The Versatility of Acrylics

Acrylic painting by Sydney-based artist Tetiana Koldunenko depicting a seagull soaring freely through a pale blue sky, its wings rendered with an almost transparent, ethereal quality. Inspired by Jonathan Livingston Seagull, the artwork conveys lightness, freedom, and the quiet pursuit of inner growth.

The fast-drying nature of acrylic paints brings an entirely different kind of energy to my practice. They provide immediate results and encourage a spontaneous, expressive approach that keeps the process fresh and dynamic.

Black Butterfly with pink spots on silver textured background, made in acrylic and texture paste

Orange Butterfly close up look on silver textured background, made in acrylic and texture paste

What I love most about acrylics is their incredible versatility. They can be used on canvas, paper, or wood — opening endless creative possibilities for experimentation. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate many of their qualities:

Versatility – suitable for almost any surface.
Quick drying – perfect for working in layers or capturing fast-changing ideas.
Water-soluble – easy to clean and manipulate.
Layering and texture – ideal for building depth and tactile interest.
Colour range – vibrant, pure, and adaptable to many moods.
Adaptable to different styles – from sharp and precise to soft and atmospheric.
Mixed media compatibility – blends beautifully with texture paste, collage, or other materials.
Surface finish – can be matte or glossy, depending on the artist’s intent.

The combination of acrylics and texture paste allows for a dynamic interplay between colour, texture, and form — giving the artwork a unique, tactile quality. It’s a medium that rewards curiosity, experimentation, and the courage to explore new directions.

Transparent glass chess figures are floating on the dark blue water using newspaper boats as a transport. The rules of the game had changed, the surface is not black and white any more and the figures become transparent - an allegory to modern life.

Green iguana looking at the viewer sitting on a highly ornate textile.

Black and grey Butterflies with blue spots, on silver textured background, made in acrylic and texture paste

Portrait of my niece Stephanie with her cat and dog and her pink fairytale world

Portrait of a student of Kings school Sydney

Models in traditional outfits in front of NGA

“National Gallery of Australia - Ukrainian traditional costume show”

In 2018, I was invited to curate and coordinate a cultural performance for a diplomatic function at the National Gallery of Australia, at the request of the Embassy of Ukraine and on the initiative of Christine Syvenkyj-Bailey. The performance was created primarily from Christine Syvenkyj-Bailey’s private collection, with additional contributions from the collections of Sonia Mycak and Roxolana Mishalow. I am deeply grateful to them for their generosity and trust. This project was far more than event coordination — it was about giving history a voice. Every costume, ornament, and movement carried memory, identity, and meaning. My role was to carefully weave these elements into a coherent narrative that honoured tradition while allowing it to live and breathe in the present moment. I oversaw the entire creative and organisational process: selecting traditional Ukrainian costume elements, sourcing authentic garments and objects from private collectors, and recreating historical headpieces and jewellery where originals could not be used. I wrote the presentation script to guide the audience through the story, and designed all visual and printed materials — from slides and banners to invitations, gifts, and calendars — ensuring a unified visual language throughout the event. Behind the scenes, the work was equally intricate. I coordinated models and assistants, managed the careful transport of costumes and artefacts from Sydney to Canberra and back, and balanced countless logistical details so that, on the day, everything felt effortless and dignified. What emerged was not simply a performance, but a living expression of cultural memory.

Poster with artwork by Tetiana Koldunenko lorikeets

“Mona Vale Pop Up Gallery”

Spring Gives Us Hope was a fundraising exhibition by True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow, held at Mona Vale Pop-Up Gallery on Sydney’s Northern Beaches from 17–28 October 2022. Unstoppable in our commitment, we continued to paint, exhibit, and raise funds to support those in need, using art as a way to respond, connect, and help. The exhibition was filled with colour and optimism — flowers, birds, and vibrant palettes came together to reflect renewal, resilience, and the emotional lift that spring brings. It was an uplifting visual response during a difficult time, offering light and hope through art. We are deeply grateful to everyone who visited, supported the exhibition, and purchased artworks. Your generosity made a real difference. Knowing that, once again, art could help support the people of Ukraine is something that continues to warm our hearts.

The Versatility of Acrylics

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