Exploring The World Of Paints: My Artistic Journey
As an artist, the type of paint you use can really shape your creative process. Over the years, I’ve explored different kinds of paints, each with its own quirks and benefits, and I wanted to share a bit about my experiences.
### From Acrylics to Oils: A Tricky Transition
I started out with acrylics—quick-drying, versatile, and pretty forgiving. They were perfect for when I was still figuring out my style. But as I grew more confident in my work, I felt drawn to oil paints. The transition wasn’t exactly smooth. Oil paints are a different beast altogether. They’re slower to dry, which can be frustrating when you’re used to acrylics that let you move quickly from one layer to the next.
It took some time to adjust, but with practice, I began to appreciate the depth and richness that oils offer. They allowed me to create textures and blends that just weren’t possible with acrylics. The slower drying time became less of a hindrance and more of an opportunity to work with the paint, pushing and pulling it until it felt just right.
### Trying Water Mixable Oils
A while back, I took on a large commission and decided to experiment with water mixable oils. I was curious about how they compared to traditional oils, especially since you can clean your brushes with just water—no need for harsh solvents. This was a huge plus, especially during a big project where I knew I’d be going through a lot of brushes.
But mixing them with other paints and solvents was tricky. The consistency was a bit off compared to what I was used to, and getting the right blend took some patience. That said, the drying time was pretty close to traditional oils, so I didn’t have to adjust my workflow too much. While they weren’t perfect, I did appreciate the ease of cleanup.
### What’s Next? Spray Paints in Peru
Now, I’ve moved to Peru for a bit, and I’m planning to dive into something totally new for me—spray paints. It’s a huge shift from the brushwork I’m used to, but I’m excited to see how this medium can push my art in different directions. I’ll be experimenting with it over the next few weeks and will definitely share how it goes in my next blog post.
Stay tuned for updates :)