Let’s talk about acrylic paint mediums. How to get thick texture in acrylic paintings, what mediums you need and how to use them! He shows some examples and demonstrations too.
Texture Mediums
Stephen’s got decades of experience using textured mediums in his artwork, and he’s got the examples here to prove it! A few weeks ago, we had a tutorial comparing acrylics and oil paints. One of the key differences between the two is how acrylic paints are soft and smooth and fall as they dry. If you’d rather have super perky acrylic paint, then you need TEXTURE MEDIUMS.
In this video you will learn:
- Acrylic and oil texture comparison
- What is modeling paste (and how to use it right!)
- Can you mix acrylic paint with modeling paste?
- What does modeling paste texture look like?
- What about acrylic resin?
- Using products from home hardware shops!
- What about acrylic gel?
Acrylic Gel and Paste
Acrylic texture mediums have changed over time, but two of the most common are gels and pastes. They perform slightly differently, but will both add more sharpness and shape to your acrylic paints. Something to keep in mind is how you layer their use. It’s easier if you consider the overall look of your final piece before you start. That way, you can use the mediums as a base layer on your canvas or board first to add bulk. You can then start to layer your acrylic paints on top. This will also help you save paint!
Atelier Moulding Paste
A thick, textural paste that creates strong, raised textures.
Moulding Paste (also known as modelling paste) provides flexibility similar to acrylic paint, allowing you to create exaggerated structures and textures in your work. It dries to a white finish, which can either be painted over or mixed with colour for a tinted texture base.
Atelier Heavy Gel (Gloss)
A glossy gel for structure and vibrancy.
This water-based, thick gel enhances the gloss of your paint while sharpening edges and adding structure. Heavy Gel Gloss can also work as an adhesive to bond materials onto your canvas. If you prefer a non-glossy finish, try Heavy Gel Matte, which dries to a satin-matte finish.
What Can You Do with Acrylic Texture Mediums?
Acrylic texture mediums add versatility to your work, enabling you to:
- Build layers: Create textured layers in your artwork that add depth and dimension.
- Alter finishes: Change the gloss level or transparency of your paint for diverse effects.
- Add structure: Use thick gels and pastes to create a tactile, raised surface that stands out.
- Experiment with mixed media: Combine texture mediums with other materials like fabric, paper, or sand for a more complex look.