Any artists? Acrylic paint sets

[LisaR]

My daughter (12) has been taking an acrylic class and is really getting into it. She has asked for paints for Christmas.

I know nothing about acrylics. Are they all created equal? Is there a particular brand I should look for? I found a really cute set that seems to be selling from $50 - $60 on a lot of sites but it is only $25 from Dick Blick. Is it decent?

http://www.dickblick.com/zz016/15/?wmcp=google&wmcid=products&wmckw=01615-1001-8711

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Lisa

 

[Violet Crayon]

There is a huge difference when it comes to cost and any art supply. The cheaper they are the less pigment (minerals and pure sources of the color) are contained in the medium. The set you linked would be a great starter, but if you want her to have more serious supplies I would choose Liquitex paints, they are thicker (more opaque) and have a little bit of a gloss to them. They are a really reliable and standard brand. I also use Winsor & Newton when I do not have the budget to splurge.

Liquitex: http://www.dickblick.com/zz006/17d/

and another tip I have picked up as an art student:
If she is using a plastic palette it will be a huuuuge pain to clean. Because arcylic has a latex base it will adhere to anything plastic (once dried) and take a lot of time to peel off. Using wax paper (they sell bound pads of it, but a roll of wax paper taped to a board is really easy) is a much better alternative. Professionals will use glass palettes, but they break easily if toted around to classes and things.

Edit: oh yeah, and stay away from the Liquitex BASICS , they are really watery and will take several layers to build up a plane of color.
these:http://www.dickblick.com/zz006/61/

 

[JunieJay]

I agree with Violet Crayon (what a great name for an art student! ). Also, the cheaper acrylic paints lose their color over time. I do think the set you linked is o.k. for a beginner though.

 

[LisaR]

There is a huge difference when it comes to cost and any art supply. The cheaper they are the less pigment (minerals and pure sources of the color) are contained in the medium. The set you linked would be a great starter, but if you want her to have more serious supplies I would choose Liquitex paints, they are thicker (more opaque) and have a little bit of a gloss to them. They are a really reliable and standard brand. I also use Winsor & Newton when I do not have the budget to splurge.

Liquitex: http://www.dickblick.com/zz006/17d/

and another tip I have picked up as an art student:
If she is using a plastic palette it will be a huuuuge pain to clean. Because arcylic has a latex base it will adhere to anything plastic (once dried) and take a lot of time to peel off. Using wax paper (they sell bound pads of it, but a roll of wax paper taped to a board is really easy) is a much better alternative. Professionals will use glass palettes, but they break easily if toted around to classes and things.

Edit: oh yeah, and stay away from the Liquitex BASICS , they are really watery and will take several layers to build up a plane of color.
these:http://www.dickblick.com/zz006/61/

Thank you so much. This was a tremendous help!

Lisa