in layers?!) Stick to the same colours and shading in the first layer, but this time use your fingers to add the paint to the canvas – it adds a really great texture! Learn more about the different painting techniques I use in my Patreon tutorials!
Step 7:
Use a paintbrush to paint the suction cups to the octopus’ arms. They should be oval shaped and a shade lighter then the colour of the arm.
Step 8:
Finally, add in the finishing touches. I added a shadow around the octopus’ suckers to make them stand out more. Then I just neatened up the edges!
I hope you liked seeing the process of how I painted this octopus! If you want to learn more about how to paint animals sign up below to get my FREE top 10 tips sent straight to your inbox!
