By Nancy Noel May
Did you Know???
Acrylic paints were first discovered in 1859, but not commercially produced until the late 1920's.
I started using acrylics in the 1960's, (I am really dating myself here) when I received a beautiful set housed in an aluminum case for my sixteenth birthday. I was thrilled! I had been painting with an artist neighbor using oils since I was eight. I continued using acrylics and/or oils throughout college. I switched to oils as my medium of choice about ten years ago. The decision to change back to acrylics exclusively was made when the fumes from the oils and the harshness of the chemicals began to bother me. I don't think I'll ever go back. I love to paint with acrylics, the fast drying time and the ease of use are an integral element of my painting style. The majority of my painting is done in my studio, but there is a challenge in plein air painting, (painting outside) in that the paint wants to dry a little too quickly, especially on a warm sunny day. This can be overcome with adding retarding gels to the palette. In fact there are a many new additive gels and mediums on the market to create whatever style paint you prefer. Whether you like thin glazes to thick impastos, acrylics can achieve it.
I invite you to consider painting with acrylics. There are several local sources for obtaining paints, brushes, and canvas. It doesn't take much investment to get started. The key words here are "Get Started", just hop in and go. I hope you will start to create and enjoy it as much as I do. It will feed your soul.
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