What Type of Acrylic Paint is Right for You?

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What Type of Acrylic Paint is Right for You?

Lots of new acrylic painters ask me what type of acrylic paint is right for them to use. There are lots of options out there for acrylic paint - that’s one thing that makes it so desirable to use. In this video I categorize acrylic paint by the viscosity (thickness or thinness) of the paint.

My three categories are: Heavy Body, Pourable and Fluid.

I prefer heavy body acrylic paint because I like to have thick texture around my centers of interest. I can use the heavy body paint to do that without the need to add mediums or thickening agents. Some folks don’t find this type of paint fluid enough (or they don’t use enough paint on the brush for it to spread evenly).

If you’re a beginning acrylic painter, the pourable type of paint may be your best option. It is very spreadable, easy to use and is easily made thicker or thinner by adding the appropriate mediums to it. Two good brands are Nova Color Paint, made in California, and Lukas Cryl (sold by Jerry’s Artarama) and made in the UK. I have used both of these paints in the past and both are really good and spread easily and evenly.

The thinnest paint in the group is fluid acrylic. It works really well for thin washes of color or thin layers of color for those that paint in layers. It typically has the same pigment load as the heavy body paint.

People also ask if these can all be used in the same painting. The answer is yes. Any type of acrylic paint can be used together with any other type.

If you’re not sure what will be right for you, buy a container of each and experiment to see how each works with the type of painting that you do. Have fun experimenting.

If you’re interested in learning more about color combinations like I used here, I have a new online “Short Course” that will provide lots of great information for you. There is a brief description below in this email.

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)

2022 Workshops

As always, thanks for your support!

David

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.

I Have a NEW Online “Short Course”:

Using the Color Wheel. Has anyone (even an art instructor) ever asked you to purchase a color wheel, or told you need a color wheel, but then never taught you how to use it? In this course I’ll show you exactly how to use it and provide you with a system to implement all the color combinations in your work. Includes 13 video tutorials. $47.

Click Here to Purchase

Other Online Workshops

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. Now On Sale for $50 Off!

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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. Now On Sale for $100 Off!
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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!

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