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

“Gallery 11:11 Art Prize - People’s Choice Award 2025 ”

I’m delighted to share that my artwork “Bottlebrush Symphony” received the Gallery 11:11 Art Prize / People’s Choice Award! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited the exhibition, voted, and shared in this wonderful experience. Your support, encouragement, and kind words mean so much to me. The winning piece, “Bottlebrush Symphony,” will be available for purchase through the Gallery 11:11 website for the next eight weeks: www.gallery1111.net It was such a joy to celebrate this moment surrounded by art lovers, friends, and the creative community.

“Two workshops at the exhibition”

During the Rooted in Nature exhibition, I ran two small, intimate workshops focused on observing nature through different lenses. The first workshop explored trees from a distance — their shapes, rhythm, and presence in the landscape. The second shifted to a close-up study of eucalypt blooms, celebrating detail, texture, and colour. Working with texture paste and acrylic, we built layered, expressive surfaces full of energy. I keep my groups small to allow for a more personal approach, and although everyone followed the same process, each artwork turned out completely different. There is something truly magical about creating inside an exhibition space. Being surrounded by artworks and artists in the act of making seems to boost creativity and confidence — the energy is contagious. Both groups did an incredible job, and I’m genuinely proud of the results and the courage they brought to their work.

The Versatility of Acrylics

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