History of Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint was developed in the 1930s by Mexican chemist David Alfaro Siqueiros, but it was in the 1950s that it really gained in popularity. Initially used by Mexican muralists, it quickly spread to the United States and Europe, winning over artists with its quick-drying properties and durability. Unlike oil paints, acrylics do not require toxic solvents and are easy to clean with water.
The BLOCKX Acrylic Range
At BLOCKX, our passion for artistic creation has been our driving force for generations. Building on our heritage and unrivalled expertise in colour manufacture, we are pleased to introduce our latest innovation: an exceptional range of acrylics, BLOCKX Acrylic Artist, that will take your art to new heights.
A High Concentration of Pigments
Our acrylics are the result of a meticulous selection of highly concentrated, covering pigments, giving each colour incomparable depth and intensity. Each tube is bursting with pure pigments and binder, revealing strikingly rich shades. The opacity and coverage of our colours allow you to achieve spectacular results with every application.
Quality Composition
At BLOCKX, we believe in excellence and are committed to preserving the beauty of your creations over time. That’s why our acrylics are made with pure acrylic resin, which prevents any yellowing effect over the years. What’s more, our pigments are lightfast, guaranteeing that your work will be preserved for generations to come. So you can create with confidence: your colours stay vibrant and alive.
Inspiring versatility
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, our BLOCKX fine acrylic is your ideal partner for exploring and expressing your creativity. Its fast drying time means you can layer on layers without delay, while its creamy, satiny texture offers a fluid finish and voluptuous miscibility. You can use it on any artistic medium, from the traditional to the innovative, and let your imagination run wild.
Here are some popular techniques:
- Water dilution: By adding water, acrylic paints can be diluted to create transparent effects similar to watercolour.
- Thick application: Used straight from the tube, acrylics allow for thick, textured applications, ideal for relief painting techniques.
- Fast layering: Thanks to its fast drying time, acrylics can be layered without waiting days, unlike oils.
- Mediums and additives: Various mediums can be added to acrylic to modify its texture, drying time and finish (matte or gloss).
Great Acrylic Artists
Many renowned artists have adopted acrylics for their unique properties. They include
- David Hockney: Known for his pool scenes and portraits, Hockney exploited the vivid colours and quick-drying qualities of acrylic to capture snapshots of Californian life.
- Helen Frankenthaler: This pioneer of abstraction used spot-colouring techniques with diluted acrylic to create works of subtle, fluid colour.
- Andy Warhol: The Pop Art master used acrylic for his iconic works, exploiting its ease of use to produce silkscreens and paintings in vibrant colours.
- Robert Motherwell: One of the leading artists of Abstract Expressionism, Motherwell often used acrylic for his large gestural canvases and minimalist compositions.
Conclusion
Acrylic paint has transformed the art world by offering a practical and versatile alternative to traditional media. Its rich history, innovative composition and multiple techniques of use make it an essential choice for modern artists. Drawing inspiration from the masters of acrylics, anyone can explore and push back the boundaries of their creativity with this exceptional medium.
With 90 shades of BLOCKX Artist acrylic, you have an exceptional palette for realising all your creative ideas. Available in 120 ml and 250 ml tubes, our acrylics are designed to meet all your artistic needs.
