November  23, 2023 Happy Thanksgiving

Today I am sharing part of one of the articles I have put into my Newsletter that I am giving away at the Craft Show in January 2024. I use acrylic paint in many of my projects and for paintings. The artworks shown here were all done using the acrylic paint. Some of these pictures have appeared in previous posts.

Acrylic paint is a versatile medium that can be used on so many things. I love to use it on wood, on clay, as washes on watercolor paper, and yes on canvas.

The best part is the paint dries in minutes. Right out of the bottle or tube it dries in about fifteen minutes. If you put it on thick it may take longer. If you thin it with water it can also take a little longer.

White backgrounds offer a lighter and brighter finish. Dark backgrounds dull the paint but are awesome for some pieces.

Acrylic paint has a polymer base so when it dries it essentially becomes plastic.

Its water base means it can be used as an underpainting for oil paints, but it cannot be painted over the top of oil-based paints. Just let it dry completely before putting the oil paints over it. You don't want any moisture under the oil which could cause it to peel off.

 Acrylic Paint on Wood

 One of my favorite things is painting on wood. But I always prime the wood before I add the paints.

If you put acrylic paint directly onto the wood the water base will be absorbed. The paint will appear dull and it will require at least one more coat to get a decent look. Sometimes several coats.

If you prime the wood with white paint or matte medium before you apply your colors, you will find they are brighter and more true to the original color. I like to use the matte medium because it’s clear and since that is also my final sealing coat, it gives me freedom to do art that doesn’t go all the way to the edge of the wood.

 The above photo is of a slice of wood that I painted with a desert landscape. I sold a number of this type of painting in the shop where I worked. The painting doesn’t go all the way to the edge so the wood shows up. I love this technique.

Here is another wood slice with the Tree of Life design. Even though there were cracks in the wood it still turned out nice. There was still bark on the edge. I love this one.

 

Below is another painting on a wood slice but I didn't paint a background. I primed the wood with clear matte medium to seal the wood. The I just painted the tree, birds and flowers in black paint. then I sealed it with the matte medium. Another one that I really like. 

I put little eye hooks on the back or top and use hemp cord for hanging. I love the rustic look these pieces have.

One tip, acrylic paint is permanent. If you get it on your clothes, furniture, etc., it will not come off. Though it washes off your hands easily. 

If you want to use acrylic paint on clothes, or fabrics there is a textile medium that can be mixed into regular acrylic paint to make it work. It makes the paint dry softer. Without the textile medium the paint dries stiff which isn't desirable on clothes.

My next post will be on a fun jewelry holder made from a picture frame.

Til next time.

Have fun and don't be afraid of a little mess when you are painting or crafting.

Terri

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