Buffy 12x12 acrylic collage
This is a good article on using acrylics. Unfortunately, I lost the publisher's information. I try to always give the writer credit and will be more careful in future.
ACRYLICS LIKE OILS
Retarder is the key element. You may already be using
retarder in your paint. Most brands direct you to use it in your paint -
up to 15% retarder to paint. I have done this, but found that at 15%, the paint
can lift off of the painting surface and/or take so long to dry that the paint
is left with sticky feel. Furthermore, it may be become difficult to paint over
top even after the paint has dried..
Instead, I recommend using a small spray bottle (like a miniature travel-sized
hairspray size) filled with water and about 10 drops or one good squirt of
retarder. Shake well. Whether painting in your studio or outdoors, first
spray your painting surface to break the tension and allow for the paint to
glide on. Don't overdo this part or you'll end up with a very, very wet
application of paint (unless this is the effect you desire.)
Second, spray your paints as soon as you squirt them out on your
palette, and spray lightly frequently so you to maximize your investment. You
can go hours with just a spritz now and then without the need to discard paint.
Third, in your washing cup or jar, place clean water with a few drops of
retarder added. Bingo! All three of your painting areas are covered with a
light touch of retarder, enough to keep your work just wet enough to extend
workability, but not enough to make a mush of your painting.
If painting outdoors on dry or windy days, you may have to add more retarder to
your bottle, water cup and palette. When you want a passage or area of your
painting to dry, it will in short order...shorter than if you added retarder
itself into the paint.
I spray my canvas frequently when outside to keep the painting going. One of
the hallmarks of oils is that you can work wet-into-wet. Doing the above allows
you to do the same in acrylics.
