Aristocrat Liquid Glass is a fantastic product that can be used to achieve those wondering glass effect coatings on acrylic painting. The product comprises of a resin and hardener that is mixed and then poured onto the painting. The process is a little more involved than that and does need some practice, but essentially the whole process can be achieved over a day and a half.
Additional tools required (that don’t come with the product) are a good mixing bowl with a flat bottom, and a flat stick for mixing. You may also need a propane torch to breach the bubbles that may rise to the surface after pouring.
Before mixing
Use in a low humidity room that is not too hot, and well ventilated. Temperature ideally should be 24 C to 27 C, or 75 F to 80 F.
Measuring
Make a test piece first! 1 part resin is mixed with 12 part hardener. Do not add more hardener than resin as the finished coating could remain sticky. Do not try to estimate the measurements.
Mixing
Use a clean container. Mix the measure resin and hardener – remember to do a small test piece first. Stir well for 2 minutes. Make sure the mixture is thoroughly mixed. Bubbles may start to appear at this stage, but do not worry about them yet.
The Aristocrat has a short “working time” once mixed. It will start to harden in 20 minutes, or as little as 15 minutes if a large quantity has been mixed. (Larger quantities require more stirring time.)
Pouring
Pour evenly over the surface straight after mixing. Do not wait. The Aristocrat will begin to harden in a short time. use a brush to cover difficult to reach areas.
Bubble Breaking
Bubbles that rise to the surface can be broken by exhaling on the surface until they are gone. Take care – exhale only and do not inhale near the surface as you can inhale the fumes. A propane torch can be used to remove the bubbles by sweeping across the surface at a minimum distance of 15 cm away from the surface. Do not sweep rapidly or too closely as waves will remain as the Aristocrat sets.
Stubborn bubbles can also be popped using a tooth pick. Do not use a hair dryer!
Curing
Ensure the room is low humidity (60%) and the temperature is around 24 C to 27 C and dust free. The Aristocrat sets in about 4 hours and cures in about 24 hours, however, several days can be allowed to fully cure the item.
Try making a temporary tent over your item to keep it dust free.
Cleaning
Acetone can be used to clean the liquid Aristocrat. Hardened Aristocrat will need to be removed with paint stripper. Any brushes used will need to be thoroughly cleaned using Acetone but should be discarded if the product has hardened on the brush.
Aristocrat Liquid Glass – High Gloss Coating
•Fantastic for a glass effect coating over acrylic paint on canvas
•Folk Art
•Wood
•Plaster
•Marble
•Table Tops
•Photographs
•Counter Tops
•Fabrics
•Jewelry
•Crafts
This product can be purchased online (Australia only) at www.bellaartsupplies.com.au
“The Weekend Artist” by Australian art shop assistant Gerard Smith
“The Weekend Artist” is a superbly written book for the absolute beginner to the painting scene. Written by Sydney art shop assistant Gerard Smith, it is a step by step practical guide into everything you ever wanted to know about learning to paint decorative art pieces for your home in an easy to understand, entertaining, humorous and unpretentious read. In fact, the book itself is a good read even if you don’t intend to ever pick up a brush!
- The Weekend Artist
Includes looking into acrylic paints (just what are they, why are there so many different brands, which are the best), choosing colours (what are primary, secondary and complementary colours, what colours look best with other colours), tools of the trade (brushes, palette knives, easels etc what do I need to get started), cleaning up. This is an essential tool for anyone wanting to start their own art projects, but don’t have the time or the funds to get to classes.
As soon as I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down. The 224 page book covers absolutely all facets of painting. Not only do I recommend it as I am now “the girl in the art shop”, but because it was such an entertaining read. Gerard covers all those questions you always wanted to know, but thought too basic to ask, like “what does the word hue mean on a tube of paint?” What is a medium and how are they used.
This book is fantastic for anyone wanting to delve into the world of painting decorative pieces for their home, but maybe not so interested in becoming the next Picasso (although it is a great start for aspiring Picasso’s – always great to be armed with as much knowledge as you can get before entering the academic art field). As the title indicates, it is possible with the Weekend Artist to start and finish an art project, all of your own, in a weekend.
Gerard has several home projects that can be easily achieved and will look great on the wall. He tells you which paints and materials you will need to get and then teaches you how to apply step by step with lots of photo illustrations. I have achieved several of his projects, very easily and without too much frustration and have even managed to put some up around the house.
The book retails for around AU$39.95 inc GST. (Purchasers outside of Australia will not have to pay GST on the price. Price excludes shipping.)
ORDER A COPY – DISCOUNTED TO AU$33.95 – NOW! ($30.86 ex GST)
Creative inspiration, techniques and simple projects designed to unleash your inner artist.
“Chemical Imbalance”, Oil on Panel, 18.5? x 21? (47 x 53.3 cm), 2010
Chemical Imbalance is a depiction of change from one state of being to another state. It explores the moment after your choice is made but the outcome is still unknown, yet there is simply no turning back. It is an expression of the chemical reaction that cannot be reversed, and whose result, for better or worse, weighs in the balance . . . a “Chemical Imbalance.”
The first exhibit of my series of self illuminating prints, “The Illuminations” will take place at Finder’s Creepers in Des Moines, Iowa.
We stock Atelier Interactive Acrylics at Bella Art Gallery, our art online supply retail store based in Ipswich, QLD. Visit www.bellaartsupplies.com.au
Atelier Interactive is an acrylic paint with a difference.
Archival quality paint that allows you to rework your acrylic painting and is available in 75 colours. The paint is very versatile, allowing you to continually rework your colours wet-in-wet until you’re happy, as the paint doesn’t form a sudden skin like traditional acrylic paints and is not fast drying.
Fast & Slow Medium can be used with this paint to allow for a faster, or slower drying time, and Atelier also produce a Fine Mist Water Sprayer to gently keep your artwork hydrated whilst you work. These, inconjuntion with Atelier’s patent-pending formulation of the Atelier Interactive paint allows the artist greater creative freedom with their work. Artists are no longer dictated with the fast drying nature of acrylic paints with the use of Atelier Interactive.
More detailed information about Atelier Interactive, including some detailed techniques, can be found at Chroma Australia Pty Ltd’s website here.
Tell us what you think, or upload your images of artwork that you’ve produced using this paint. Simply click on the comment link below. Regards Lea Gleave, Bella Art Gallery.
Artwork painted using Atelier Interactive Paint
Lips Painting - 120cm x 90cm
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A selection of artwork submitted by Rachel Lennon
Collecting art can be a lifelong hobby and gives you a lot of room to flex your creative muscle. However, when you invest into a piece of art, be sure you have a vision of where and how you wish to display it. Too often, people snatch and grab everything that appeals to them, only to realize that their newly acquired painting is a stray cat when set amongst the rest of their collection. To avoid costly mistakes, that you will surely regret, just take a few moments to plan your work and work your plan.
Home Art
Decorating the home affords a lot of leeway to sample different textures, colors, styles, eras and images for paintings. Persons with an eclectic taste do well to mix and match within reason, or may opt to compartmentalize their art collection room by room. More than likely, there will be no art critics at your dinner table, so get out those picture hangers and feel free to explore your artistic vision to the max. However, to add a touch of class and some modicum of art appreciation, you may prefer to stick with a central color theme in morning cool, sunset warm or pop art colors.
To warm a room with rich earth tones, try a Native American theme with accents in gold, turquoise, silver and coral. If you prefer a light and breezy pastel contour to the living space, you may wish to keep your artwork in a similar tone, such as water color prints from Monet or something from Gauguin’s South Pacific collection.
Coffee Shop Art
If you own a coffee shop, it may feel like your home away from home, but remember it’s a business and you are vying for customers. The mood and atmosphere in a coffee shop is meant to be light and casual, so be sure you don’t overdo it on dramatic artwork and heavy color schemes. Your customers want a simple environment and may shoot a quick glance to your artistry on walls, but they do not want to see thought provoking paintings that require cranial activity.
If you prefer to stand out from the coffee shop down the block, try a collection of signed photographs of celebrities and athletes. The vicinity of the cash register makes a nice blank canvas for your photos, or if you are an avid collector, string them along for all your diners to see. Photos are available from online outlets, and some best bargain deals can be found on Ebay. The celebrity photo tour is something that your guests will make an effort to see and you can be sure that your coffee shop artwork budget was not spent in vain. In addition, the photos are timeless and will blend with every decor.
* This article is a guest contribution supplied to us and written by Emily Jacobson. Copyright ownership of this article remains with Emily Jacobson.
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Acrylic abstract rendering of a sunset scene in outback Australia. The “sun” has been done in metallic gold paint. This is on a thick canvas with no framing. Work is FOR SALE: $AU440 plus delivery
Acrylic abstract rendering of sunset scene in outback Australia
Acrylic painting on board.
Painting taken from original photography by Stephen Welker
Night view of some of the beach boxes on the foreshore
