Atelier's Painting Approach

Pastels

Sometimes referred to as “dry paint,” pastels have been popular since the 16th century. Their stick form and zero drying time make them an easy, portable choice for artists. Colours are typically mixed directly on the paper. These paintings tend to be fragile, as the pigment can flake off the surface; therefore, they must be framed under glass.

Acrylic

​There are a wide variety of acrylic paints that vary in texture and drying time. This water-based paint dries quickly, is non-toxic, and is often inexpensive, making it the preferred choice for many painters of all skill levels. It holds up better than oil paint, as it is not prone to cracking or yellowing. There are countless acrylic painting techniques, and by combining it with different mediums, artists have flexibility in the final look of their work. Although acrylic is water-resistant when completely dry on the canvas, its water-soluble nature when wet makes it easy to clean.

Watercolour

Typically painted on paper, watercolours are made from pigments suspended in a water-based solution. Known for the transparent layers they create, watercolour paint remains soluble even when dry. This means artists can make corrections when the paint is no longer wet, but it also means the finished work must be carefully protected. Although paper is the most common canvas, watercolours can also be used on surfaces such as fabric, wood, leather, and parchment.

Oil

For centuries, artists have used oil paint to create masterpieces. This slow-drying medium is made up of colour pigments suspended in oil. Because of its long drying time, artists can take their time producing the work. Oil paint is often used to create wonderful textures thanks to its thick consistency. Although it can be very messy and care must be taken when working with mediums containing toxic elements, it is still loved by artists thanks to the richness of colours it produces. Therefore, it is no surprise that it is one of the most popular types of paint.