Acrylic paint is a relatively new medium of painting compared to the painting of olden days. The acrylic painting technique originated around the early fifties and has evolved into a very competitive painting medium. We can say that in today’s world acrylic paint is the most sought after medium among all the popular artists. The texture of the acrylic painting techniques lends itself to a variety of painting styles be it the thickly applied impasto or light strokes representing a water color texture.
Acrylic painting is also highly favored due to its longevity. The color of the acrylic paint does not yellow with age nor does it harden and crack with age. This paint is far easier to use than an oil paint and it does not need a protective coating to prevent from cracking.
Other advantages: Using acrylic paint can be used very effectively as a transparent medium too. This gives the same effect as that of a water color. The additional advantage is that acrylic paint can be used in layers without disturbing or mixing up with the layer beneath as long as you wait for the initial layer to completely dry before applying the second layer. Once the acrylic paint dries it does not dissolve in water and hence the next layer will not affect its color. The disadvantage is that you cannot modify the color either unlike in water color painting. So while using acrylic paint you have to be careful to get the color just right.
Mixing opaque colors: While doing a water color scheme the acrylic painting technique uses transparent coats which are quite easy. However if you have to mix two opaque colors in acrylic it is a slighter tougher job since you have to mix and finish before the colors dry up. So select the area with care where you know you will have enough time to blend both colors. Then paint both colors side by side on the area selected. Paint down the joining line of both colors with a damp brush so as to soften that portion. After softening the mid line where the colors join use up and down strokes or side to side strokes for blending both colors until you achieve the desired effect in order to learn how to use acrylic paint correctly.
Sgraffito Technique: This word originates from the Italian word “graffiare” which means “to scratch”. The scratching technique is used to reveal the painting surface or the layer of paint beneath to give a specific effect. Various tools can be used for the Sgraffito technique where the top layer of wet paint is scratched. Painters use tips of screwdrivers or old paint brush handle to get the effect. However, this depends on what support you are using for your painting work. A screwdriver may not suit Sgraffito acrylic painting techniques if you are using a panel support since it may cause damage. In such cases a sharp wooden handle of a paint brush would be more apt.
