A Brief History Of Acrylic Paint
Painting with acrylics is a great way to get introduced to painting and has many benefits, which is why we prefer them for our classes. These plastic-based paints are easy to use, spread evenly, and dry quickly, which are just some of the many reasons why we love them!
Acrylic paint is a fast-drying type of paint made of pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion. Acrylics are water-soluble, but when dry, they become water-resistant. They were first developed in 1934, used in the 1940s, and widely used by artists since the 1960s.
Two of today’s most popular artist acrylic brands, Golden Artist Colors Inc. and Liquitex, were pioneers in the creation of acrylic paints and mediums. After acrylic resin dispersion was invented in the 1930s in Germany, it was adapted by artist Leonard Bocour and Sam Golden (who went on to be a founder of Golden Artist Colors Inc.) in the creation of the first acrylic paint – a solution of spirit-based paint by the brand name “Magna”.
The development of acrylic evolved quickly from this point. Sam Goldeninvented a waterborne acrylic paint called “Aquatec,” taking a step closer to the acrylics we know and love today. Though they are one of the most popular products on our shelves, acrylic paints have had a short history.
Acrylics helped open up a whole new world for artists.
They could be used to create both watercolor-like thin effects and thick, impasto techniques, and could bind to almost any surface. Their faster drying time and bright colors made them ideal for emerging visual art movements like Pop Art.
Over the years, acrylics became more versatile as further methods for mark-making in this luscious and vibrant paint were explored. Soft body, a more fluid-consistency paint, was the first available acrylic paint. It was followed by many iterations such as heavy body acrylics, fluid acrylics, and pigmented acrylic inks, plus acrylic spray paints and markers. Their versatility makes them ideal for mixed media painting and collage, and with the advent of drying retarders and lines like GOLDEN’s OPEN Acrylics offering a slower drying time, their use in "Plein Air' painting (painting outdoor landscapes while outside) has blossomed.
In their relatively short history, the possibilities of this versatile medium with professional grades offering high pigment loads, a multitude of viscosities, and dozens of acrylic mediums, the ways an artist can employ acrylics have become endless. Watch our acrylic videos here, or register for an acrylic Visiting Artist Demonstration at your local Opus for inspiration and techniques from BC artists on how they use acrylics in their work.
PRO TIPS:
** Acrylics dry faster than other types of paint, so you have to work more quickly with this material. This is a great benefit if you’re looking to paint in layers, but the shortened work time can be a little daunting for newer artists. To be able to work faster, always have an idea in your head of what you want to paint and get it on the canvas quickly. The more time you spend repainting the same areas, the less responsive your acrylics will become. If you need more time to work, you can use an acrylic retarder like Matisse’s Drying Retarder or if you’re working on paper, a light dabbing of waterworks.
** Thin your acrylics with mediums to preserve their integrity. Though acrylics are a water-based paint, thinning them with water will weaken the binder.
** Work with a palette knife to add some texture. Switching things up with a palette knife instead of a brush is fun. Palette knives can add different textures to your artwork by either scraping paint away or adding thick layers.
** Paint over mistakes when the piece is dry. If you’ve made a mistake, no worries. You won’t have to wait long for the paint to dry to easily paint over any stray marks or unwanted colors.
When you join us for a class, all of your acrylic paints will be ready to use on the palette we have at your seat! Our talented and helpful team of artists will be there the whole class to help you create your painting, as well as teach you several new techniques about acrylic painting!
Can't wait to see you for a class!
Share Come Try Out Acrylic Paint In Our Studio! | Different Types Of Paint!