FAQs

Why paint in Acrylics?

Abstract Landscape painting in progress, created using palette knife • © Karen Lynn Ingalls

Lovely Little Pear • 8" x 10" • acrylics on canvas • © Karen Lynn Ingalls

Demonstration painting in progress, with texture medium added • © Karen Lynn Ingalls

• Acrylic paints are the most versatile and forgiving paint medium. They are way easier than watercolors or oil paints!

• In what way are acrylics forgiving? Simple — if you don't like something, just let it dry (which won't take long) and paint over it. No fuss.

• Do you want to paint quickly, so you can add layers of new paint over what you're working on, and create rich, interesting surfaces? Acrylics excel at that!

• Do you want to create a watercolor-like look? You can do that in acrylics, without the difficulties you encounter in watercolors

• ​Do you want to create work that looks like oil painting? You can do that in acrylics — except they dry a whole lot faster! 

• What if you want a longer drying time? You can use Open Acrylics, which have an extended drying time of 3-4 days. They have a buttery, creamy consistency similar to oil paints, but you can also mix them with regular acrylic paints.

• Do you want to work with mixed media, and incorporate collage into your work? Acrylics are THE paint medium for working with collage, and they combine amazingly well with almost every other art medium.

• Would you like to add textural effects to your paintings? Welcome to the world of acrylic mediums, which give you a large range of options to do just that!

• Do you love the look of encaustics (hot wax paintings), but would rather not work with hot wax? You can create an encaustics effect in your paintings using acrylic paints and mediums.