Art & Soul Insider Newsletter FEB21

ART

In the upcoming class, My World Rocks, we will be using acrylic paints. Many people ask: “What makes acrylic paints different from oils?” Oil paints have been used for centuries, while acrylics is a new invention at the turn of the 21^st century. The second main difference is that in oils the pigment is suspended in oil-based substance, while in acrylics the pigment is suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion, plasticizers, silicon oils, defoamers, stabilizers and metal soaps. Therefore, acrylics are suspended in ‘plastic’ substances. The third difference is that oils take a longer time to dry, while acrylics dry fast. And finally, the clean up is different; oils need turpentine to clean the brushes, while acrylics need just soap and water to clean. On a side note, due to science and inventions, there are now some oil paints that can be cleaned with soap and water. I think this is incredible, and I haven’t tried them… yet!

What are some beautiful effects by acrylic paints is that its finish can resemble a watercolour, gouache or an oil painting. This is due to the types of acrylics; their viscosity is the thickness or thinness of the paint. The heavy body acrylics have a thick, buttery consistency (similar to oils), while fluid acrylics has a thinner viscosity, but has the same colour concentration. By adding water or an additive medium, the effect can be very much like watercolours.

What also is a benefit of acrylics is their availability. Dollar Stores and Craft stores usually contain 2 oz. containers of acrylics. And they are usually in an abundance of colours… even in glitter! While student and professional grade are sold in Art stores. I have used the Dollar Store acrylics and student grade acrylics with the professional grade, and encountered no problems.

And finally what makes acrylics so versatile is that they can be combined with various mediums specifically made for acrylics. There is medium to create thicker ‘blobs’ of paint; this is perfect for impasto (thick paint) abstract painting. Then there is a medium that can be added to the acrylic paint so that it acts like glue. And some mediums actually have glass in it! If there is a certain technique you want, there most likely is an acrylic medium you can add to your acrylics to do it!

Acrylics are a fun, creative, effective and ready for you to give them a try! Have fun!

SOUL

The month of love. In fact, you probably have seen the red hearts popping up in all the retail stores. ‘Reminding’ you, or even quilting you, to spend money on the people you love. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m a love bug and I love love. But I find, with my personality, I already think a lot of every body else. I’m thinking we should turn inwards.

To change my outlook, every time I see a TV ad about diamonds for your loved one, or in the pharmacy and see the boxes of chocolate, I switch it and ask: “How am I loving myself?” It becomes an internal check in. You see it always comes back to you. For when you take care of yourself, you can then take care of others. Are you getting enough sleep? Is your body healthy? Is your spirit being fed? Are you happy? Are you feeling stressed? 

First of all, aim to be you. With the culture being as it is, it is easier being your self. Before there were expectations of what a woman was to be like and what made a man. So what makes you feel fulfilled? Then do that. What makes you happy and joyful? Then find time to do that. Feeling good is all the permission you need.

Secondly, have boundaries. Write a list of the things you need in life and what you want to be respected. Make this list non-negotiable. What is important to you is important. Then let people know what is important to you, so they can love you accordingly.

So, maybe join me, that whenever you see a Valentine’s advertisement, switch it to a self-care question. How am I loving myself? Remember there is only one of you. Take care of yourself. And, Happy Valentine’s Day.