Coloring Leather – Lesson One: Painting with Acrylics by Paul Burnett

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Coloring Leather – Series One: Painting with Acrylics on Leather is an instructional guide by the late Paul Burnett focused on building a strong foundation in coloring leather using acrylic paints. Developed as part of the Learning Leather Looseleaf Lessons series, this lesson walks through the tools, techniques, and mindset required to achieve realistic, convincing color in leatherwork.

Rather than focusing only on finished results, this guide emphasizes process and understanding. Paul breaks down core concepts such as paint-to-water ratios, brush control, layering, and blending, helping leatherworkers develop control over color application. The material includes step-by-step explanations, diagrams, and practical exercises, culminating in a complete project with a detailed coloring chart and instructions. These materials are presented as scans of the original self-produced print lessons, so readers can expect minor imperfections that reflect their original creation rather than modern restoration.

These patterns are made available in partnership with the family of the late Paul Burnett. Each purchase financially contributes to his family while helping share his work with a new generation of leatherworkers, ensuring that his teaching and artistic legacy remain accessible.

Materials provided for digitization courtesy of the Jim Shipley Collection.

  • Leatherworkers interested in learning acrylic painting techniques
  • Makers transitioning from dye to more controlled color application
  • Craftspeople developing realism in pictorial carving
  • Beginners and intermediate leatherworkers building foundational coloring skills

This guide is well-suited for those new to painting on leather, while more experienced leatherworkers will benefit from the structured approach to brush control and color consistency.

  • Title: Coloring Leather – Series One: Painting with Acrylics on Leather
  • Designer: Paul Burnett
  • Format: Digital download (PDF)
  • Length: 20 pages
  • Includes: instructional lessons, diagrams, brush techniques, paint mixing guidance, full project with coloring chart
  • Topics Covered: acrylic painting on leather, brush control, paint-to-water ratios, blending techniques, layering, finishing approaches