The first step in learning how to paint with acrylics is to collect the appropriate acrylic painting art tools. The main acrylic painting supplies you'll need are listed on this page so you can get started. A list of additional art items that you might wish to keep on hand is also supplied. Check out the list of art equipment for acrylic painting below if you're a complete newbie who is just getting started with acrylics. You can read a description of these fundamental acrylic painting supplies. acrylic painting supplies acrylic paints paintbrushes painting surface - canvas, wood, paper artist palette rag/paper towels cup or jar of water soap for clean-up varnish gesso easel apron palette knife scraping tools, sponge, toothpick, etc masking tape pencil/charcoal acrylic mediums.