 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
acrylic
tinware
oil
silk
stencil
techniques
tips
water
|
|
| Painting with Acrylics |
| ||||||
| Painting with Acrylics A number of painters today have turned to acrylics, primarily because of their speed, simplicity, and versatility. Acrylics are easy to use chiefly because they are water-soluble. Consequently, they do not require any thinner or brush cleaner other than water. Acrylics, though, do not possess all the qualities of oils. The rapid drying of acrylics makes it difficult to produce a smooth blending of edges. Rapid drying also may cause the paint to build up too quickly. As the paint dries, changes tend to appear in colour and texture. Colours darken, and because acrylics dry through evaporation, a loss of body occurs which causes the surface to flatten out unless special substances are added to help prevent this condition. Every material opens up some avenues, blocks others. Ultimately, the artist must find his own way with the material as with everything else. Unlike oil paints, acrylics do not come in grades. They do differ in glossiness and in selection of colours. Modeling paste is sometimes used with acylics to build up surfaces quickly. Drying retarder is helpful for achieving subtle colour and value transitions. Use an atomizer to spray a fine mist of water on an area to slow down drying. Finishing varnish may be applied to the completed painting to protect it and give a uniform surface with a slight gloss. For a glossier surface, two coats of gloss medium, reduced with equal parts of water, may be used instead of varnish. A matte finishing varnish is available in a spray can. Cleaning brushes in water is quick and easy. It is usually best to use the largest possible brush for any given task. Hair brushes are good for blending and for making fine continuous lines. Bristle brushes are of three types: brights, flats, and rounds. Brights give good control, define edges accurately and regulate the thickness of the paint. Flats are good for washes. Flats are best on smooth Masonite where tracking is a hazard. Rounds move easily in any direction and are well suited for loosely handled areas. Nylon brushes are easy to clean and come in flats, brights and rounds. For a painting surface, Masonite is extremely durable and somewhat cheaper and easier to prepare than canvas, but it is heavy and must be framed to prevent damage to edges and warping. Canvas responds well to a brush. Linen is more expensive than cotton and is prized for its longevity and texture. For a cool, controlled, intellectual approach, a smooth surface is usually better. Always experiment to find the best surface. Basic Materials for Painting with Acrylics Colours in Tubes or Jars Colours for beginners are napthol crimson, ultramarine blue, cadmium yellow light, phthalocyanine green, titanium white, mars black. Colours in jars are best for covering large flat areas. Gloss Medium Used for creating glazes or for thinning paints to 'wash' consistency. The flexibility of acrylics is lost when thinning with water. Water produces a matte finish. Gloss medium may also be used as a final finishing varnish. Matte Medium To produce a matte finish. Gel Medium Gives body to paint for impasto effect, increases transparency, slows drying time. Gesso Primes canvas or masonite. When added to acrylic colours, will produce a matte surface somewhat like casein. Ethyl Alcohol Dissolves dried paint in brushes. Brush Cleaner Cleans brushes more effectively than alcohol but is not so versatile. Canvas Cotton duck or linen. Canvas board is not satisfactory for acrylics because of its tendency to warp. Stretchers Unless heavy-duty bars are used, stretchers tend to warp when canvas is stretched tightly. Modular Colours Make it possible to match values in different colours and greatly extend the number of colours available to the artist. Modeling Paste Used to create textured frames. May be mixed with gel medium for heavy impasto effects. Hyplar Hyslo Extends drying time of acrylics. Matte Varnish Somewhat more transparent finish than matte medium, dries with a slight non-reflective sheen. Soluvar Varnish Spray-on varnish that dissolves in turpentine or mineral spirits. Spray Fixatives To fix preliminary charcoal drawings. For drawings on canvas, a mixture of matte medium and water will achieve the same result. |
 Sign Guestbook |
 View Guestbook |
 craftideas@canada.com |
|
. |
| Visitors: 01521 |