the best acrylic paints for artists

Welcome fellow artists and creative friends! Today, we’re going to dive into the world of acrylic paints and explore the best options for both professional artists and beginners alike.

Acrylic paints are a versatile medium that have gained popularity over the years due to their fast drying times, affordability, and durability. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, acrylic paints offer a wide range of opportunities for creativity and experimentation.

So why choose acrylic paints? Acrylic paints can be used on a variety of surfaces, from canvas to paper to wood. The consistency and texture can be easily altered with water or mediums, allowing for endless creative possibilities. Plus, once dry, acrylic paint is water-resistant and can be layered without fear of mixing or smudging. Personally, I love acrylic paint because it’s opaque and easily hides lines from sketching, or mistakes you may want to cover up!

Original acrylic painting titled “Point Lobos”
Art prints available here!

Let’s talk about the difference between cheap and expensive acrylic paints. While cheaper options can be tempting, it’s important to keep in mind that the quality may not be up to par. Cheaper paints often contain fillers and less pigment, resulting in duller colors and a less vibrant finished product. In contrast, higher quality, more expensive acrylic paints use more pigment and less filler, resulting in brighter and richer colors. If you are looking just to experiment and try out a new medium, a cheaper option may be the more advantageous route. However, if you are in need of quality paints–like many products–you get what you pay for.

Original acrylic painting titled “Go Get ‘Em Tiger”
Art prints available here!

For professional artists who demand the highest quality and consistency, I recommend Golden Heavy Body Acrylics. These acrylic paints are packed with pigment, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting colors. The texture and consistency remain uniform from tube to tube, allowing for precise and controlled application. I’m also a huge fan of Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylics. You really can’t go wrong with either option in terms of quality.

For beginners, I recommend starting with the basics and investing in a set of reliable and versatile paints. The Liquitex Basics Acrylic line offers a range of colors at an affordable price, perfect for those just starting out or on a budget.

Another great option I’ve found is Blick’s acrylic paint line. The Blick Artists’ Acrylic Paint is their higher end line–I was surpised at how much I loved these compared to Golden and Liquitex brands; the consistency is smooth and covers nicely. They also offer Blick Studio Acrylic Paint which sacrifices some quality for the sake of affordability.

In conclusion, whether you’re a beginner or a professional artist, acrylic paints offer a world of creative opportunities. Make the most of your artistic journey by investing in paints that work for your vision, as well as your budget.

Happy painting! 🎨👩‍🎨