Other > Hints and Tips

Blending our oils style acrylics

(1/2) > >>

Bloomoon:
Hi

Another newbie .... I have a preference for oils but have had to turn to acrylics (no smell, happy wife) and am really struggling to blend out a soft edge and always get a clear edge/line - I can't lose the feeling the edge needs more work and then I work it too much, despite the addition of mediums and continual spraying. This really doesn't make my sky look good .... Or anywhere where I need to achieve subtle blends.   :help:!

Kind regards
John

GailBrown:
Hello bloomoon, I too tried acrylics and found them too frustrating especially if it is hot. I don't like the hard edge, quick dry and lack of being able to work at the edges.  They are useful for backgrounds and underpaintings alongside oils, so not totally without merit.   Here are some alternatives you might consider.   1.There are some really slow drying acrylics on the market that behave like oils that might work better for you.  2.  M Graham oil paints -I use them and I do not detect any odour, they are buttery soft and artist quality.  I use walnut oil based medium which has no odour and I have switched to cleaning up with vegetable oil and dawn dish detergent instead of mineral spirits (I paint every day and OMS was causing my hands to break out in a rash).  3. Water-based oils, which some advocate though I have no personal experience with them.  Hope this helps and welcome to PB

Anya:
Hi John,

I totally agree with Gail. I have started to use Walnut Oil , no odor and it works beautifully, I also wash up with Dawn detergent (sometimes baby oil) and my brushes are in great condition, I now have an odor free studio.


The reason I switched to oils is for the very reason you are having difficulties with the acrylics. There are however extenders to use with your acrylics to prolong the drying time, have you tried those?

Have fun with your paintings, look forward to seeing your work

sapphirelynn:
 :welcome: John.  There is a brand of acrylics called  'Atelier interactive'  You can go back even the next day and soften the edges.  Check them out at   www.chromaonline.com  They are not oils but probably the closest to it.   :gl2:   

anita:
I tried a couple of extenders and I don't know if I was using them correctly but they gave a horrible patchy sheen which deadened the painting (even varnishing didn't help) so I gave up. 

I have just switched over to water mixable oils and although I've only done one painting so far I really like them.  They clean up with soap and water and I like the finish on the painting I've done. 

Anita

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page