In the art world, acrylic paints are a little like the automobile – a relatively new invention that’s sleek, fast, and inimitably convenient. And while some still prefer the slow ambience and rustic charms of an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage (which, in this analogy, would be oil paints), no one can deny the merits of the new-ish kid on the block.
If you’re just getting started with painting and want a primer (no pun intended) on your options, this article is here to help. Below, let’s explore everything a beginner needs to know about acrylic paints.
What is Acrylic Paint, Exactly?
Acrylic paint is a widely used and versatile material for artworks, made by mixing colour pigments in a water-based emulsion using acrylic polymer resin to bind the whole thing together.
It was developed in the mid-20th Century by scientists looking for a more cost-effective and scalable alternative to oil paints. They fiddled around with using newly discovered acrylic polymers as binders, and – voila! By the 1950s, acrylic paints became widely available at stores around the globe.
It didn’t take artists long to hop on the acrylic bandwagon. From the word “go,” artists enjoyed the fast-drying, water-soluble (read: easy to clean) and vibrant characteristics of acrylic paints. Fast-forward 75 years: Several artists today, both professional and amateur, use the material to make incredible works.
Shopping for the Right Acrylic Paints
The first step in selecting the right acrylic paints for your purpose is to find a quality art supply store. If you have a physical store nearby with an excellent reputation and well-stocked shelves, that’s perfect. Otherwise, shop online at an incredibly well-stocked site like AboveGroundArtSupplies.com to peruse various options.
Next, get familiar with a few brands. Some reputable acrylic paint brands to look for are Turner, Flashe, Liquitex, Winsor & Newton, Golden and Rheotech. Most brands make two tiers of products: artist grade and student grade. The former is higher quality and more expensive, suitable for long-lasting works of professional art; the latter is fantastic for practicing yet also produces some great artwork.
How to Use Acrylic Paints in Your Art
Getting started with acrylic painting requires a few supplies. Essentials include:
- Acrylic paints (obviously)
- A varied brush set for different effects and textures and a palette knife or two
- A palette for mixing colours
- Canvas or some other painting surface
- A water container to clean between colours
- And an easel to mount your work-in-progress
Some optional items you might also want in your artistic arsenal are gesso for prepping surfaces and varnish for protecting the artwork once it’s complete.
Finally, learn a few fundamental brush techniques like dry brushing, washes, stippling, and blending, as well as palette knife techniques such as impasto and scraping. This YouTube video is a great place to start for brush techniques, while this article offers a handy 101 tutorial on palette knife techniques.
To summarize, acrylic paints are a fantastic tool for starting your artistic journey. They’re fast-drying, easy to clean, and produce artworks of remarkable depth and vibrancy. Find the materials and supplies you need at a well-stocked art supply store, keeping an eye out for a few well-respected brands. Best of luck on your art journey!