I tried acrylics for the first time, using a very liquidy type called Golden High Flow. They’re the consistency of ink yet extremely saturated with pigment. They called out to me because of their permanent and lightfast qualities, plus finished artwork doesn’t have to be placed behind glass.

I attempted to paint with them like watercolors, but they were far too vivid. I had trouble keeping paint in my palette and not making a mess, too. So, I bought some empty paint markers, filled them with paint, and used a damp brush for blending. This works best on a gessoed surface or something that doesn’t absorb quickly or you’ll get dark lines from the markers.

I overpainted my test piece. When I look back at it in an earlier stage, I think I like it better, except I’m fond of the little dragonflies I made from stray dots in the finished piece.