Why paint with acrylics?

Acrylic paint is a relative newcomer to the art scene. Developed early in the 20th century, acrylics started to be used by some avant-garde artists in the 1950s, but technical problems kept the new type of paint from being widely accepted in the highly conservative art world for decades. Most of the problems first encountered have long since been solved, but even now you will meet people who consider this newcomer inferior to oil paint's prestigious 500-year history.

However, acrylics are slowly gaining acceptance in the art world. There are some conservation issues still to be overcome with acrylics (not unlike oil paintings, which are also quite difficult to preserve indefinitely), but acrylics are being used by fine artists in ever growing numbers. The medium's versatility, the inherent durability of the finished product, and the huge range of color and texture possibilities make it one of the most exciting painting media available to artists today.

Acrylics offer the beginning artist an easy entree into the world of art. Unlike oil paints, acrylics can be used without smelly solvents, clean up with soap and water, and require only very ordinary and inexpensive tools to get started. Ready to try painting with acrylics? Let's go!

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Articles on Acrylic Painting - Getting Started

Why paint with acrylics?
Basic equipment for acrylic painting
Buying acrylic paints
Painting with acrylics
Mixing colors