Painting With Acrylics

[WeAreBongo]

I'm thinking of taking up painting with acrylics on canvas - could any arty types out there in the ether give me any tips on how to begin? Does the canvas need any preparation / undercoating before painting? Can you buy ready-boxed canvas or is it better to box it yourself? Should the finished work be coated with a varnish?? Any helpful advice gratefully received. Thanks!

[Clanad]

Usually, Mrs. C is the artiste en residence', but I've done some acrylic work. The canvas can be bought already boxed, but one should learn to box (stretch) them oneself, just for added expertise but also for sake of cost. It's fairly easy to do... here's a link for guidance:
http://painting.about.com/od/oilpainting/a/str etch_canvas.htm

The raw canvas is prepared differently from use with oils... a product called gesso is utilized and makes life much simpler when using acrylics. Obtain one for use with both oils and acrylics. Most products have directions for use, but, generally, I find it takes two or three coats with a very light sanding between each. The product is very fast drying. It's also a little easier to use, since it is fast drying, when cut with about equal amounts of acrylic gloss and water in a mixture.
Another convenient thing is that the gesso can be cleaned up with warm soapy water... but do it quickly, since it dries so fast. You won't be able to clean the application brush if you let it dry.
If you have experience with oils, it will serve you well with thinning acrylics from the tube. You'll have to experiment on your own, but it's easily learned.

This link (same source as previous) will be helpful in furthering your education. Best of luck!

http://painting.about.com/od/acrylicpainting/t p/acrylic-mediums.htm

[WeAreBongo]

Thanks for the tips. I've never painted before and was hoping you'd say "just squeeze the paint out of the tube and slap it on the canvas"...

[clairey-s]

Just squeeze the paint out of the tube and slap it on the canvas. =)

[clairey-s]

You can use your fingers, if you like.

[WeAreBongo]

Just what I was hoping to hear! I think I'll purchase a ready boxed, ready primed canvas to begin with along with some acrylic paint. I will create a masterpiece using whichever appendage comes to hand. Once dry, I shall apply a clear varnish and ultimately hang it on my wall. Elementary my dear Bongo.

[jessiedog]

Just thought you might like to know... Lidl are featuring all sorts of painting stuff starting next week and they have got paint boards and canvas at really cheap prices, good if you just want to practise first before spending a fortune.