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.
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.
Acrylics lend themselves to a variety of different styles. They can be mixed with water and used like water colors. If a thicker texture is desired, they are even applied straight from the tube. Some artists produce abstract works with lots of depth and texture whereas others create more traditional paintings. Subjects are very diverse and traditional landscapes, impressionistic landscapes, wildlife studies and portraits are just some of these.
These paints dry much quicker than oils. Layering is easy as the first layer dries quickly. As it is water resistant, it does not soften when another layer is added. This means that paintings can be finished at a quicker rate. Retarders can be added to slow down drying time if necessary when using techniques like blending.
Many different techniques and methods are possible with acrylics as they are extremely versatile. Artists use different brushes and other tools to create the effect they are looking for. A sponge is often used to create an irregular pattern. Using a stiff, brittle brush and dabbing on the paint adds depth and texture. A small, pointed brush is suitable for adding detail and creating 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.
Although the medium of acrylics has gained wide acceptance today, there are still some galleries who will still only sell oils or watercolors. However, many artists have benefited from using these versatile paints. They make a living selling their paintings at galleries, particularly those found online. The availability and accessibility of these works has resulted in them reaching a far wider audience than ever before. Acrylic artists abound and although the quality of paintings being produced varies, some of them are of an extremely high standard.
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.
Acrylics lend themselves to a variety of different styles. They can be mixed with water and used like water colors. If a thicker texture is desired, they are even applied straight from the tube. Some artists produce abstract works with lots of depth and texture whereas others create more traditional paintings. Subjects are very diverse and traditional landscapes, impressionistic landscapes, wildlife studies and portraits are just some of these.
These paints dry much quicker than oils. Layering is easy as the first layer dries quickly. As it is water resistant, it does not soften when another layer is added. This means that paintings can be finished at a quicker rate. Retarders can be added to slow down drying time if necessary when using techniques like blending.
Many different techniques and methods are possible with acrylics as they are extremely versatile. Artists use different brushes and other tools to create the effect they are looking for. A sponge is often used to create an irregular pattern. Using a stiff, brittle brush and dabbing on the paint adds depth and texture. A small, pointed brush is suitable for adding detail and creating 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.
Although the medium of acrylics has gained wide acceptance today, there are still some galleries who will still only sell oils or watercolors. However, many artists have benefited from using these versatile paints. They make a living selling their paintings at galleries, particularly those found online. The availability and accessibility of these works has resulted in them reaching a far wider audience than ever before. Acrylic artists abound and although the quality of paintings being produced varies, some of them are of an extremely high standard.
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