Acrylic Paints
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.
Characteristics of Acrylic Paint
Write the Characteristics of Acrylic Paint in your sketchbook Other mediums can be painted on top of dry acrylic paint, but acrylic can't always be painted on top of other mediums (like oil paint) Paper or objects that are placed on top of wet acrylic will be "glued" to the surface of the painting. Acrylic should be stirred and not shaken when separation occurs Dried paint turns into a plastic Acrylic paint can be thinned with water or acrylic medium Acrylic will shrink a little as it dries. The top layer of the acrylic dries quickly, but the paint is not totally cured for several weeks. Acrylic dries darker than when it is wet Dried acrylic looks glossy There is a short window to work with the wet paint before it becomes tacky
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.
Cleaning Paint Brushes
Write the steps to clean your paintbrush in your sketchbook
Palette Knives
Palette knives are use to mix color and apply paint. They can be made of both metal and plastic and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Knives are use to create texture in the paint and scrape in details or patterns. It is also useful for scraping off extra paint or mistakes before the paint dries.
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.
- Stiff Haired Bristle - Thick Paint
- Soft Bristle Brush - Thinned Paint
- Hog Hair/Synthetic - Good for moving heavy paint from palette to paper
- Long Handle - Painting at an easel
- Short Handle - Close up work
- Course Bristle -Texture and visible brush work
Brush Care
If brushes are cleaned and cared for, they will last a lifetime.
- Never allow paint to sit in the brush - Acrylic dries quickly ruining your brush
- Rinse in cold water
- Avoid warping- leaving it in water for long periods of time permanently warps the bristles and loosens the glue that holds the metal feral in place
Cleaning Paint Brushes
Write the steps to clean your paintbrush in your sketchbook
- Wipe excess paint on paper towel
- Rinse in cold water
- Add a small amount of soap to the end and rub in the palm of your hand to loosen paint
- Clean bristles from tip to ferrule (hardened paint at the base of the bristles near the ferrule will shorten the amount of flexible bristle length)
- Rinse tip until water is clear
- Reshape bristles to the original shape with finger tips
- Place handle down in a cup or jar to avoid bending bristle tips
Palette Knives
Palette knives are use to mix color and apply paint. They can be made of both metal and plastic and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Knives are use to create texture in the paint and scrape in details or patterns. It is also useful for scraping off extra paint or mistakes before the paint dries.
http://www.plazaart.com/brushes/painting-knives/rgm-painting-knives.html
http://www.elsey.com/ workshops.html
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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. |