Acrylic artists of today work with a very versatile paint medium. Unlike oils and water colors which go way back in history, acrylics were not available until fairly recently. The first commercially available water based acrylics only came onto the market in 1955. This medium has only really gained recognition for its unique qualities in more recent years.
Acrylics came onto the scene when there was a great deal of experimentation happening in the art world. Abstract expressionism, photo realism and pop art were among the forms being explored. Many a well known artist of the time began to experiment with this new medium which presented exciting new possibilities. Media could be mixed, different consistencies could be achieved, different surfaces could be used and colors could be opaque or transparent.
The quick drying time of acrylics was one of the benefits seized upon by those wanting to work more quickly. They typically take just a few hours to dry. In comparison, oil paintings, depending on a variety of factors, can take months to dry. This quick drying time was an advantage in many respects but it also created certain challenges. These challenges, for example the difficulty with blending, have been worked on over the years to allow more control.
These paints stimulated creativity and fresh thinking. A wide range of approaches in techniques and methods could be used. Pop artist, Andy Warhol was one of those who explored a range of effects using acrylics. His paintings demonstrated the sharp, bold clarity that could be achieved with these paints. Others such as Robert Motherwell combined acrylics together with pencil and charcoal to produce striking effects. Mark Rothco showed the ability to enhance elements such as tone, color, scale and depth in his paintings.
The ability to paint on any surface with these paints also stimulated creativity. Experiments on many different surfaces from wood and glass to stone and paper were attempted. This paint would dry to an even luster despite the surface to which it was applied.
Improvements to the quality and range of pigments over the years have greatly enhanced the richness of the colors and the tones. Unlike oil paint, acrylics do not crack or turn yellow with age. Unlike water colors they do not fade. Their durability means these paintings will remain in pristine condition for years to come.
Acrylics can produce both the soft effects of watercolor paint and sharp effects of layered oil paint. Applying paints directly from the tube produces opaque colors. Diluting them with water gives them the appearance of water colors.
There are now a huge number of artworks produced using acrylics. This versatile medium has opened up a whole new era of creativity and had a marked influence on the art forms being explored today. Art has become more accessible and has reached a much wider audience today. A talented new artist has a far better possibility of being discovered now, particularly with the development of the internet as a medium of promotion.
There is no question that acrylic artists have made their mark on the art world. They have ensured that this medium has significance. They will continue to have an impact in the future as their art continually evolves.
Acrylics came onto the scene when there was a great deal of experimentation happening in the art world. Abstract expressionism, photo realism and pop art were among the forms being explored. Many a well known artist of the time began to experiment with this new medium which presented exciting new possibilities. Media could be mixed, different consistencies could be achieved, different surfaces could be used and colors could be opaque or transparent.
The quick drying time of acrylics was one of the benefits seized upon by those wanting to work more quickly. They typically take just a few hours to dry. In comparison, oil paintings, depending on a variety of factors, can take months to dry. This quick drying time was an advantage in many respects but it also created certain challenges. These challenges, for example the difficulty with blending, have been worked on over the years to allow more control.
These paints stimulated creativity and fresh thinking. A wide range of approaches in techniques and methods could be used. Pop artist, Andy Warhol was one of those who explored a range of effects using acrylics. His paintings demonstrated the sharp, bold clarity that could be achieved with these paints. Others such as Robert Motherwell combined acrylics together with pencil and charcoal to produce striking effects. Mark Rothco showed the ability to enhance elements such as tone, color, scale and depth in his paintings.
The ability to paint on any surface with these paints also stimulated creativity. Experiments on many different surfaces from wood and glass to stone and paper were attempted. This paint would dry to an even luster despite the surface to which it was applied.
Improvements to the quality and range of pigments over the years have greatly enhanced the richness of the colors and the tones. Unlike oil paint, acrylics do not crack or turn yellow with age. Unlike water colors they do not fade. Their durability means these paintings will remain in pristine condition for years to come.
Acrylics can produce both the soft effects of watercolor paint and sharp effects of layered oil paint. Applying paints directly from the tube produces opaque colors. Diluting them with water gives them the appearance of water colors.
There are now a huge number of artworks produced using acrylics. This versatile medium has opened up a whole new era of creativity and had a marked influence on the art forms being explored today. Art has become more accessible and has reached a much wider audience today. A talented new artist has a far better possibility of being discovered now, particularly with the development of the internet as a medium of promotion.
There is no question that acrylic artists have made their mark on the art world. They have ensured that this medium has significance. They will continue to have an impact in the future as their art continually evolves.