Acrylics have not been around that long but have become very popular over the past century due to their versatility and flexibility. Their quick drying time is another benefit, reducing the amount time required to finish a painting, particularly when painting many layers. An acrylic paint artist can use an amazing variety of methods and techniques, allowing for great creativity and fresh approaches to their art.
Acrylics were originally used as house paints but it was not long before the art world began to take notice of their amazing qualities. As interest grew, so manufacturers focused on improving the quality of their products. Today there are many excellent products on the market, offering much greater quality than in the past. More tonality and richness is possible and the colors are vibrant and intense.
Any type of surface may be used, as long as it is non shiny and grease free. Stone, wood, glass and paper are all used although stretched canvas and paper remain the most popular. Artists are continually experimenting with new surfaces, creating new techniques and producing inspiring results.
Acrylic artists produce works covering a vast range of styles. Some have a more traditional approach and favor realism whilst others take a more impressionistic, abstract approach. Landscapes, portraits and every other type of subject matter is covered. These paints can be watered down and used as thin glazes, like water colors. They can also be applied thickly, even 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.
Other techniques like sponging, detailing and dabbing are also used by artists. A sponge can be used to create certain effects and is often used for foliage. Dabbing with a stiff, brittle brush is another way to add texture and depth. Detailing with a smaller, pointed brush adds detail and clear lines, giving more definition.
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.
The works produced by artists using acrylics are sold at many galleries and online stores. This has made them far more accessible to the general public than ever before and enabled many more artists to actually make a living from what they are doing. Although certain galleries are still prejudiced against the use acrylics, still believing them to be inferior, this attitude is fast changing.
Acrylics were originally used as house paints but it was not long before the art world began to take notice of their amazing qualities. As interest grew, so manufacturers focused on improving the quality of their products. Today there are many excellent products on the market, offering much greater quality than in the past. More tonality and richness is possible and the colors are vibrant and intense.
Any type of surface may be used, as long as it is non shiny and grease free. Stone, wood, glass and paper are all used although stretched canvas and paper remain the most popular. Artists are continually experimenting with new surfaces, creating new techniques and producing inspiring results.
Acrylic artists produce works covering a vast range of styles. Some have a more traditional approach and favor realism whilst others take a more impressionistic, abstract approach. Landscapes, portraits and every other type of subject matter is covered. These paints can be watered down and used as thin glazes, like water colors. They can also be applied thickly, even 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.
Other techniques like sponging, detailing and dabbing are also used by artists. A sponge can be used to create certain effects and is often used for foliage. Dabbing with a stiff, brittle brush is another way to add texture and depth. Detailing with a smaller, pointed brush adds detail and clear lines, giving more definition.
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.
The works produced by artists using acrylics are sold at many galleries and online stores. This has made them far more accessible to the general public than ever before and enabled many more artists to actually make a living from what they are doing. Although certain galleries are still prejudiced against the use acrylics, still believing them to be inferior, this attitude is fast changing.
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