Acrylic Painting: A Vibrant and Versatile Art Form

Compared to traditional oil and watercolor paintings that most people are familiar with, acrylic painting is relatively new. Its origin can be traced to the 1930s, when German chemist Otto Röhm discovered and developed an acrylic resin that was quick drying and adhered to all kinds of surfaces.

The special qualities of acrylic paint make it an ideal medium not only for house paint, but also for creating art. Acrylic paints can be thinned with water for glazing and even for use as watercolors. It is also possible to use them like oil paint, since they come in similar colors. Another wonderful thing about acrylic paint is that one can apply it on a variety of surfaces such as canvas, cloth, concrete, Masonite, and many others.

The great range of mediums that can be added to acrylic paint, as well as its versatility and durability, have won it a high standing in the art world. Let’s next meet a few contemporary artists who are known for their outstanding works.

Using a unique acrylic pouring technique, Swedish artist Emma Lindström creates art that resembles galaxies or flowing water, which appears to be moved by an invisible universal energy. The cute cat-people and dog-people created with acrylic paints by the Thai artist Anchana Chareapaporn take on not only bright colors, but also funny personalities.

Living in Maryland, USA, April M. Rimpo is a Signature Artist of the International Society of Acrylic Paintings and the International Society of Experimental Artists, and a member of numerous watercolor societies throughout the US. She mixes the transparent media of fluid acrylics and watercolors to create her art works.

In the summer of 1993 in Hong Kong, Our Most Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai also used acrylic paints to create a series of unique fan paintings. Full of Heavenly inspiration, Master completed dozens of beautiful fans with diverse styles and themes in just one night!