Information courtesy of Winsor & Newton™
Watercolor is the most popular painting method today. Its popularity can largely be attributed to the exquisite effects of depth, texture and light which can be achieved from its delicate washes. It is also attractive for its portability – all you need is a paint box, brush and paper.
Information courtesy of Winsor & Newton™
We all envy those people who can paint or draw. Well, the secret is out – with a healthy desire and the right instruction, anyone can bring shape and life to ideas on paper. This article offers step-by-step instruction to help you get started.
Information courtesy of Liquitex®
Basic Characteristics & Care
• Water-soluble while wet.
• Built up surfaces will remain free of cracks and chips. Less flexible in cold weather. Softer in warm weather.
• Should be thinned with a minimum of water. To maintain the stability of the final film, use acrylic mediums or additives to adjust the flow and working properties.
• Do not mix with solvents, turpentine or oils. Mix only with other acrylic emulsion paints or mediums.
• Keep brushes wet. Clean up brushes, hands and palette with soap and water.
• Little odor, no fumes, nonflammable.
• Do not flex, roll, or unroll acrylic paintings in temperatures below 45°F.
Information courtesy of Liquitex®
Acrylic colors dry as a result of water evaporation. Here’s what occurs as pigment, water, and acrylic are transformed into a last-for-ages paint film:
Information courtesy of Liquitex®
Is water the best additive for thinning acrylic color?
Water is, in fact, the solvent for the acrylic/water emulsion. You’ll find that you get the best performance – not to mention the most fun – out of acrylics if you make use of acrylic mediums to adjust the working properties of the color. Save the water for clean up.
Information courtesy of Liquitex®
As a general rule, you should always varnish your acrylic work when possible. Varnishes are applied over dry paint films and serve several purposes. Their first and most important function is to protect the painting surface from the environment and protect the pigments from ultraviolet light. Secondly, varnished can be used to saturate and reveal a painting’s surface, thereby unifying the overall sheen.
Information courtesy of Winsor & Newton™
Acrylic paints, a modern medium which came into general use in the 1960s, have become very popular due to their extreme versatility. They are made from pigment, water and an acrylic binder, which forms a hard, clear film as the water evaporates. It is this transparent film, reflecting light from the pigment inside it, that gives acrylic color its brilliance.
Information courtesy of Winsor & Newton™
Oil colors have been used in various forms since before the 15th Century. The popularity of oil color can be attributed to its extraordinary versatility. It offers the artist excellent results from the traditional painting techniques of blending and glazing, impasto and scumbling. Originally, oil colors were prepared by the master painter’s apprentices on site in the studio.
