Speed Painting Techniques & Time-Lapse Portraits

If you’re looking to sharpen your speed painting techniques and capture expressive portraits without spending hours blending every edge — you’re in the right place. This hub brings together all my speed painting posts, time-lapse videos, and real-time progress shots, plus the tools and tips I use to keep things simple, fast, and creative.

This page is part of my Studio Insights series, where I break down process, paint choices, and everything I wish I’d known when I started painting fast with acrylics.

🎥 Speed Painting Projects & Progress Posts

Each post below includes snapshots or time-lapse painting videos, breakdowns of my approach, and affiliate links to the art supplies I actually use. If you want to study portraits, explore expressive brushwork, or build a faster process, these are for you.

🎨 My Tools for Speed Painting

I use a minimal palette and a few workhorse brushes to keep my speed painting setup tight and efficient. You don’t need 30 colors or fancy mediums — just the right tools and a few techniques that let you move fast and stay bold.

Art Supplies I Recommend

These are materials I either use in the studio or confidently recommend. They hold up well with acrylics and get the job done without drama.

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🧠 Speed Painting Techniques That Work

  • Start with big shapes: Don’t outline every detail — block in value zones first and layer into them.
  • Work wet-on-wet: Acrylics dry fast, so blend and block while you can — or use a stay-wet palette setup to stretch your timing.
  • Wipe your brush between strokes: After rinsing in water, wipe it off with a cloth or paper towel so you don’t drag water into your paint. It keeps your mixes clean.
  • Use limited colors: The fewer choices you have, the faster you’ll make decisions — and the more intentional your mixes become.

Final Thought

Speed painting isn’t just a method — it’s a mindset. If you’re ready to simplify your setup, paint more confidently, and stop overthinking every brushstroke, these techniques will help. Scroll through the posts above or dive deeper into my Studio Insights here.