Using Acrylic Mediums
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Using Acrylic Mediums
The second most common question I am asked both online and in workshops (second only to what kind of brushes do you use?) is, “Do you use mediums?”
While my answer is usually no, I realize that there may be many who need them or like to use them. I’m a pretty basic painter, using just plain paint and brushes to get the work done. I typically don’t like anything added to my paint. I paint fast and like simplicity, so adding mediums isn’t something I need to do. Although others may benefit from their use.
If you are a slow, meticulous painter using acrylics, then you may need to use a fluid medium like Golden Gloss Medium or Matte Medium to give you more working time before the paint dries. If you paint in a dry environment like the desert southwest (Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Southern California) you may very well need a fluid medium to extend the working time of your acrylic paint. If you’re one who just likes to add stuff to your paint, then mediums or additives may be just right for you.
If you have spent time working in oils but are weary of the toxic odor of oil paint and want to try acrylics, using a paint like Golden OPEN Acrylic Paint may be just what you’re looking for. Golden OPEN Acrylic Paint is acrylic paint with the working time of oil paint, and takes several days to dry. It has the same pigment as all other Golden Paint, but it has an extender in it to extend it’s working and drying time.
Keep in mind that acrylic mediums, while useful, can become expensive if you use large quantities of paint like I do. The only way to know if they are right for you is to experiment with them.
If you'd like to learn about abstract painting and making your own authentic work, then please join me for a painting workshop: (You can view a list of workshops HERE)
December 15, 2020 (Zoom) Interactive Mini-Workshop: Simple Color System, 3 hours. Click Here for Registration and Information
January 6, 2021 (Zoom) Interactive Mini-Workshop: Simple Color System, 3 hours. Click Here for Registration and Information
January 13-15, 2021 Murrell's Inlet, SC. Abstracting the Coastal Landscape (NEW) SOLD OUT!
January 20, 2021 (Zoom) Interactive Mini-Workshop: Abstracting the Landscape, 6 hours. Click Here for Registration and Information
January 21, 2021 (Zoom) Interactive Mini-Workshop: Painting with David, 3 hours. Click Here for Registration and Information
February 3-5, 2021 David M. Kessler Fine Art Studio, Winston-Salem, NC Click Here for Information and Registration - Only 3 Seats Left!
February 10, 2021 (Zoom) Interactive Mini-Workshop: Bigger, faster, Fresher, Looser Abstract Painting, 6 hours. Click Here for Registration and Information
February 11-12, 2021 (Zoom) Interactive Mini-Workshop: Bigger, faster, Fresher, Looser Abstract Painting, 12 hours. Click Here for Registration and Information
February 19-21, 2021 Art League of Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach, FL Email Amelie Bush: amelieartist@aol.com
March 12-14, 2021 Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach, FL. Abstracting the Coastal Landscape. Email Hanna Joensuu: hanna222@cox.net.
As always, thanks for your support!
David
NEW! Interactive (Zoom) Mini Workshops
I have just added 6 new Interactive Mini Workshops (on the Zoom platform) to my website. Most are 3 to 6 hours long and are a great opportunity for learning a lot in a short amount of time. You’ll be online and onscreen with me as I instruct, demonstrate, paint, and critique your work.
Simple Color System Colorwheel
If you have seen my videos on YouTube or taken one of my workshops, you have seen me use my Simple Color System Colorwheel. My Simple Color System is easy to use and assures that the color in your paintings will be harmonious. Proudly made in North Carolina.
You can purchase the Colorwheel HERE.
Many of my Online Workshops are on sale through December 31 - Beginning January 1, they are back to regular price. You can see a full list of my Online Workshops Here.
ALL ABOUT COLOR is a great online course that will show you a straightforward, no nonsense, clear and easily understandable approach to using harmonious color in your paintings. On Sale Now-Save $50!
Abstract Painting Academy is an online workshop experience specifically designed to teach you how to paint Abstract Paintings (like only you can!), Loosen Up your painting style, and use Design Fundamentals to give your paintings Dynamic Visual Impact. You get David’s personal attention and feedback on all of your work during the course. On Sale Now-Save $100!
Click Here to Find Out More
The Painting Insider (formerly Abstract Painting Insider) now has a new format and is not abstract painting specific. Weekly lessons provide an abundance of information to painters at any level. I have poured information about everything I have learned about painting over the last 30 years into one course! On Sale Now-Save 30% Off the Monthly Rate!
