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.
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.
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.
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.
Every artist working in this medium has a preferred brand of paint. Choice will be based on many different factors such as what methods and techniques are used. Some paints dry faster than others. Others offer more intense colors. The consistency may also be different, varying from buttery to more fluid. These paints do not yellow, crack or harden with age and they do not fade.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Every artist working in this medium has a preferred brand of paint. Choice will be based on many different factors such as what methods and techniques are used. Some paints dry faster than others. Others offer more intense colors. The consistency may also be different, varying from buttery to more fluid. These paints do not yellow, crack or harden with age and they do not fade.
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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