What I use

Throughout this course, you’ll see me using my preferred paint — Fluid Acrylics from Golden Paints. These are high quality paints loaded with pigment. They have roughly the same consistency as heavy cream or the white glue you may have used in school. I like working with thinner paints because it allows me to layer quickly and create unique transparent effects that help define my style.

I use affordable white gesso to both thicken and increase opacity of these paints.

I use Satin Glazing Liquid from Golden when I want a transparent glaze. Glazing Liquid also extends the drying time of acrylic paints so I use it as part of my paint storage process.

FAQs

CAN I USE ANY OLD PAINT I HAVE LAYING AROUND?

You can certainly try! This course is designed around the specific use of fluid acrylics from Golden. Many of the tips and techniques only work well for acrylic. Still, I encourage you to experiment. When I first started painting I tried all the mediums to figure out which one I like best. I landed on acrylics. I started out using cheap student grade acrylics, but quickly migrated towards the higher quality Fluid Acrylics from Golden. I don’t regret that journey and exploration in the slightest.

CAN I USE HEAVY BODY Acrylic PAINTS?

Yes. You may need to thin heavy body paints to get some of the same effects you would with fluid acrylics, but I encourage the experimentation. Have fun.

Can I use OILS?

Yes, although many of my lessons are centered around the specific use of acrylic paint. If you’re already comfortable with oils, then you’ll just need to adapt some of the steps to suit your needs.

CAN I USE WATERCOLOR?

It’s going to be tough. I like acrylics because i can just keep adding opaque layers all I want. Watercolor often requires a different way of thinking because it can be more difficult to make things lighter. My advice would be to try acrylics here to learn what you like and then take what you can back to your watercolor practice.

CAN I USE HEAVY BODY TITANIUM WHITE INSTEAD OF GESSO?

Absolutely. You’re just going to get a different flow and feel than you would from gesso, but it will accomplish the same goal. You might love it.

Alternatives

All the paints below will behave in a similar way as Golden Fluid Acrylics and are generally cheaper, but may lack the same amount of pigment.

Links

We’d love your Feedback

Let us know if you found this useful or if you’d like to see something different from us.

Materials: Paint