We sometimes forget the important role that mediums play in art. Acrylic paints, a popular medium, have been used by artists for nearly a hundred years to create captivating works.
This medium is known for its fast-drying properties. Unlike oil paints, acrylics dry quickly and make it easier to paint in layers in one sitting.
The Beginning of Acrylics
Acrylic paints are made from a pigment in acrylic polymer emulsion, silicon oils, stabilizers and more. The creation of acrylic paints dates back to the 1930s where some of the properties from oil and watercolour were combined. Water-based acrylic paints became more widely available in the 1950s for house paints, but artists soon began to experiment with them for their pieces of art.
Techniques and Usage
A typical acrylic paint is water based, but becomes water resistant once the paint dries. Artists that use acrylic paints can modify the appearance and flexibility of the paint by adding water or using other mediums. Mixing acrylic paint with water can make strokes look more like watercolour paintings whereas using a medium like a gel can give it a richer or glossy appearance. That being said, this is a very flexible art medium!
This type of painting can be done on paper, canvas and a variety of other materials which makes it very versatile for artists to use.
Pros and Cons
Because acrylics are so fast-drying, they are not as easy to mix on the canvas as, say, oil paints. However, they do allow for layering in short periods of time. It also makes it faster to fix a mistake by painting over it. Acrylic paints also allow for easier clean up.
Acrylic Paintings on Zatista
We’ve put together a list of some amazing acrylic paintings for your home, created by artists from around the world:
Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
20 x 20 in
A word from the artist:
“This abstract acrylic painting is very vibrant. It is telling us a whole story of fantasy. It is multicolored and a real statement piece of art, that will bring a contemporary happy spirit in your home.”
Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
24 x 36 in
A word from the artist:
“Space, with cracked edges and iced etches. I rarely set out to produce a preset idea or piece of work. I begin with a blank canvas and cover it with the colors I am feeling at the moment.”
Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
27.5 x 27.5 in
A word from the artist:
“I’ve been inspired by a place in the forest, where I used to walk, near my troglodytic house. I was on the path, taking photos of the sunlight through the foliages. I’ve kept this photo and, several months later, this image inspired me. It’s like a dream of landscape, in transparent greens and turquoise. It’s painted with high quality acrylic brand “Golden” and “Liquitex”. I love to paint with transparent colors, to make glazes that give depth to the painting.”
Golden Rain II by Silvia Vassileva
Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
24 x 24 in
A word from the artist:
“A graphic interpretation of rain, Golden Rain is a part of a diptych. The two panels can be displayed individually or as a pair on a large wall. Abstract, bold and dynamic. The color palette is neutral black and white with gold leaf. Contemporary, expressive, decorative artwork in a minimalist style.”
Summer Shift by Christina Massey
Painting, Acrylic on Wood Panel
12 x 9 in
A word from the artist:
“Painting, printmaking and collage collide in this series of artworks. Cuttings of textural paintings are collaged with monotype prints to create a unique texture and dynamic between the mediums. Mounted on a panel and signed on the front.”
The Healing of Mankind by Sandra Lamb
Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
42 x 48 in
A word from the artist:
“This image was actually inspired from a still shot taken from a movie. Sometimes those guys with the million-dollar budgets get to take million-dollar shots. I like to think I have changed this one sufficiently and imbued it with the emotion that grabbed me so forcefully when I first saw it on our TV screen. I almost wish I could set it to music; but I will have to be content with the sound of the colours and design. Shakespeare famously wrote of ‘Sleep that knits up the ravell’d sleave of care…’ This painting is my way of expressing that and more.”
Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
20 x 20 in
A word from the artist:
“Rock legend Jim Hendrix is painted atop a vibrant collage of vintage newspaper articles, magazine covers and concert posters.This piece is resin-coated so there is no need to frame!”
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Interested in an acrylic painting for your home? Explore our curated gallery of acrylic works or contact a Zatista art advisor to find the perfect piece for you. Our team would be happy to help you find your next original painting!
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