Acrylic frustration

[Fl3wk]

I'm doing a college project where we could do anything we liked in the bounderies of the words 'Places and Spaces'. Now, I was almost going to do some concept art or whatever, but I pushed myself to study acrylic painting. At first it was fine because all I was doing was making small samples in my sketchbook, but now that I have done 3 A2 paintings (1 on board and 2 on paper stretched) I look back and see how bored I am during these, and how annoyed I get at every step, I just dont have the drive for this medium. Also with all the layers that are needed makes me frustratered too as I sometimes paint over the intended line and then I have to rethink or redo that previous layer so it looks consistent.

However i do lose time while I am doing it and when I do stop its like 4 or 5 hours later with no break.... so maybe thats the culpret? But anyway, my main question would be is, does Oil painting have these problems too, or are there less because the paint doesnt dry 5 minutes later? I have never tried Oils because of the fuss that needs to be done before you start and also the drying time.

How much different are oils to acrylics?

Also i am studying to be an illustrator (main reason Im on this forum :) ), what would you say is the main medium for illustrators?

[Flake]

You might want to try adding some slow drying medium to your acrylic, it'll keep the paint workable longer. See "additives" on this page.
http://www.dickblick.com/categories/acrylicmediums/

How much different are oils to acrylics?
Slower drying, easier blending, it's still paint though so if you can use one, chances are you can use the other. If you do go with oils you've got a fair bit of reading to do regarding mediums, thinners, varnishes etc. (not that acrylics don't also require technical know how)
Do a search for "oil painting" on this board and you'll find plenty of info, then head over to studioproducts for enough oil painting related reading to make your head hurt.
http://forums.studioproducts.com//

Also i am studying to be an illustrator (main reason Im on this forum ), what would you say is the main medium for illustrators?
Whatever works best for both the illustrator and the current job.

Note: I'm not a pro, this is just my studenty 2p worth.

[Fl3wk]

Thanks for the additive tip as I dint know that obviously :) As for Oil painting, my college Learning centre has a number of books on painting with oils and what colours to use and other stuff.

I will look into that slow-dryer.

[imperess]

HI fl3wk!

You might also want to look into buying or making a sta-wet pallet for acrylics. It has really helped me keep my acrylics moist while on the pallet and allows for fresh moist paint and eisier blending. I'd also experiment with supports for acrylic as i have found they make a difference. I don't really like using paper or board for my acrylic paintings I find that I prefer canvas and for some reason I seem to work better with that support.

Another tip is with acrylics you really want to build up alot of layers transparently to achive an even blened look. Dry brush techniques are also helpful! Or work quickly with wet in wet technique to blend. I prefer the lots of layers approch though and my paintings do take longer because of this. It does require paitence.

Most of all though I think you just have to find what medium works best for you and experiment. Oils are great but have other issues too. I think each medium has strengths and weaknesses, you just have to learn to work with.


Oh and I just read about a new acrylic paint that is supposed to have way increased working time. I haven't tried it yet though, but when i get some extra funds to blow on paint i was gonna pick up a few colors. Here is the website: http://www.chromaonline.com/interactive/

~Carol

[Fl3wk]

Thankyou for the information. I should get over the little work in stretching a canvas so that I can work on that support. At home I think I will buy those pre-made ones, but at college I have to make them (well the frame and the weaving is done, just need to staple the cloth in place), I think its just lazyness that i thought I got rid of.

I do have patience, but my patience was built up during tons of drawing and such, I am not used to hours with paint and it looks like I will have to get used to it.

Currently i am working my skills in most image-creating mediums, except Oil paints, so I wont give up too easily.

[paulm]

I've found most of my impatience with acrylics comes from the fact that I expect the painting to look finished in my first wave of painting.

If you're getting frustrated waiting for the acrylics to dry, invest in a hair dryer and dry your work that way - it's a lot quicker. Also remember that acrylics are a versatile medium, and can be used as a wash or impasto.

Acrylics are about as fast as you're going to get with paint, so spend some time getting your process right and I think after a bit of practice you'll become quite a bit faster.

[Fl3wk]

Just been doing another painting and still the same frustrations. Yer'know when someone screechers their nails on a white/black board and it 'goes though you', well this happens with me when I paint with 'rough' acrylics. Maybe I should consider watercolour paints.