Acrylics: Why They Shine Above Other Art Mediums

So far in this series, we have looked at the art medium of pastels here.

The History of Acrylics

Now let’s explore using acrylics as a painting medium. First, let’s talk briefly about the history of acrylic paint.  It was originally created in 1934 in the hopes of finding a cheaper and safer way to apply paint to cars, but it was not until 1940, however, that the paint we know today was actually developed. This paint did not gain popularity with artists until sometime around 1940. But by 1960, artists everywhere had embraced the use of this medium.

The Enticing Qualities of Acrylics

Artists loved the ability to clean brushes with soap and water. They loved the quick drying time that allowed them to paint numerous layers in a single sitting. They fell in love with the vibrant colors available in this medium. The use of acrylics changed the way some artists painted completely because they could now do things in one day that used to take weeks due to drying times between layers. They come in a variety of forms, such as fluid acrylics, heavy body acrylics, and the regular type that we are all familiar with.  They come in matte finishes as well as gloss finishes, so you have to decide ahead of time what look you are going for.

One of the reasons that acrylics were such a hit is that you can control the opacity of the paint with water, so you can mimic watercolors by thinning a lot, and you can mimic oils by using directly from the tube. Artists were delighted by this ability to make different styles of paintings using the same medium, which in turn saved them money.

As I said before, the vibrant colors were delightful, but the reason artists loved the paints was that when they dried, the vibrant colors remained the same. Watercolors change as they dry.  Oils change as they dry. So an artist had to plan for the change in colors before painting.  Now, with acrylics, there was no need for this type of planning, and painters were able to become more spontaneous.

So let’s compare acrylic paint to other mediums:

• Acrylics vs. Oil Paints:
  • Drying time (acrylics dry faster).
  • Ease of modification (acrylics are more forgiving).
  • Odor and toxicity (acrylics are less toxic).

 

 

• Acrylics vs. watercolors:
  • Opacity and coverage (acrylics are more opaque).
  • Surface versatility (acrylics adhere to more surfaces).

 

 

• Acrylics vs. Pastels:
  • Permanence and durability (acrylics are more durable).
  • Color blending (different techniques).

Reasons to Try Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are good for anyone who wants to paint.  They are beginner-friendly, easy to learn to use, and easy to experiment with. Artists use them when they need professional, high-quality work. They are widely available and very affordable. One of the benefits of using acrylics is the ease of mixing colors and mediums.  You can also incorporate textures into the paint. Artists everywhere love to experiment with different techniques using the medium, such as glazing and impasto. This medium is truly flexible and useful.

So, I hope this has encouraged you to try your hand with acrylic paint.  You can get vibrant colors and textures in your work to satisfy your need to put your feelings on paper. You will enjoy the ease of use as well as the ease of clean-up since you wash your utensils with soap and water.  There is no toxic materials to deal with, and there are no strong odors to irritate you.

I’d like to invite you to share your experiences painting with acrylic paints with me here.  Send me pictures of your art, please. And if you enjoyed this blog post, please subscribe to the blog for more art-related content weekly. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

If you want to learn more about this topic, here are some resource links for you to click on:

• 9 Tips for How To Use Acrylic Paint Effectively
• How To Use Acrylic Paint – A Beginners Guide
• 10 Simple Acrylic Painting Tips | Do’s & Dont’s, Be a Better Painter