By Celia Hall
Water color and oil paints existed long before acrylics. It is only in the 20th century that acrylic artists began gaining recognition. Artists were drawn to this medium because of its benefits such as the fact that it dried much quicker than oils. A whole new realm of possibilities opened up to them.
This medium was embraced by those who began to discover its interesting qualities. The fact that it dried so quickly meant that it allowed for one painting to be done at a time and painting over could also be done almost immediately. There were no limitations to the layers that could be applied, making some techniques easier.
Acrylics were found by these painters to be very versatile and different consistencies could be achieved. They were water soluble which meant that water could be added to produce effects similar to water colors. Applying paints directly from the tube on the other hand produced opaque colors. It was also possible to achieve different textures.
This medium was embraced by those who began to discover its interesting qualities. The fact that it dried so quickly meant that it allowed for one painting to be done at a time and painting over could also be done almost immediately. There were no limitations to the layers that could be applied, making some techniques easier.
Acrylics were found by these painters to be very versatile and different consistencies could be achieved. They were water soluble which meant that water could be added to produce effects similar to water colors. Applying paints directly from the tube on the other hand produced opaque colors. It was also possible to achieve different textures.
Those who embraced this medium were taken with the many possibilities it presented. It gave them the opportunity to experiment with new methods. Even if they diluted these paints with water to create their paintings, they were also completely water proof once dry. Once the paint was dry, it could be over painted without disturbing the colors underneath.
The fact that it dried so quickly proved to be the best and worst quality of these paints. Quick drying meant that the long waiting time required with oils was eliminated. This was a major advantage but it also meant that certain techniques such as blending were more difficult. Today, manufacturers have produced extenders and retarders to deal with the disadvantages of quick drying.
One of the best aspects of acrylics was that just about any surface could be used. This encouraged experimentation on a range of materials including paper, wood, stone and canvas. Canvas was still most commonly used but results on most materials showed good coverage and the luster was even.
There are a number of galleries today that still do not want to sell acrylics. They feel it is an inferior medium to oils. This prejudice is slowly changing as acrylics improve in quality and artists produce impressive works. As with any medium, there are drawbacks when using acrylics but when used correctly, the benefits outweigh any negatives.
What is more important than which medium is used is how well it is used. The new breed of artist will use any medium which best suits their style and process. They will often combine media, using both oils and acrylics to achieve the effects they want.
There are a huge number of artworks being produced by acrylic artists today. A whole new era of creativity has opened up and had a marked influence
The fact that it dried so quickly proved to be the best and worst quality of these paints. Quick drying meant that the long waiting time required with oils was eliminated. This was a major advantage but it also meant that certain techniques such as blending were more difficult. Today, manufacturers have produced extenders and retarders to deal with the disadvantages of quick drying.
One of the best aspects of acrylics was that just about any surface could be used. This encouraged experimentation on a range of materials including paper, wood, stone and canvas. Canvas was still most commonly used but results on most materials showed good coverage and the luster was even.
There are a number of galleries today that still do not want to sell acrylics. They feel it is an inferior medium to oils. This prejudice is slowly changing as acrylics improve in quality and artists produce impressive works. As with any medium, there are drawbacks when using acrylics but when used correctly, the benefits outweigh any negatives.
What is more important than which medium is used is how well it is used. The new breed of artist will use any medium which best suits their style and process. They will often combine media, using both oils and acrylics to achieve the effects they want.
There are a huge number of artworks being produced by acrylic artists today. A whole new era of creativity has opened up and had a marked influence
One of the best aspects of acrylics was that just about any surface could be used. This encouraged experimentation on a range of materials including paper, wood, stone and canvas. Canvas was still most commonly used but results on most materials showed good coverage and the luster was even.
There are a number of galleries today that still do not want to sell acrylics. They feel it is an inferior medium to oils. This prejudice is slowly changing as acrylics improve in quality and artists produce impressive works. As with any medium, there are drawbacks when using acrylics but when used correctly, the benefits outweigh any negatives.
What is more important than which medium is used is how well it is used. The new breed of artist will use any medium which best suits their style and process. They will often combine media, using both oils and acrylics to achieve the effects they want.
There are a huge number of artworks being produced by acrylic artists today. A whole new era of creativity has opened up and had a marked influence on the art forms being explored. Art has become more accessible and has reached a much wider audience. Acrylics do not crack or turn yellow with age like oils paints. They do not fade like water colors. They are durable and affordable, putting artwork into the hands of appreciative clients worldwide.
About the Author:
There are a number of galleries today that still do not want to sell acrylics. They feel it is an inferior medium to oils. This prejudice is slowly changing as acrylics improve in quality and artists produce impressive works. As with any medium, there are drawbacks when using acrylics but when used correctly, the benefits outweigh any negatives.
What is more important than which medium is used is how well it is used. The new breed of artist will use any medium which best suits their style and process. They will often combine media, using both oils and acrylics to achieve the effects they want.
There are a huge number of artworks being produced by acrylic artists today. A whole new era of creativity has opened up and had a marked influence on the art forms being explored. Art has become more accessible and has reached a much wider audience. Acrylics do not crack or turn yellow with age like oils paints. They do not fade like water colors. They are durable and affordable, putting artwork into the hands of appreciative clients worldwide.
About the Author:
If you're interested in acrylic artists, check out www.jpmuirarts.com and see some great work. Visit her website at http://www.jpmuirarts.com today.