Acrylics have not been around nearly as long as oil paints but they have become extremely popular due to the fact that they are quick drying and very versatile. An acrylic paint artist has the option of using a great variety of techniques and methods. This allows them to express their creativity in new ways.
It is strange to think that these paints were originally designed as house paints. However, the cross-over to the art world was inevitable due to their many interesting qualities. Manufacturers made various improvements due to the increasing demand from artists. These improvements have continued to be made over the years since they were first created. Nowadays, the quality of these paints is high and they offer the opportunity of creating paintings with great tonality and rich colors.
Artists have always experimented with painting on different surfaces and artists using acrylics are no different. There are those who use them to paint on glass, wood, stone and just about any other surface without a shine. However, stretched canvas and paper are still most commonly used.
Some painters using acrylics are more traditional in their approach while others create modern, abstract works. Every possible type of subject matter is covered. The paints are so versatile that they are suitable for multiple styles. Like watercolors, they can be mixed with water and applied in thin glazes. Like oils, they can be applied thickly. Some artists even apply them straight from the tube.
The fact that they dry so quickly offers both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that layering is possible at a much quicker rate as there is no long drying period between layers such as when using oils. Once a layer is dry it is water resistant too so it is not affected at all by adding another layer. However, the fact that it dries so quickly can be problem when attempting to blend. However, retarders can be added when blending to increase drying time.
Many different methods, techniques and tools are used by these artists. They use a great variety of brushes, from a stiff brush for dabbing on paint for more texture to a thin, pointed one to create fine detail and definition. They also use knives, sponges and other tools to add more texture and depth.
There are many different brands of acrylics on the market today, offering artists the opportunity of using ones particularly suited to their style. Some are thicker and more buttery while others are more fluid. Some offer more saturated, intense colors. There are those that are very slow drying and others that are much quicker. All of these paints last well and do not crack, fade or yellow with age.
Acrylic artists are producing some amazing work today and this is sold at many galleries, both local and online. This has meant that paintings have become far more accessible to the public at large than ever before. The prices vary considerably as does quality. However, people now have the opportunity of finding a painting that suits their taste and budget.
It is strange to think that these paints were originally designed as house paints. However, the cross-over to the art world was inevitable due to their many interesting qualities. Manufacturers made various improvements due to the increasing demand from artists. These improvements have continued to be made over the years since they were first created. Nowadays, the quality of these paints is high and they offer the opportunity of creating paintings with great tonality and rich colors.
Artists have always experimented with painting on different surfaces and artists using acrylics are no different. There are those who use them to paint on glass, wood, stone and just about any other surface without a shine. However, stretched canvas and paper are still most commonly used.
Some painters using acrylics are more traditional in their approach while others create modern, abstract works. Every possible type of subject matter is covered. The paints are so versatile that they are suitable for multiple styles. Like watercolors, they can be mixed with water and applied in thin glazes. Like oils, they can be applied thickly. Some artists even apply them straight from the tube.
The fact that they dry so quickly offers both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that layering is possible at a much quicker rate as there is no long drying period between layers such as when using oils. Once a layer is dry it is water resistant too so it is not affected at all by adding another layer. However, the fact that it dries so quickly can be problem when attempting to blend. However, retarders can be added when blending to increase drying time.
Many different methods, techniques and tools are used by these artists. They use a great variety of brushes, from a stiff brush for dabbing on paint for more texture to a thin, pointed one to create fine detail and definition. They also use knives, sponges and other tools to add more texture and depth.
There are many different brands of acrylics on the market today, offering artists the opportunity of using ones particularly suited to their style. Some are thicker and more buttery while others are more fluid. Some offer more saturated, intense colors. There are those that are very slow drying and others that are much quicker. All of these paints last well and do not crack, fade or yellow with age.
Acrylic artists are producing some amazing work today and this is sold at many galleries, both local and online. This has meant that paintings have become far more accessible to the public at large than ever before. The prices vary considerably as does quality. However, people now have the opportunity of finding a painting that suits their taste and budget.
