Acrylic Painting

What Is Acrylic Paint? Water based acrylic paint is composed of pigment particles dispersed in an acrylic polymer emulsion.

Components of Acrylic Paint Pigment: A dry, powdery material that does not dissolve and remains suspended when mixed with acrylic polymer emulsion. Pigments can be organic, inorganic, natural and synthetic. Vehicle: A combination of polymer and water which create an emulsion. Once the water leaves the system via evaporation or absorption, the paint dries creating a stable film trapping the pigment particles and adhering them to the painted surface. Binder: Acrylic polymer without the water. The binder gives the paint its handling and durability characteristics.

Soft Body Paint Acrylic paints come in a wide variety of consistencies. They come in liquid called “soft body” that is similar in thickness to ketchup or mayonaise.

Heavy Body Paint Acrylic paints come in “heavy body” that is similar in consistency to toothpaste.

Extra Heavy Body Paint Acrylic paints also come in an extra heavy body that is thick, and holds its shape.

Acrylic Mediums Materials that are added under the paint, into the paint or over the paint for a specific purpose.

Prep: Surface preparations for acrylic painting. Acrylic gesso is applied to any non- paper surface used for painting to provide a good painting surface, and protect the paint over time. Textured mediums can be applied to the surface before painting as well. Paint: There are many acrylic mediums that can be added to the paint. They serve many different purposes such as extending drying time, thinning paint, thickening paint, giving the paint a matte or glossy finish when it dries, or special effects such as pearlessence. Finish: Acrylic varnishes can be applied to a finished painting to protect it from water and UV light, and give it a glossy finish.

Acrylic Mediums Acrylic mediums come in a variety of consistencies also. They can be “fluid” or “gel” of varying thicknesses.

Step 1 - Surface Prep If you are painting on paper, you may paint directly on the paper. Or you may choose to add texture or tooth with an acrylic gesso or textured medium. If you are painting on canvas or board, you need to prep the surface with an acrylic gesso, a white chalky primer to prepare the surface to receive the paint. It helps the paint stick to the surface, and the white helps neutralize any color on the painting surface. And it protects your painting by giving it a chemically stable surface that will not break down over time.

Step 2 - Paint Acrylic paints can be mixed with water or mediums and then applied to the painting surface with brushes or other tools. Acrylic paints are water soluble when wet, but permanent once dry. Paint can then be layered without disturbing the layers underneath. Acrylic paints can be either opaque or translucent, and even transparent when thinned with enough water. Because acrylic paints and mediums are permanent when dry, it is very important to never let the paints or mediums dry in the brushes! Always wash your brushes thoroughly (as instructed earlier)! Even while you are working, it is important not to let the paint dry in your brushes when you are using multiple brushes.

Step 3 - Finishing Once the acrylic painting is completed, it is optional to apply a varnish. The varnish seals the work and protects it from moisture and UV light as well as creating a glossy finish.

Acrylic Painting Examples

Your Assignment Design an original composition and draw it in your sketchbook using pencil. The composition should be 8” x 10”.You may want to plan your colors in advance using color pencil. You will be given a pre-gessoed canvas board or illustration board. Lightly draw the outline of your composition onto the board using pencil. Using acrylic paint, water, and gloss medium (optional), paint your painting on the board. Remember your paint mixing skills – you should have colors that do not come from the bottle, and many many values in your artwork. I am looking for a detailed artwork that shows off your skills in drawing, paint mixing, and color selection. You will have 5 class periods to complete this work. Your artwork should reflect that depth in planning and complexity.