Watching Paint Dry Is Fun (Really!)

Last week I gave a talk with a demonstration component to members of the Oshawa Art Association. My main demo was of the process I use to make my 'Arounded' acrylic paintings. A magical part of the process is watching the painting emerge as the paint dries.

At the talk I promised that I would share photos of the drying process because the changes are so dramatic as the gel portion dries, due to the nature of acrylics: when wet, the gel or mediums are milky white; they dry clear (more or less, depending on medium and other factors).

Spots with the very thickest applications can take a considerable time to dry fully. Extremely thick applications done all at once may never truly clarify.

Although there are small remaining gel "peaks" that are not yet clear, this sequence gives you a good look at the drying effects over time.

#1: 'Arounded' painting a few hours after the demo on May 10. Virtually all of the acrylic gel is still wet & white.

#4: 'Arounded' painting on May 14, a further 35 hours after the demo. Only the thickest spots of the gel layer remain white(ish).

#2: 'Arounded' painting on May 12, more than 18 hours after the demo. All the thinner areas have clarified.

Detail of #4: 'Arounded' painting May 14.

#3: 'Arounded' painting on May 13 – an additional 25 hours after the demo. The centre has mostly clarified (dried).

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