![]() 1. Layering ~ a quick drying time allows you to add layers of paint on top of each other without having to wait around a long time and watch paint dry ;). That being said, if you need more drying time there are additives like Golden's Open Medium that serve that purpose. Layering acrylics also give you the ability to use some of my favorite techniques such as etching into the wet paint to reveal the color beneath, or cover up large areas without creating mud. ![]() 2. Mixes well with other media ~ acrylics are very medium-friendly :) You can layer them on top of watercolors, paint pens, water-soluble crayons, pens, etc.. You can also go over top of them with oil sticks and paint pens - just be sure to let the paint completely dry first or you'll quickly ruin your paint pen! They also work well with collage - I use a gel matte medium to adhere the collage bits on top - this you can do even when the acrylics are wet. ![]() 3. Translucency ~ Many of the acrylics have a translucent quality and with these you can see the the layers below. This can add a great richness to your painting.
![]() 5. Easy to work on paper ~ When I'm working on bigger pieces I keep a stack of 140 lb watercolor paper nearby. I use it clean off my brushes, take a break from the big painting or just to use up remaining paint at the end of a session. I love this practice because the pieces are small and no pressure attached to them - because it's just paper and it holds the paint really well. If I don't end up with a composition I like I will slice & dice them into bookmarks! These make great extras to give to people who buy my work and, of course, I put a sticker with my info on the back :) Happy Holidays!
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Looking for a fun gift for your favorite artist? Here are some ideas I came up with that I think most creatives would enjoy ~ I know I would! If you want to #BUYLOCAL (which I highly recommend!)... 1. A piece of original artwork from their favorite artist. If you want to let them pick it out, most artist will sell you a gift certificate for future purchase. Another way to go is hit up some local artisan fairs - there are usually many this time of year and you can support a local artist. Most creatives appreciate something handmade. My vice is handmade earrings! 2. Art-night out! Plan a night out to a local gallery or museum and treat your artist to dinner. Things I'd like but wouldn't spend the money on... 5. A gift certificate for a massage. Believe it or not art-making can be taxing on the body! Whether stretching large canvases or hunched over a small drawing, the repetitive nature can take its toll. Plus, who doesn't appreciate a relaxing treat? Last minute shopping/easy to purchase online... 6. A Buddha Board www.amazon.com/Original-Buddha-Board-Relaxing-Painting/dp/B0010TEFFQ Also falls under category of 'treat I'd like but not likely to purchase for myself'. I could see using these as a way to warm up or just mess around when you want to be creative but don't want to start a formal project. 7. Smartphone tripod. These come in handy for the artist who makes time-lapse videos of their creative process. I use and like this one... www.amazon.com/Smartphone-Photography-Kit-Bluetooth-Universal/dp/B01MR6KE77/ref=asc_df_B01MR6KE77/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309812019776&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16928729580675795034&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005630&hvtargid=pla-326221742084&psc=1 8. An art calender. Again, if you know their favorite artist - go for it, if not there are many out there with artwork from the greats...Matisse, Picasso, Frankenthaler, Kahlo to name a few. 9. An art book. My favorite pic would be, hands down, The Jealous Curator's latest book...'A Big Important Art Book (Now with Women): Profiles of Unstoppable Female Artists--and Projects to Help You Become One'. I already purchased a copy (in case my husband's reading this) www.amazon.com/Big-Important-Book-Women-Artists/dp/0762463791/ref=asc_df_0762463791/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312166025508&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3378832859959233253&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005630&hvtargid=pla-554993956736&psc=1 10. Gift Certificate to an art store... Local if possible ~ they are a dying breed. Here in Rochester we have a great one, Rochester www.yelp.com/biz/rochester-art-supply-rochester I hope your holidays are filled with peace & joy! Happy shopping!
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AuthorMy name is Nicole and I am a nature-loving abstract artist. My blog is a record of my process and inspirations that show up in my life. Archives
January 2019
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