Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints, a versatile medium and one which I favour due to the quick drying time and vibrant hues. They have rich history rooted in the mid-20th century.

Developed in the 1940s, acrylics marked a significant departure from traditional oil and watercolor paints. The pioneering figure in acrylic artistry is often attributed to Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros. In the 1930s, Siqueiros experimented with a paint called "Pyrhydrol," an early form of acrylic. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that modern acrylic paints emerged, with American chemist Leonard Bocour and artist Sam Golden introducing the first commercially available acrylics.

Artists quickly embraced this new medium due to its versatility and fast drying time. Acrylics allowed for layering, glazing, and impasto techniques, expanding the possibilities for artistic expression. The adoption of acrylics by prominent artists like Andy Warhol further solidified their place in the art world during the 1960s. Over the years, advancements in acrylic paint formulations led to the creation of various textures, viscosities, and specialized mediums. Today, acrylics remain a popular choice for artists worldwide, continuing to evolve as a dynamic and accessible medium for creative expression.