acrylic paints - Synthetic
paints, with pigments
dispersed in a synthetic vehicle
made from polymerized acrylic acid esters, the most important
of which is polymethyl methacrylate. First used by artists in
the late 1940s, their use has come to rival that of oil
paints because of their versatility. They can be used on nearly
any surface, in transparent
washes or heavy impasto,
with matte, semi-gloss,
or glossy finishes.
Acrylic paints dry quickly, do not yellow, are easily removed
with mineral spirits or
turpentine (use acetone
if those don't remove enough), and can clean
up with soap and water.
Examples:
Schomer Lichtner (American, 1905-), Ballerina on a Cushion, 2001, acrylic on paper. Living in Wisconsin, Lichtner is reknowned for paintings of ballerinas and dairy cows and his regionalist murals. See capital letters, negative space, and New Deal art.
Morris Louis (American, 1912-1962), VAV, 1960, acrylic on unprimed canvas, 260.3 x 359.4 cm, Tate Gallery, London. See stain.
Also see American Watercolor Society (AWS), polymer, stain, and stain removal.
