Last Updated on April 7, 2025 by Dee
Acrylic markers are seriously underrated when it comes to fun, vibrant, and bold art making. Whether you’re a total beginner or an art journal junkie, acrylic paint pens give you so much creative freedom. Today I’m sharing some of my favourite acrylic markers drawing ideas, a beginner-friendly tutorial, and a couple of free printables (swatch sheets + drawing template) to get you started!
Want to skip ahead to the freebies? Scroll to the bottom for the download link!
Table of Contents
Why I Love Ohuhu Acrylic Markers ❤️
These Ohuhu Nahuku Direct Ink Acrylic Markers are one of my go-to tools lately. They glide on so smoothly, have rich pigmentation, and layer like a dream. The direct ink system means they don’t dry out mid-drawing and the colour payoff is chef’s kiss.
They’re perfect for everything from layering on canvas to adding bold outlines in your sketchbook. You can even use them on wood, plastic, glass, and rocks! I especially love combining them with my easy flower doodles and kawaii drawings.
I’m partnering with Ohuhu for this post, and I’m genuinely excited to share their new acrylic marker set with you!
How to Use Acrylic Markers ✍🏻 🎨
If you’re new to acrylic paint pens, don’t stress—they’re super easy and low-mess. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Shake well before using to mix the pigment
- Press the nib on scrap paper to activate the ink
- Use smooth paper or primed canvas for best results
- Layer colours after they dry for bold, non-muddy results
- Add outlines or highlights with white or metallic shades
💡 Pro tip: These markers are also amazing for outlining over watercolor backgrounds or mixed media collage!
Acrylic Marker Tutorial: Step-by-Step Butterfly 🦋
Yesterday I filmed a fun butterfly using the Ohuhu acrylic markers. It’s bold, bright, and only took about 15 minutes!
What I used:
- Ohuhu Nahuku Acrylic Markers
- Mixed media paper
- Black fineliner for initial sketch
- White gel pen for highlights
Steps:
- Lightly sketch a butterfly with pencil
- Fill the wings with your base colours (I used teal, magenta, and lemon yellow)
- Add shadows and details with a darker shade
- Outline with a black marker or pen
- Dot in white gel pen highlights for dimension
It’s such a satisfying process, and the markers layer up beautifully without streaks!
Pin This For Future Creative Inspo!
Acrylic Marker Drawing Ideas 🎨
Butterflies
Butterflies are a fantastic subject because you can experiment with symmetry, vibrant colours, and delicate detailing. Try layering contrasting colours to make the wings pop and add highlights for dimension.
Crystals & Gemstones
Crystals give you the chance to explore hard edges, reflections, and geometric shading. Use cool tones like purples and blues, then add white highlights for that glassy, magical look.
Abstract Blob Creatures
These are perfect for letting your imagination run wild! Start with loose blob shapes, then add eyes, limbs, and silly expressions. Kids love this one too.
Summer Fruit
Think lemons, watermelons, and juicy cherries. These are bold, bright, and instantly cheerful. The smooth surface of acrylic markers makes fruity colours shine.
Bubbles With Reflections
This is a fun way to practice soft shading and layering. Use pastel colours and blend softly around the edges to make the bubbles look translucent. You can even explore drawing on black paper for a more striking effect – acrylic paint pens are awesome for this!
Cactus and Succulents
Great for combining structure and texture, cacti are perfect for practicing spiky details and natural greens. Add pink flowers for a pop of colour.
Red Mushrooms
Create whimsical fungi with colourful caps and speckled dots. Use acrylic markers to layer rich hues and get that fantasy look.
Patterned Leaves
Use your markers to draw out large leaf shapes, then fill them with intricate patterns or Zentangle-style linework. These make gorgeous journal elements.
Constellations and Moons
A dreamy night sky with stars and planets can be incredibly relaxing to draw. Use black or navy backgrounds and bright white markers to create contrast and sparkle.
Cute Cartoon Animals
From sleepy cats to cheeky foxes, cartoon animals are endlessly fun to create. Use bold outlines and keep your shapes simple.
Swirly Florals and Whimsical Botanicals
Let your florals get wild and dreamy with loops, dots, and fantasy foliage. Perfect for page borders or journal spreads.
Geometric Mandalas
Mandalas give you a structured way to relax with repetitive shapes and patterns. Acrylic markers let you colour in each section smoothly and precisely.
Want more inspo? Check out my free summer coloring pages and stained glass templates.
Free Download: Acrylic Marker Swatch Sheet & Drawing Template!
To help you test your markers and jumpstart your next project, I’ve created:
🎨 Acrylic Marker Swatch Templates – to test every colour, check opacity and see how colours layer
🦋 Crystal Bubble Flower Drawing Template – think dreamy floating floral orbs (perfect for marker blending)
Download the Free Acrylic Marker Drawing & Swatch Templates HERE 👇🏻!
To access the free in-post printables for this post, you’ll just need to create a free account or log in with the Grow.me tool. Then, confirm by email and refresh the page, and ALL my free printables will automatically unlock in every post!
Love These Templates? Get Even More Exclusive Creative Goodies on My Patreon! 🎨
If you’re enjoying these free printables, why not join my Artsydee Patreon community? As a member, you’ll gain access to exclusive Procreate tutorials, watercolor lessons, and tons of printables like this one, which are delivered to you monthly (and sometimes even twice a month!). Plus, you’ll get sneak peeks at upcoming projects and have a say in what content I create next. ✨
Join today and unlock premium resources to take your creativity to the next level!
Final Thoughts 💭
Acrylic markers are a playful and powerful medium that’s perfect for all levels of creativity. Whether you’re filling your sketchbook, decorating journal pages, or making gifts, these ideas and tutorials are the perfect place to start.
I’d love to see what you create! Tag me on Instagram or Pinterest @artsydee and don’t forget to subscribe or join my Patreon for more templates, tutorials and art inspo.
Happy drawing!
x Dee