I almost gave up on this one
I think this is maybe the most challenging painting I’ve done so far, the biggest hurtle I’m facing is that it is a larger canvas and I’m trying to use acrylic to blend and it is drying too fast.. I really want to take the next step and try out oil paints because I think I am getting to a point in my art journey that I should branch out and try a new medium, acrylics have been my tried and true for as long as I’ve done art but there are effects that I am trying to achieve that are not as effective with acrylic paint alone. I am still loving how this piece is coming out regardless, I can’t wait to do a reveal for this one!
#femaleartists #aliceinwonderland #gardenpainting #cottagecore #mushrooms
Working on large acrylic paintings often comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to blending colors. Acrylic paint dries rapidly, which makes smooth transitions and subtle gradients difficult to achieve on bigger canvases. I've personally found that while acrylics are great for quick layering and vibrant colors, they can sometimes limit how much you can manipulate the paint on the canvas before it sets. In this piece, which took me over eight hours across multiple days, I struggled with this rapid drying time. There were moments I doubted whether to continue, feeling frustrated with certain areas I couldn’t perfect right away. However, I learned that patience and trusting the process are key. Taking breaks and returning with fresh eyes helped me notice new details and areas that needed refinement, as highlighted by my progress notes—ranging from initial dislike to gradually trusting the evolving vision. One solution I’m eager to explore is switching to oil paints for future large projects. Oils dry much slower than acrylics, allowing for extended blending and more nuanced effects like glazing and texture variations. This medium could help me bring out the intricate designs and layered elements inspired by themes such as garden paintings and cottagecore aesthetics, reflected in my current work. For other artists facing similar frustrations, I recommend experimenting with slow-drying acrylic mediums or retarding agents that extend drying time, or alternatively branching out into oils to gain new creative possibilities. Additionally, embracing imperfection and progression rather than immediate perfection makes the artistic journey more fulfilling. Sharing pieces at various stages and reflecting on the process connects deeply with fellow artists and enthusiasts, especially within communities focused on female artists or fantasy themes like Alice in Wonderland. Ultimately, each artwork is a journey from uncertainty through persistence, culminating in a unique creation. Don’t give up when struggles arise—sometimes the challenges lead to the most rewarding breakthroughs.
