Acrylic painting on canvas Automatic translate

Acrylic painting is a relatively young technique that has quickly gained popularity among artists around the world. This technique is characterized by its versatility, quick drying and a variety of possible effects. Combining the best qualities of oil and watercolor painting, acrylic allows you to create both realistic images with subtle transitions and bright expressive works with a pronounced texture. Acrylic paints have excellent adhesion to almost any surface, high resistance to external influences and are environmentally friendly, which makes them a popular choice among beginners and experienced artists.

History of acrylic paints

The history of acrylic painting is about 70-80 years old, which is quite short compared to the centuries-old traditions of oil and watercolor techniques. The first step towards the creation of acrylic paints was made in the late 1920s, when the German chemist Otto Röhm discovered polymethyl acrylate - a durable transparent plastic, later known as plexiglass. In 1933, Röhm developed a method for diluting solid polymer resins with solvents, which became a fundamental discovery for the creation of the first acrylic paints.

However, the real breakthrough came in the 1940s, when American manufacturers Leonard Bocour and Sam Golden founded a company to produce art materials. In 1947, they created the first artist acrylic called Magna paint, made from an organic solvent - turpentine.

An important role in the development of acrylic paints was played by the period of Mexican muralism – monumental fresco painting that emerged at the beginning of the 20th century. One of the founders of this movement was David Alfaro Siqueiros, who experimented with paints based on various resins. Initially, he used pyroxylin, which was used in the industry for painting cars.

In the 1950s, Bocourt and Golden continued their experiments and by 1960, they had launched water-based acrylic paints under the brand name Aquatec. These paints were much safer and easier to use than the earlier solvent-based versions.

In 1963, chemist Henry Levinson created a professional acrylic paint for artists and released it under the brand name "Liquitex". Such famous artists as Andy Warhol and David Hockney began working with these paints.

By the 1960s, acrylic paints had become widely used in various art movements – pop art, abstract art, op art and photorealism. Artists appreciated their quick drying, bright colours and ability to create a variety of effects.

The First Acrylic Artists

The first artists to actively experiment with acrylic paints were representatives of abstract expressionism and pop art. Maurice Louis created large-scale and expressive canvases with streams of color, using the technique of "painting" the canvas with diluted acrylic paints.

Helen Frankenthaler, Kenneth Noland, and Barnett Newman also worked with early acrylics, valuing them for their ability to create clean fields of color and crisp geometric forms.

In the 1960s, pop artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein used acrylic paint to create vibrant, saturated images that reflected the popular culture of the time. The clear colors and crisp edges that acrylic allowed for were perfect for the pop art aesthetic.

By the late 1960s, photorealist artists such as Richard Estes and Chuck Close began using acrylic paints to create incredibly detailed images that were almost indistinguishable from photographs.

Since then, acrylic painting has become an integral part of the arsenal of artistic techniques and continues to evolve, providing artists with new opportunities for self-expression.

Composition and properties of acrylic paints

Acrylic paints are water-dispersed dyes based on polyacrylates – polymers of methyl, ethyl and butyl acrylates, as well as their copolymers, which act as film formers.

The basic composition of acrylic paints includes three main components:

• The pigment responsible for color
• Acrylic resin in the form of water dispersion (binder)
• Water as a solvent

These paints are also called water-dispersed paints because they consist of tiny particles of acrylic resin suspended in water and pigment. As the water evaporates, the resin particles merge, forming a strong, wear-resistant paint layer.

Advantages and disadvantages

Acrylic paints have a number of significant advantages that explain their popularity:

1. Versatility of application – can be used on canvas, paper, wood, stone, glass, fabric and many other surfaces.
2. Quick drying – the paint dries within 10-30 minutes, which allows you to create multi-layered works in a short time.
3. Environmentally friendly – ​​have a slight odor, do not contain toxic solvents, are safe for health and the environment.
4. Durability – does not fade, does not crack, is resistant to moisture and ultraviolet radiation after drying.
5. Plasticity – after drying, they form an elastic film that does not crack over time.
6. A variety of techniques – can be used as watercolor (with strong dilution with water) or as oil (with dense application).
7. Possibility of correcting mistakes – thanks to fast drying and opacity, you can easily cover up unsuccessful areas with a new layer of paint.

Among the disadvantages of acrylic paints are:

1. Drying too quickly in some cases – paint can dry on the palette or brush while you work, making it difficult to create smooth transitions without special additives.
2. Colour change when drying – acrylic darkens slightly, which should be taken into account when mixing shades.
3. The glossy appearance of the surface - some artists consider this a disadvantage, although there are matte acrylic paints that solve this problem.

Differences from other types of paints

Acrylic paints differ significantly from oil and watercolor paints in a number of parameters:

Acrylic differs from oil paints in the following properties:

• Acrylic dries within minutes or hours, whereas oil can take months or even years to dry.
• Acrylic is diluted with water, not solvents, which makes working with it safer and more comfortable.
• Acrylic paints do not darken or turn yellow over time, unlike oil.
• When working with acrylic, the “fat on lean” rule that is typical for oil painting does not apply.

Acrylic differs from watercolor paints in:

• Once dry, the acrylic becomes waterproof and does not wash away when re-applied with a wet layer.
• Acrylic is more opaque and produces richer colors.
• Acrylic paints allow you to work in a pasty manner, creating voluminous textures, which is impossible with watercolors.
• Acrylic does not fade over time as much as watercolor.

Preparing Canvas for Acrylic Painting

Proper canvas preparation is an important step before starting to work with acrylic paints. Although acrylic has good adhesion to various surfaces, priming the canvas is necessary to achieve the best results and durability of the work.

Priming the canvas

For acrylic painting, acrylic-based primers are most often used. They are mixtures whose main component is an acrylic polymer emulsion. The composition also includes fillers such as barite, magnesium carbonate and calcium, which create a certain texture of the primer.

Canvas primer serves several functions:

• Creates a barrier between the canvas and the paints, preventing the dyes from being absorbed into the fabric.
• Provides a uniform surface for paint application
• Improves adhesion of paint to canvas
• Protects canvas from damage and environmental influences

The canvas priming process involves the following steps:

1. The canvas stretched on the frame should be pre-treated to remove any possible dirt.
2. Before applying the primer, it is recommended to glue the canvas with a weak solution of PVA glue or a special adhesive composition. This reduces the absorbency of the canvas and saves primer.
3. After the sizing has dried (usually after 8-12 hours), you can apply the first coat of primer, often diluted with water (approximately 1:1) for better penetration into the canvas fibers.
4. For acrylic painting, it is recommended to apply at least two coats of primer, allowing each to dry completely (usually 6-12 hours).
5. The primer is applied with a wide flat synthetic brush or a special spatula using uniform movements, first in one direction, then perpendicularly.
6. If desired, the final coat of primer can be lightly sanded with fine-grit sandpaper to achieve a smoother surface.

Types of soils and foundations

For acrylic painting, you can use different types of primers and bases:

1. Acrylic primer is the most common and versatile option. It dries quickly, does not turn yellow over time, and is suitable for both acrylic and oil paints.
2. Gesso is a traditional white primer that creates a smooth, slightly absorbent surface. Modern gesso is often acrylic based.
3. Colored primers can serve as a tinted base for a painting, influencing the overall color scheme of the work.

In addition to primed canvas, a variety of bases can be used for acrylic painting:

• Primed cardboard is a light and affordable material, suitable for sketches and small works.
• Plywood and fiberboard are durable substrates that require careful priming.
• Glass and metal are unconventional surfaces that can be used to create special effects.
• Acrylic paper is a specially formulated heavyweight paper with a canvas-like texture.

Instead of applying your own primer, you can purchase a ready-made primed canvas, stretched on a frame or in a roll. For beginning artists, this may be a more convenient option, allowing you to start working right away.

Acrylic Painting Tools

Properly selected tools and materials play an important role in working with acrylic paints, allowing you to fully reveal the potential of this versatile material and create a variety of artistic effects.

Brushes for acrylic

Brushes with synthetic bristles are mainly used for acrylic painting. Natural bristles (such as squirrel or kolinsky) can quickly deteriorate when in contact with water and the alkaline environment of acrylic paints. Synthetic brushes are more resistant to these factors, retain their shape better and last longer.

Basic types of brushes for acrylic painting:

• Flat brushes – for applying large areas of color and creating clear lines
• Round brushes – for details, lines of varying thickness and small areas
• Filbert brushes (with a rounded edge) are universal brushes that combine the properties of flat and round brushes.
• Fan brushes – for creating special textured effects
• Blending brushes – with soft bristles for smooth transitions between colors

Palette knives and other tools

In addition to brushes, other tools are often used for acrylic painting:

Palette knives are special tools in the form of spatulas made of flexible metal with a wooden handle. They are used to mix paints on a palette, apply impasto strokes and create textured surfaces. Palette knives come in different shapes: rectangular, diamond-shaped, pointed, rounded.

Sponges and sponges - used to create textured effects, apply paint with uneven coverage or imitate certain surfaces (clouds, foliage, stone).

Stencils – help create repeating patterns or clear geometric shapes.

Palette – For acrylic paints, it is recommended to use non-porous palettes made of plastic, glass or ceramic, which do not absorb paint and are easy to clean. Because acrylic dries quickly, many artists prefer wet palettes or palettes with a lid.

Paints and additives for acrylic

Special additives allow you to change the properties of paints in accordance with artistic objectives:

1. Acrylic varnishes are products that add transparency to acrylic paints without changing their consistency. There are different types: - Gloss varnish - enhances shine and color depth - Matt varnish - reduces shine and creates a matte surface - Pearlescent varnish - adds a shimmering effect
2. Drying retarders are agents that extend the drying time of acrylic paints. The retarder is a transparent, thick, colorless gel-like mass containing glycol, which provides paint moisture and slows down the evaporation of water. Drying time can be extended from half an hour to 5 hours, depending on the amount of retarder added.
3. Structural pastes and gels are products for creating voluminous, relief surfaces: - Light modeling gel - contains microspheres that make it light and airy - Heavy modeling gel - dense and thick, allows you to create clear shapes - Texture gel - contains additives (sand, glass beads, fibers)
4. Glaze varnishes – increase transparency and depth of color, creating an effect similar to oil painting.
5. Texture gels – allow you to imitate various textures, from rough plaster to fine craquelure mesh.

These additives significantly expand the artistic possibilities of acrylic paints, allowing you to create a variety of effects, from thin glazes to voluminous relief surfaces.

Basic Acrylic Painting Techniques

Acrylic paints allow you to use a variety of techniques, from those reminiscent of watercolor to those close to oil painting, as well as create unique effects that are characteristic only of acrylic.

Glazing and imitation of watercolor

Glazing is a technique of applying translucent layers of paint one on top of the other, waiting for the previous layer to dry completely. For glazing, acrylic is diluted with water or a special glaze varnish to a translucent state.

This technique allows you to create depth and volume, as well as achieve complex, rich color effects. When glazing, the colors are not physically mixed, but create an optical effect of a new color. For example, to get a greenish tint, first apply a translucent yellow layer, and then, after it dries, a translucent blue.

Imitation of watercolour is achieved by strongly diluting acrylic paints with water (in a ratio of approximately 1:5). The more water is added, the more transparent and delicate the shade becomes. To enhance the effect of "spreading" of paint, you can use a sprayer: under the influence of water drops, acrylic spreads over the surface, creating effects characteristic of the watercolour technique.

Unlike real watercolor, once dry, acrylic does not blur again when new layers are applied, which makes it possible to work layer by layer without fear of mixing or blurring previous layers.

Impasto and textured techniques

Impasto is a technique in which paint is applied in thick, textured strokes, creating a relief surface. Acrylic paint in tubes is well suited for this technique, as it has a paste-like consistency. The paint can be applied directly from the tube or with a palette knife.

To enhance the effect, modeling gels or structural pastes are added to the paint, which increase the volume and preserve the shape of the strokes. The impasto technique allows you to create expressive, dynamic works with a pronounced texture, where the play of light and shadow on the relief surface becomes part of the artistic effect.

Textured techniques involve the use of various tools and materials to create textures:

• The technique of dotted stippling (pointillism) involves applying small dots of pure color with a bristle brush, which optically blend in the viewer’s eye.
• The spatter technique creates dripping and splashing effects by dipping the brush into diluted paint and giving it a sharp flick on the base of the bristles.
• Using sponges and scoops allows you to create unique textures reminiscent of a leaf crown, clouds, stone or tree bark.
• The scratching technique (sgraffito) involves scratching lines and patterns into a fresh layer of paint, revealing an underlying layer of a different color.

Working with color and mixing

Acrylic paints mix well with each other, allowing you to get an infinite number of shades. When mixing, it is important to remember that after drying, the color becomes a little darker, so it is recommended to make shades half a tone lighter than the desired result.

The technique of creating soft transitions (blending) is one of the most difficult techniques of acrylic painting due to the rapid drying of the paint. To create a smooth transition from one color to another, you can use several approaches:

• Work very quickly before the paint dries.
• Add drying retarder to paint
• Use the "wet edge" method, whereby the new color is always applied to the still wet edge of the previous section

The "dry" technique (drybrush) involves applying paint with a dry brush, not soaked in water. The paint is collected on the brush and partially wiped off on a paper towel, then applied to the surface with light movements. This technique allows you to create interesting texture effects, imitate rough surfaces, and emphasize the texture of the base.

When working with acrylic paints, you can use both the technique of applying dense, opaque layers (alla prima) and multi-layer painting with intermediate drying of each layer. The rapid drying of acrylic makes the multi-layer technique especially convenient, since you do not need to wait long between layers.

Peculiarities of working with acrylic paints

Acrylic paints have their own specific characteristics that affect the process of working with them. Understanding these features helps the artist to use the material’s capabilities most effectively.

Fast drying and ways to slow it down

One of the main features of acrylic is fast drying. The paint dries within 10-20 minutes, and thin layers - even faster. On the one hand, this allows you to quickly apply new layers and complete the work in one session, on the other - it creates difficulties when working on details and smooth transitions.

There are several methods to slow down the drying of acrylic paints:

1. Special drying retarders are added directly to the paint. An acrylic retarder is a transparent, thick, colorless gel-like mass containing glycol, which provides paint moisture and prevents rapid evaporation of water. After adding a retarder, the drying time can increase from half an hour to 5 hours.
2. Regular moistening – the surface of the palette and canvas can be periodically sprayed with clean water from a spray bottle, creating a mist of fine spray.
3. Wet palette or palette with lid - special palettes with a wet sponge or with the ability to seal tightly help keep the paint wet longer.
4. Covering the palette – during breaks, you can cover the palette with paints with cling film, which prevents water from evaporating.

When using a retarder, it is necessary to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended proportions (usually from 5% to 15% of the paint volume) so as not to change the basic properties and color of the paint.

Working with layers and fixing errors

Acrylic paints offer great freedom in layering. Unlike oil painting, where the rule is "thick on thin" (heavier layers are applied over lighter ones), in acrylic you can apply layers in any order.

The quick drying and opacity of acrylic make it easy to correct mistakes:

• You can simply wait for the paint to dry and apply a new coat over the affected area.
• Minor imperfections can be hidden using glazing techniques or applying translucent layers.
• Significant errors can be completely covered with a thick layer of white or other light paint, thus creating a new basis for work.

When working with layers of acrylic, it is important to remember that each subsequent layer must be applied to the completely dry previous one, otherwise the colors may mix or the lower layer may be damaged.

The technique of multi-layered acrylic painting allows for the creation of complex, deep color effects. The artist can begin with transparent, thin layers, similar to watercolor, and then gradually add denser, opaque layers, creating volume and space in the painting.

Care of instruments

Proper tool care is critical when working with acrylic paints, as dried acrylic is nearly impossible to remove from brushes and other surfaces.

Basic rules for instrument care:

1. Brushes should be washed immediately after use, without waiting for the paint to dry. Warm water and soap are sufficient for washing, special solvents are not required.
2. The cleaning process for brushes should be thorough: first wash in water to remove the bulk of the paint, then wash with soap, gently massaging the bristles, and finally rinse with clean water.
3. After washing, the brushes should be gently blotted with a paper towel or soft cloth and shaped so that the bristles do not become deformed when drying.
4. It is better to store brushes horizontally or with the bristles facing up to avoid deforming them.
5. The palette should be cleaned after each use. Fresh acrylic paint can be washed off with water, and dried acrylic paint can be carefully scraped off or special acrylic removers can be used.
6. To protect your hands while working, it is recommended to use gloves or protective cream, as acrylic paints can cause dry skin and are difficult to wash off your hands after drying.

Proper care of your tools not only extends their lifespan, but also ensures better quality painting results.

Creating volume and texture

One of the main advantages of acrylic paints is the ability to create a variety of textures and volumetric elements. This allows artists to expand the boundaries of a two-dimensional image and add a tactile, tangible component to their paintings.

Modeling gels and pastes

Modeling gels and pastes are special acrylic compounds that are added to paint or used independently to create relief surfaces. After drying, they form a strong, elastic layer that does not crack or crumble.

Acrylic modeling gel is designed to create relief surfaces or volumetric drawings on any base on which acrylic paints are applied - this can be wood, cardboard, metal, canvas, glass, concrete or stone. The gel is applied and modeled using palette knives, special relief knives, brushes or foam sponges.

The modeling gel is easily tinted with acrylic paints, and depending on the amount of paint added, it can be from translucent to completely opaque. Drying occurs by evaporation of water within 12-24 hours, depending on the thickness of the layer. After drying, a waterproof elastic film is formed.

There are several types of modeling gels and pastes:

• Transparent modeling gel - retains transparency after drying, allowing you to create volumetric elements on already applied drawings
• Light modeling gel - contains microspheres that make it light and airy, ideal for creating lush, voluminous textures
• Heavy modeling gel – dense and thick, allows you to create clear, well-shaped volumetric elements
• Texture gel – contains additives (sand, glass beads, fibers) that create interesting textures

Texture Creation Techniques

In addition to special gels and pastes, various techniques and tools are used to create textures in acrylic painting:

Palette knives are essential tools for creating texture. They allow you to apply paint in thick layers, create clear edges, interesting textures and textured strokes. Palette knives come in different shapes and sizes: pointed, rounded, rectangular, diamond-shaped. Each shape allows you to achieve a special effect.

Techniques for creating texture using available materials:

• Credit cards and plastic spatulas for creating stripes and lines
• Combs and serrated tools for wave patterns
• Sponges and fabrics for creating spotted textures
• Cling film applied to fresh paint and then peeled off to create unusual organic patterns
• Bubble wrap to create regular circles
• Pieces of lace, leaves and other flat objects for making prints

The scratching technique (sgraffito) involves scratching lines and patterns onto a fresh layer of paint, revealing an underlying layer of a different color. This can be done using a pointed stick, the back of a brush, or special engraving tools.

Impresto is the creation of a very thick layer of paint which can then be modelled to produce an effect similar to sculptural relief. This technique is particularly effective when depicting flowers, textured surfaces or abstract compositions.

Collage techniques with acrylic

Thanks to the good adhesive properties of acrylic, various materials can be introduced into acrylic painting, creating mixed techniques and collages. The work can include:

• Paper of different types (newsprint, kraft, tinted, textured)
• Fabrics and threads
• Natural materials (leaves, flowers, bark, sand)
• Small decorative elements (beads, glitter, glass balls)
• Metal elements (foil, wire, coins)

Acrylic paints and varnishes reliably fix these elements on the surface of the painting, and transparent gels allow you to create multi-layered compositions with objects “submerged” in them.

To glue objects, you can use acrylic glossy or matte varnish. First, a layer of varnish is applied to the surface, then the object is placed, and another layer of varnish is applied on top. After drying, the object is securely fixed and protected from environmental influences.

By using various techniques to create texture and volume, the artist can achieve stunning visual and tactile effects that make acrylic painting a unique and expressive art form.

Tips for Beginners

Acrylic painting is often the starting point for beginning artists due to its relative ease of use and variety of possibilities. The right approach to mastering this technique will help you avoid common mistakes and achieve the desired results faster.

Selecting Materials for Beginners

For beginning artists, it is important to choose the right materials that are high quality but not too expensive:

1. Paints – a set of 10-12 student-quality primary colors is enough to start with. Be sure to include white and black, as well as the basic primary colors (red, yellow, blue), from which other shades can be mixed.
2. Brushes – it is recommended to purchase a set of synthetic brushes of different sizes and shapes: – 2-3 flat brushes of different sizes for filling large spaces – 2-3 round brushes for details and lines – 1 filbert brush for shading and smooth transitions
3. Painting surface – you can start with inexpensive primed canvases on cardboard or acrylic paper. As you gain experience, you can move on to canvases on a stretcher.
4. Palette – any non-porous surface will do: plastic, glass or ceramic palette that does not absorb paint and is easy to clean.
5. Additional materials: – Water containers (two: one for washing brushes, the other for diluting paints) – Rags or paper towels to remove excess moisture from brushes – Spray bottle with clean water to moisten paints on the palette – Pencil and eraser for preliminary sketching

Common errors and their correction

Beginning artists often make certain mistakes when working with acrylic paints:

1. Applying too thick a coat of paint that dries slowly and poorly can cause cracking or bubbling. Solution: Apply several thin coats, allowing each one to dry thoroughly.
2. Excessive dilution of paint with water (more than 30% of the volume), which leads to loss of binding properties and poor adhesion to the base. Solution: use special varnishes for strong dilution.
3. Working on unprimed canvas, which results in uneven absorption of paint and its appearance on the back of the canvas. Solution: always use primed canvas or apply the primer yourself.
4. Improper storage of paints – leaving tubes open, which causes the paint to dry out. Solution: Always close tubes tightly after use.
5. Not cleaning brushes after work, which causes dried paint to ruin the bristles. Solution: wash brushes immediately after use with warm water and soap.

The order of working with acrylic paints

The correct sequence of actions when working with acrylic paints will help to avoid many problems:

1. Prepare your work area: Place all necessary materials and tools within easy reach. Put on work clothes or an apron.
2. Sketching: Use light lines to outline the main elements of the composition on the canvas. Use a soft pencil to do this, without pressing too hard.
3. Applying the background: Start with large areas of color using large brushes. This can be tinting the entire canvas or filling in large elements of the composition.
4. Work from the general to the specific: first establish the basic color and tonal relationships, then gradually move on to details, using smaller brushes.
5. Layer-by-layer application: apply each new layer only after the previous one has completely dried. If necessary, regularly moisten the paints on the palette with a spray bottle.
6. Finishing details: At the end of your work, add small details, accents, highlights that will give the painting a finished look.
7. Finishing: Once the painting is completely dry (usually 24-48 hours), a protective acrylic varnish can be applied, which will give the work additional protection and the desired level of shine (glossy, semi-matte or matte).

Following these guidelines will help beginning artists master the technique of acrylic painting and gain satisfaction from the creative process and its results.

Final recommendations

Acrylic painting offers artists a huge range of expression due to its versatility and wide range of techniques. As you improve your acrylic painting skills, here are some things to keep in mind to help you reach a professional level.

Experimenting with different techniques and materials is the key to developing your own style. Try combining acrylic with other materials: pastel, ink, pencil or collage elements. Explore the possibilities of acrylic varnishes and additives that can dramatically change the properties of paint and create amazing effects.

Storage and care of materials are important to ensure their durability. Acrylic paints should be stored at room temperature, avoiding freezing, as this can destroy the emulsion. Tubes should be tightly closed to prevent the paint from drying out.

To keep your brushes in good condition, clean them thoroughly after each use and store them horizontally or with the bristles facing up. Damaged brushes can cause unsatisfactory results even with a high level of artist skill.

Finished acrylic paintings do not require special storage conditions, unlike oil paintings. They do not emit odors and quickly become completely dry. However, it is recommended to avoid storing paintings in high humidity or direct sunlight to preserve the brightness of the colors.

For additional protection, the finished work can be covered with acrylic varnish, which will protect the surface from dust and ultraviolet radiation. The varnish is applied after the painting has completely dried in a thin, even layer using a wide, soft brush or a special sprayer.

As you gain experience working with acrylic paints, you will be able to create more complex and expressive works, experimenting with color, texture and composition. It is important to remember that skill comes with practice, and each new work is a step towards improving technique and developing your own artistic vision.