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Art Principles and History

Art Fundamentals

What is acrylic paint?

Acrylics are synthetic paints that have some of the features of oil paint and some features of watercolors. They are water-soluble, but some can be mixed with oil as well. Once acrylic paint dries, it can look quite similar to oil paint. Invented in the twentieth century, acrylics are amongst the most popular type of paints used by modern and contemporary artists.



A display of watercolor supplies. Watercolors mix pigments with water, instead of with oil.

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