Acrylic is one of the most popular painting mediums. It can be used just about anywhere you want to apply some color! While it is more expensive than many other media, like oils or watercolors, acrylic has its own set of benefits.
Acrylic is a relatively stable material. This means that it does not easily break down or evaporate. Because it remains in contact with your paint surface for longer periods of time, thin layers work well so your paintings do not look heavy.
Another benefit of acrylic is that it mixes easily. There are several types of acrylic paints that contain different percentages of solid matter, liquid matter, and gels. These properties determine how fluid the paint will be and what effects it will have on the painted surface.
There are also clear glazes that can be mixed into acryllic colors to take away some of the opacity of the canvas.
Drawing on the canvas
A beginner can start experimenting with acrylic painting by doing some drawing. There are many ways to begin practicing this!
You can choose any part of the body or face as your starting place, for example. Then, you can use thin lines to create textures or bold lines to emphasize shapes.
Practice making vertical, horizontal, circular and square patterns using different shades of paint. You can also go beyond simple lines, such as creating brush strokes or patterned skin.
Acrylic is a very flowy medium, so when painting hands or feet make sure to let the paint run down the hand or leg freely. For more advanced artists, investing in basic art supplies like brushes and plastic trays will help you achieve greater results.
Making collages
Acrylic painting is a very popular form of art that does not require any mediums such as oils or water to be painted in. All you need are some acrylic paints and a surface to place them on!
Making collage like paintings can be done many ways. Some artists use pre-cut shapes, others make their own patterns, and some just grab materials around the house and create new compositions.
Acrylic paint comes in an incredible variety of colors and textures. There are even gel types of paint that dry slightly and do not wash off of your canvas! The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating artwork using acrylics.
These are great alternatives to oil or water media because they are durable and will last years if put in a good home environment.
Painting on paper
A very popular way to begin painting is by doing something called painting on canvas! This is going up onto a wall or surface and coating it in different colors and textures of paint.
Canvas is a strong, durable material that can handle many uses beyond just hanging art. Because it’s not quite as flexible as some other materials like wood or plastic, you will need to choose where to hang it properly.
You can use either real brush brushes or digital ones such as those found online or through apps.
Painting on paper is a great way to try out new types of paintings! There are so many ways to do this — vertical, horizontal, washes, layering, patterning, etc. The number of possibilities with this technique is endless.
Many artists start off painting on paper first because it is relatively easy to take down if needed later. Also, you can always cut into it to see how much space there is in a certain area before moving on to another part of your painting.
Painting on glass
Another way to work with acrylic is painting onto different types of glass. Glass can be clear, tinted, or colored.
You will need a good quality brush for this!
Many people use this technique when painting pictures. For example, if you love puppies then start painting some cute doggies!
Acrylic paint has many uses. It is very durable and can be easily cleaned up. If you are looking to learn more about acrylics, begin with learning how to mix your own! Given that it is so easy to find recipes online, why not try making your own today?
Sources: Pinterest, The Balance | Maintaining Healthy Living, HowToMakeDiy.
Drawing on marble
Another material that you can use acrylic paint as a medium is marble. While most people know how to draw with oils, many do not teach students how to work in acrylized chalk or charcoal first. Chalking or charring a surface using graphite or coal powder and then painting over it with acrylics is a way to start drawing and practicing your hand-eye coordination.
Many artists begin by drawing on thin layers of marble that they build up until their desired effect is achieved. Some even add additional textures like brushes or plastic sheets to create an interesting look.
Acrylic paints are easy to manipulate and layer onto different surfaces. It is very possible to wash off some areas but never all of them! This allows you to create new pieces later.
Painting on ceramics
A more recent way to use acrylic as a painting medium is on ceramic or glass art! While most people start with canvas, experimenting with other surfaces can be fun.
Acrylic paint has a unique quality- it ‘seeps’ into the surface of the material you drizzle it onto. This feature gives it its special appeal because you can add additional layers which mat down in some areas and seep through in others.
Trying new things is one of the best ways to learn about art.
Drawing on metal
Another way to use acrylic is as a painting medium itself! Most people know how to draw with a pencil, but what about using other drawing tools like markers or pens? Or even watercolors if you are very creative!
Acrylic can be used directly onto any surface- paper, glass, wood, plastic, you name it.
Just make sure your material is strong enough to handle all of the paint that will probably go over it several times!
You can also mix colors by mixing different proportions of pure acryllic paint in a liquid form. This allows you to create really bright vibrant shades of color which may otherwise not be possible.
Mixing colors is an incredible way to begin experimenting with acrylic because you do not need special equipment to do so. All you need is a cup for each color and a brush for applying them together.
Painting on wood
When painting on a solid surface like wood, you will need to use different types of paints and applications to ensure your paint does not peel off or crack. Non-acidic painted surfaces can be polished with warm, wet wax to give a glossy look which is very popular these days!
You may also want to coat the painted area with gesso first to create a protective layer. Both of these treatments are typically done in a room where you have access to an air compressor so that you do not have to worry about bringing along both tools at once!
Acrylics contain alcohol as a solvent, making them non-waterborne. This means they will all dissolve into each other and soak up excess moisture from the wood before drying, preventing cracks and/effectively protecting the new coating of acrylic.
Regular oil based oils such as sesame, sunflower, olive or mineral are best for outdoor uses since they are more resistant to dirt, water, and solvents. For this reason, they are ideal for using on furniture and other areas that will get touched frequently.