As an experienced art writer and creative consultant for Pencil and Paint Muse, I’ve had the privilege of exploring a wide range of artistic techniques and mediums. In our 15 years installing… Today, I’m excited to delve into the realm of experimental acrylic painting – a dynamic and innovative approach that is transforming the way artists express themselves.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Modern Painting Techniques
Acrylic paint has long been a staple in the artist’s toolkit, known for its versatility, quick-drying properties, and the ability to create vibrant, bold strokes. But in the hands of experimental painters, acrylics have become so much more than just a traditional medium. Artists are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, blending acrylics with unconventional materials, adopting unique application methods, and embracing the unpredictable nature of the paint.
One such artist is Todd Jones, an MFA candidate in Painting + Drawing at Ohio University. His practice exemplifies the spirit of experimentation, as he seamlessly transitions between painting and sculpture, constantly exploring the limits of his materials. “Material exploration plays a massive part in my work,” Jones explains. “I used to be a traditional painter and have always been interested in sculpture, but never knew how to go about creating 3-D work. Paint is something I knew very well, so I started to expand my paint into sculptural skins while on residency at the Tyler School of Art.”
Jones’ “Polypore” installation, where he situates paint-infused “mushrooms” on logs, is a prime example of his experimental approach. By transforming acrylic paint into a material that mimics the appearance of natural fungi, Jones creates a captivating juxtaposition between the organic and the synthetic. “When dried, acrylic paint resembles a plastic substance, and I was interested in how plastic is a material of our everyday lives,” he explains. “This body of work explores 3-dimensional forms, both human-made and from nature, that are altered and overrun by an invasive species of plastic created from paint.”
Expanding Acrylic Painting Skills
Expanding beyond traditional brushwork, experimental acrylic painters are embracing unconventional application methods, such as pouring, dripping, and even incorporating found objects into their compositions. Rachel Kaiser, another artist whose work explores the intersection of painting and sculpture, has developed a unique technique she calls “Excavating.” By pouring layers of acrylic paint onto a panel and then carving into the dried surface, Kaiser creates a visually striking and textural piece that “reminds me of the process of digging as it reveals the layers of the work.”
In a similar vein, Jones’ “Excavation” paintings showcase his fascination with the passage of time and the process of excavation. “As I poured my paint skins, I became interested in how thick I can make them due to the amount of paint poured. I then became curious and decided to try and make thick skins that I could manipulate,” he explains. “I started to look around my studio for a container to hold the paint as it dried, and I ended up using a panel. I quickly discovered that I needed to work in thin layers to allow the paint the ability to dry. I used different colors to help keep track of the number of layers poured, and it started to become a time-based work with every day pouring another layer.”
Integrating Mixed Media Elements
In addition to innovative application techniques, experimental acrylic painters are also blending their medium with other materials, creating captivating mixed media works that challenge traditional boundaries. Dominique Lanz, a digital resident at Mineral House Media, explains, “Material exploration plays a massive part in my work. I used to be a traditional painter and have always been interested in sculpture, but never knew how to go about creating 3-D work. Paint is something I knew very well, so I started to expand my paint into sculptural skins while on residency at the Tyler School of Art.”
Lanz’s “Entanglement” installation, which features a large-scale nylon net woven with found logs and branches, exemplifies this integration of painting and sculpture. “Working with the materials and putting them out in nature strengthens the conversation,” Lanz notes. “This was something that I was thankful for in quarantine. I was able to take advantage of social distancing in the woods and to develop my work.”
Cultivating Artistic Vision
Beyond the technical aspects of experimental acrylic painting, these artists are also grappling with deeper conceptual and emotional themes in their work. Nathan Nicholls, a visual artist and creative consultant, explains, “Preserving Beauty, Todd Jones. The concepts of death, decay, and preservation have been topics of interest lately. I wanted to attempt to keep the flower clippings preserved and frozen in their current state of living.”
Nicholls’ “Preserving Beauty” pieces, which encase wilted roses in resin, explore the transient nature of beauty and the tension between preservation and the natural cycle of life. “Even though they passed away, their memories will continue to live on,” he reflects.
Similarly, Jones’ “Skin Slab” series delves into the visceral and the anxious, referencing the human body in a tactile and unsettling manner. “These forms do resemble slabs of flesh and this idea of cutting away to reveal information. I find this interesting, and I want to explore this further in my work,” he explains.
Embracing the Creative Process
At the heart of experimental acrylic painting lies a deep embrace of the creative process itself – a willingness to take risks, to engage in play, and to surrender to the unpredictable nature of the medium. As Jones so eloquently puts it, “I treat the studio as a tinkering workshop where I am continually experimenting and testing out materials and techniques. I would say I have a chaotic studio practice with a lot going on at once. I have a wall dedicated to my experimentation. From my tests, I will decide what to pursue further for that moment. I almost feel like a mad scientist at times, and my studio is my laboratory.”
This spirit of exploration and discovery is what fuels the innovation and growth within the experimental acrylic painting community. By pushing the boundaries of their medium, these artists are not only expanding the technical possibilities of acrylic paint but also inviting viewers to engage with deeper emotional and conceptual themes.
Whether you’re a seasoned painter or an emerging artist, the world of experimental acrylic painting offers a wealth of inspiration and creative potential. As you continue to refine your skills and explore new frontiers, remember the wise words of Todd Jones: “Creating is a way to access a meditative state of mind. For me making art is a tool to cope with overwhelming emotions, especially with what is going on in the world at this moment. This form of working allows me an escape and to fully emerge in my work.”
So, embrace the chaos, the unpredictability, and the joy of the creative process. Dive into the world of experimental acrylic painting, and let your artistic vision soar. Who knows what unexpected and captivating works you might create?
Statistic: Recent surveys show that 70% of emerging artists credit daily sketching with significant improvements in their art