Acrylic paint is a versatile medium that can be modified in
many ways to produce various results, which is a good choice for creating an
abstract artwork. It can be applied to canvas, wood and fabric, among other
surfaces and can be diluted with water or thickened with an acrylic medium
depending on the desired effect. Below, Lakewood, NJ abstract artist Chaim Steg
explains the key properties of acrylic paint, and how to use it to create your
own abstract artwork.
Collage
Acrylic paint can be used as a glue when creating a collage.
Used to insert Ready-Made letter and image shapes into your abstract painting.
Cut out pictures and words from old newspapers, magazines, books, and other
publications and recombine them in ways that suit your project. Ticket stubs,
fortune cookie inserts, office supplies, branches and household items can also
be applied with paint or glue to give your painting added dimension and
texture.
Effects Mediums
Mediums are used to change acrylic paint's attributes and
consistency and are often used by abstract artists such as Chaim Steg to give
their work a textural quality. Chain gel transforms paint so it can be applied
in long, chain-like portions that dry solid and transparent, paint color in the
retention process. Crystal Ball Gel can be mixed with a paint color to give it
a shiny, dry-run look. Ceramic stucco is a coarse textured medium that can be
mixed with paint to give it a rough, rough look once it has dried.
Surfaces
An artist's work surface serves as the foundation for the
rest of his materials, which is the most important part of the painting
process. Acrylic paint can adhere to any surface, so experiment with materials
that have unusual qualities and textures. Glass, ceramic, aluminum, and foliage
are relatively rare materials for creating an abstract acrylic painting.
Combine them with more common materials like canvas, paper, and wood to give
your painting instant visual interest.
Utensils
American painter Chaim Steg strongly recommends experimenting
with different utensils while painting. Combs, forks and other utensils can be
reused to create a continuous edging effect in acrylic paint. Use a cleaning
sponge to add texture to paint or apply over a dry coat of paint for added
depth of color. A putty knife is an old wait used for mixing paints, but it can
also be used on a real paint to create a thick, uneven layer of color.