Acrylics:

 

I use bottle acrylic paint for my painting parties because they dry quickly and the artists, in most cases, will be able to take their work home safely at the end of the session completely or nearly dry. Also, tube acrylic paints can create challenges with blending and multiple layers of brush strokes for the novice. Acrylics come in a wide range of bright and pastel colors, as well as more muted, organic shades. They are quite permanent once dry and colors don’t fade.

 

Acrylic paints come in various consistencies, in tubes and bottles. The tube acrylics are thicker and more like oils in application, which will show brush strokes. Depending on the look the artist wants in the finished piece, the brush or palette knife stoke will have high or low ridges as it is applied to the canvas, and will stand up as a layer on the surface of the canvas or board. If this is what you want, I direct you to a professional art supply store which has knowledgeable assistants to help in supplying your need.

 

Bottle acrylics have a more liquid form; thus, the paint doesn’t show brush stroke ridges and lines as much. The artist can paint large, flat background areas with bottle acrylics, but can also use them to paint all the design elements of the painting. Bottle acrylics can be purchase at hobby/art stores at reasonable prices. Hobby Lobby, Jo Ann’s, and Michael’s offer special discounts on a regular basis for their paints, brushes and canvas.

 

Acrylics have a flat, dull appearance when dry which is not very appealing. To correct this, a layer of Damar spray varnish or clear gloss coating is applied to the canvas after it has dried.