Acrylics first appeared on the scene in the 1950's .Liquitex was one of the first brands available to the artist and continues to be one of the biggest sellers.Many brands are now available and is a very popular medium due to several factors 1.Being water soluble it eliminates the need for toxic solvents for thinning paint and cleaning brushes ,only water is required.2.The smell is much less bothersome to those who are sensitive to solvents.3.You can use acrylic paint on any non greasy surface.4.It dries fast so you can overpaint in much less time than you could in oils .5.Variety of technique : Acrylics adapt themselves to a wide variety of techniques including opaque(oil like),transparent (watercolor like), gouache and tempera type technique.Brushes, knives all kinds of painting tools can be used.One caution:
When using acrylics Keep your brushes moist by rinsing them often otherwise they will harden completely and will be ruined.
Needed to start : If you've read the other article I have suggested the purchase of a cheap set of paint from an art supply store that cost around ten dollars or so - this is your best bet.Except this time with acrylics you should get 2 of these sets as the acrylic paints dry out quickly more is wasted thus you will need more paint .Also try to get at least a 37-150 ml tube of white as the small tubes included in the set will not be enough if you attempt the opaque oil like technique of painting.
I always prefer synthetic brushes to natural ones for acrylic paint as the emulsifying action of the acrylic tends to clog natural bristles far more than their synthetic counterparts. Just to try it out though either use brushes you have , buy one synthetic flat about a size # 4 or 6 long handle for oil/opaque type painting or a short handle bright one about 1/2 "and perhaps a #8 round for watercolor /gouache technique.
Or you could just buy a cheap pack of hog bristle brushes for the opaque style of painting at the one and two dollar store they are usually stiff enough to withstand water for a couple of painting sessions.As to surface with acrylics you have your choice, you can use watercolor paper,illustration board,canvas ,masonite ,wood, cement,rocks...etc..Any non-oily surface that paint can adhere to can be used for your first experiments I suggest a small canvas panel and/ or inexpensive watercolor paper .
You will need a bucket to rinse your brushes ,a spray bottle to keep paint moist and I recommend that you use a disposable tear off palette,a milk carton cut open and laid flat,or a plastic disposable plate.A drop of dishsoap in the brush water can help keep your brushes clean.
Remember to thoroughly wash your brushes at the end of the day with soap and water. Happy painting!
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