What a week we had at the first-ever Acrylic Live! Many of us are still feeling the energy from the all-day painting demonstrations and presentations, the paint-alongs and the camaraderie.
“I am overwhelmed with information and presentation of acrylic paints. It is amazing how much new information was presented. Way to go.” ~ Evelyn Yonker
On the final day, we learned from none other than Anne Blair Brown, Patricia Guzman, Rick J. Delanty, Joe Gyurcsak, Kevin Macpherson, and more. We appreciate these amazing artists for coming in and sharing their knowledge, and we thank all of you who joined us live (or are enjoying the replays).
Attendee Jo Aubry saying hello from Acrylic Live! We love to see your smiling faces!
Highlights from Day 3 of Acrylic Live
From Anne Blair Brown’s landscape demo
“Spontaneity is key in expressive painting, and acrylics really lend to that,” said Anne Blair Brown, who took us through her favorite surfaces and brushes, and explained how to use the fast drying time to your advantage and how to use acrylics to get “beautiful edges and that painterly [oil] look.”
From Patricia Guzman’s portrait demo: “I truly want to show the humanity that we all share through indigenous people portraits, for we are all the same in the end.”
Patricia Guzman began her demo with a detailed drawing, which she says makes her process much easier when painting. Her lesson focused on the use of values, creating volume, and giving life to your subject with limited colors.
“This is a treasure of demo. I have never thought of using acrylics this way, you have just inspired a group of artists beyond where they thought they were going to today. Your sensitivity to life and humanity shows through with your art and words.” ~Sally O.
Here we see Rick J. Delanty’s tools of choice for painting with acrylic.
Rick J. Delanty says three things he loves about painting with acrylic are:
1. It interacts well with oil paint.
2. It’s water soluble.
3. It communicates the truth in a colorful and spontaneous way.
From Joe Gyurcsak’s nocturne painting demo
Joe Gyurcsak led a landscape in the nighttime demo for us; he explained how to give the painting a sense of realism without a lot of detail, adding, “A lot of artists coming up don’t realize how valuable that is for a painting,” because the technique allows you to not have to work as hard to establish your scene.
From Kevin Macpherson’s landscape demo
Kevin Macpherson began his landscape by toning the canvas over a pre-drawn compositional grid, using an unexpected shade of green. He shared tips for creating harmony, making adjustments, and using acrylics in a fresh way.
The next online art event is Pastel Live, September 17-19, with an optional Essential Techniques Day on September 16. Join us then to try a different medium and be with fellow painters online for days of demonstrations, Q&A with your favorite artists, and mingling during the breakout rooms and cocktail hours.
