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

“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.

23 July 2026

“Nature of Australia – Through Women’s Eyes at Palangi Gallery”

I am participating in Nature of Australia, a group exhibition at Palangi Gallery celebrating the beauty and diversity of the Australian landscape through the eyes of women artists from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Although each artist brings a unique perspective and artistic style, we are united by a shared appreciation for Australia's remarkable natural environment. Through different mediums, the exhibition reflects our personal connections to the land, its native flora, and the places that inspire us. I will contribute with artworks from my bush and ocean series. It is a great pleasure to exhibit alongside such a talented group of artists and to contribute to this celebration of nature. Nature of Australia 23 July – 6 August 2026 Palangi Gallery 59 Flinders Street, Surry Hills, NSW Opening Night Thursday, 23 July 6:00 – 8:00 pm

The Versatility of Acrylics

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

“Two workshops at the exhibition”

“Nature of Australia – Through Women’s Eyes at Palangi Gallery”

“Exhibitions in 2011”