Mediums: Part 1
"Overgrown” Acrylic and Ink on Paper 9x12, Inktober 2019
“He who works with his hands is a laborer.
He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.
He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.” St Francis of Assisi
Golden and Liquitex are my favorite brands right now
It seems difficult to find a medium more forgiving and fun than acrylic paint.
I first invested in artist quality acrylic paint in 2009. I was immediately mesmerized by the vibrancy and the richness of the pigments that held up with my blunders and my -literal- mix ups as I learned how to blend colors and play with the versatile paint.
005/100 Portrait Series, 2019
Isolation, Part 2, 2020
As a polymer-based paint, it offers a unique playground for the master and the beginner alike. For me, it gave me a boundary of time to loosen my brushstrokes and paint more expressively as the paint is very quick to dry. This also allows you to explore and make mistakes without causing total failures. You can simply paint over any mistakes once its dry.
Abstract Sketches, 2018
Its characteristics can be easily modified to resemble totally different mediums. There are gels and glazing liquids to change consistencies. Shimmers and tints to change appearance. And even just adding more water can be used to mimic watercolor and gouache.
It also adheres to many surfaces which allows it to be an excellent medium for mixed media artists.
Lady in Blue, acrylic on paper
Portrait Sketchbook, 2018
Personally, I am completely in love with the thick buttery texture of Golden brand and Liquitex professional series. I do not often use mediums such as a gel matte medium or pastes to increase the thickness of the paint. I like the texture straight from the tube. I often work quickly and when I want to build layers of color, I use water to increase the transparency.
Acrylic paint is a good choice for any creative person wishing to play with minimal restrictions and easy self-correction. Happy Painting!
I’ll share my current favorite brushes in the next part of the series on materials I use.
Kentucky Summers, Private Collection, 2018
What Lies Ahead, Acrylic on 2’x4’ Canvas, Private Collection, 2018