Read Me First (rev 2-26-20) — -------------------------------

Welcome. I have been working with acrylics for over fifteen years. In that time I’ve learned quite a bit, mostly by making mistakes, but I’ve had a lot of fun as well.

Over the years I have enjoyed talking to studio visitors about acrylics and helping some with painting problems. I met people who had tried acrylics but had given up in frustration: Often because there are so many ways to make acrylics work for you that it can become overwhelming. I liked being able to help. Their questions led me to present a short workshop on Acrylic Basics in 2019. The workshop lead to the idea of writing this blog as a way of reaching more people by presenting the basic information on line.

The posts are done in a question and answer format, written in bite-size pieces. There are some questions from two imaginary friends: Terence and Virginia. They are composites of several studio visitors and always ask great questions. Terence was a long-time friend of the poet A.E. Housman and Virginia once sent an important Christmas question to a newspaper editor back when blogs were done on paper.

If you have a question, another way of doing things with acrylics or a correction of anything I have posted, please use the form on the Contact page. I will get you the best answer I can, either by drawing on my own experience or by pointing you to other sources. The information will be the best I can provide but keep in mind that what works for me may not work for you.

I am not affiliated with any manufacturer or supplier of acrylics or art materials. I am not advertising any brand or brands. I do have my personal favorites and refer to brand names of materials I have experience with, but there are many manufacturers and suppliers out there. There are a lot of different products with varying characteristics, including price. My opinions are just that, opinions. Experiment! Then please let me know what you learn.

This blog is dedicated to the memory of Leonard Wilkinson: Artist, Teacher and Friend.