7 TIPS FOR PAINTING WITH ACRYLICS
Are you ready to take your acrylic painting projects to the next level? Great! We know that texture and consistency can be a headache, but don't worry, we have some professional tricks to share with you!
Mix your paints before using them: One of the most common mistakes acrylic artists make is not mixing their paints before using them. Failing to do so can result in lumps and clumps on the artwork's surface. Therefore, be sure to thoroughly shake your paints before starting to paint. This will help blend the pigments and components of the paint, creating a smooth consistency that applies more evenly on the working surface.
Add water in small amounts: If you need to thin your acrylic paints, make sure to do so carefully and gradually. Adding too much water at once can make the paint become watery and lose its intensity, increasing the likelihood of clumps and lumps. Instead, add water in small amounts and mix well before adding more. This will allow you to have better control over the paint's consistency and avoid texture issues.
You can also use an acrylic medium: Acrylic mediums are an excellent way to add texture and consistency to your acrylic paints. If you're dealing with clumps and lumps, add an acrylic medium to your paints to smooth them out. An example of a high-quality acrylic medium is "Liquitex - Pouring Medium," which you can find at Rodin.es. This product will help smooth out rough areas on the surface and create a uniform and appealing finish.
Don't press too hard with the brush: If you're applying too much pressure with the brush, you can cause the paints to accumulate and form clumps. Instead, make sure to apply the right amount of pressure with the brush to avoid this issue. We recommend using a soft-medium brush specially designed for acrylics, such as the Menta Series 38 brushes from Royal & Langnickel. High-quality brushes can be a worthwhile investment to improve your acrylic painting techniques. At Rodin.es, you can find a wide variety of brushes, including the Liquitex Free Style Flat Universal Palette Knife No. 1, suitable for various painting techniques.
Use high-quality paints: Low-quality acrylic paints can dry out faster, leading to clumps and lumps. Therefore, make sure to invest in high-quality paints for better results. At Rodin.es, you can find a wide range of high-quality acrylic paints, such as ShinHan Art's Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint, featuring vibrant colors and an unbeatable finish.
Work in layers: Instead of trying to cover the entire surface with a single layer of paint, apply the paint in thin and even layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next one.
Use a water spray and plastic film: If your paints are starting to dry and form lumps, a water spray can be the perfect solution. Simply spray a bit of water on the paint's surface. This way, the paint will last longer, and you can regain the proper consistency and avoid clumps and lumps. Try Derwent's Water Sprayer; it can be useful for smoothing your paints. If you plan to take a long break, cover the already moist paint with transparent plastic film to prevent drying.
We hope these tips have been helpful and will assist you in avoiding clumps and lumps in your acrylic painting projects. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't get discouraged if you encounter some issues at the beginning. With time and experience, you'll master this technique.
If you're looking for high-quality products for your acrylic painting projects, we recommend visiting our website, where you'll find a wide variety of paints, mediums, and brushes, as mentioned in this article. At Rodin.es, we specialize in products for artists of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.
Thank you for trusting us, and happy creating!
AD MARKERS VS. INKTENSE PENCILS: GETTING THE BEST OUT OF THEM FOR YOUR ILLUSTRATIONS
If you're an illustrator or artist, you've likely heard of Chartpak's alcohol-based AD Markers and Derwent's Inktense ink pencils. These two products are popular among artists due to their vibrant pigmentation and versatility, making them key in illustration creation. However, do you know how to make the most of them? In this article, we'll tell you all about Chartpak's AD Markers and Derwent's Inktense pencils, so you can decide who takes the prize.
Let's start by introducing each one:
What are AD Markers? These alcohol-based markers are known for their intense pigmentation and their ability to blend and layer to create smooth gradients and color transitions. AD Markers are ideal for detailed and realistic illustrations and are very popular among artists working with line drawing techniques and urban sketching, among others. Here's a bit more information about these fantastic alcohol-based markers: Read more.
What are Inktense ink pencils? Inktense pencils are water-soluble color pencils that produce a finish similar to ink. This gives them the ability to be mixed with water to create watercolor effects. Their pigmentation is ultra-intense, and once dry, they are completely permanent. Inktense pencils are popular among artists looking to create vibrant and translucent watercolor-style illustrations. Moreover, they can be used on different surfaces like paper, canvas, or fabric. If you want to learn more about Inktense, you can read our special feature HERE.
How to Make the Most of AD Markers and Inktense Pencils?
Experiment with different drawing techniques
AD Markers and Inktense have different pigmentation properties and qualities that can be applied for various techniques, meaning they react differently on paper. Experiment with different drawing techniques to discover how each one behaves on paper and how you can use this to your advantage.
Blend and layer colors
AD Markers and Inktense also have some things in common; for example, they are both excellent for blending and layering colors. Take advantage of this capability to create smooth gradients and color transitions in your illustrations. AD Markers are ideal for precise blends, while Inktense is better suited for looser watercolor techniques.
Use quality paper
Both AD Markers and Inktense can affect the paper if used incorrectly. Make sure to use quality paper, especially when working with Inktense, as you'll need sturdy paper if you plan to use it for washes. Try different types of paper to find one that works best for your illustration style and your pencils or markers. For AD Markers, we recommend using a slightly non-absorbent satin paper like Legio Paper's Mix Media paper or Chartpak's own marker paper. For water-soluble Inktense pencils, we recommend using absorbent watercolor paper like Legion Paper's Aqua Hotpress to get the most out of Inktense's high pigmentation.
Keep your markers clean and organized
In the case of AD Markers, keeping your markers clean and organized is key to getting the most out of them. Clean your markers regularly to prevent ink buildup, and make sure to store them properly to extend their lifespan.
In summary, Both Derwent Inktense and Chartpak AD Markers are high-quality products with their unique features. However, choosing the right tools for illustration depends on the artist's illustration style, technique, and personal preferences.
If you're looking to create vibrant and expressive watercolor-style illustrations, Derwent Inktense is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you seek intense pigmentation and blending capabilities to create smooth gradients and color transitions, Chartpak AD Markers are perfect. It's best to try both and see which one triumphs and suits your needs and style best.
Give them a try and choose your favorite at www.rodin.es.