Acrylic paints have been around since the 1940s replacing oil paint as a favorite because of it's relatively short dry time. It can be thinned with water or applied thickly to create real texture. It never fades like watercolor or cracks like oil paint. Craft/student grade acrylic is relatively inexpensive, but it lacks the pigment of more expensive paint. Artists grade acrylic paint cost more, but the the quality and richness of color makes it worth the expense. Artist grade acrylic comes in a variety of colors and prices vary based on the ingredient materials. Acrylic paint is sold in both tubes and jars.
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LUNDGREN'S LIBRARY - Acrylic books available in the art room.
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Materials and Equipment
Below is some of common materials used by acrylic artists. A few of these are available in our art room while others are not. Mediums, Additives and Gesso Products change the look, thickness, and texture of acrylic paint. They include gloss medium, modeling paste, texture gels and varnish Write the terms and definitions below in your sketchbook Acrylic Medium - a gel that thickens the paint with out changing the value of the color Gesso - A white (sometimes black or grey) primer that helps the paint stick to a surface Gloss or Matte Medium - Changes the sheen of the paint to extra glossy or flat |
Brushes
Choose a brush you for the technique you will be using. Brushes can be very expensive. A quality, mid-range brush will do the job. Inexpensive brushes have bristles that fall out and stick to your artwork.
Brush Care If brushes are cleaned and cared for, they will last a lifetime.
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Palette
Palettes hold paint colors and give the artist an area to mix colors. There are many palettes available for purchase, but any rigid, sealed surface will work. It is important that the surface can't absorb the paint, so paint doesn't dry before it can be used. |
Easel
An easel places the painting surface parallel to the artist's face preventing visual distortion. It also allows the artist to stand and step back from their work improving the artist compositional decision making. Prop the the canvas on a stack of books so that it is not totally flat on the table when an easel isn't available. |