Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Artworks By An Acrylic Paint Artist

By Karina Frost


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 not originally created for artists but for painting houses. However, artists soon became aware of their interesting qualities and began using them. This caused manufacturers to make changes to their products. Over the years, the quality of these paints has improved dramatically. This has given artists the opportunity of using an amazing array of colors to paint with greater tonality and richness.

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.

One of the major advantages that artists appreciate is the fact that they dry so quickly. This means that they do not have to wait long after applying a first layer before going on to the next and a painting can be produced at a much faster rate. Today various retarders are available that can be used to slow down the time of drying if this is required for certain techniques like blending.

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.

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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