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

“Five Exhibitions in One Month!”

In August I am exhibiting my work in four group exhibitions across Sydney and one in Brisbane! If you're need to recharge your creative batteries this month, I'd love for you to visit one (or more!) of these exhibitions. Admissions are free. Throughout the month, you’ll be able to see my paintings in: Freedom and Sustainability 3–20 August 2026 The Gallery Ramp Space St Ives Village 166 Mona Vale Road, St Ives NSW 2075 The Winter Edit

Artist group in Ferrario factory not far from Bologna

“Art Voyages — Learning Through Materials”

Knowing your tools deeply — how they behave, how they age, how they respond to light and heat — changes the way you work and the confidence with which you make decisions. During my time at Azur Studio in Kyiv, we took part in a number of art trips across Europe, visiting paint and medium manufacturers directly. These experiences were invaluable. Being able to ask questions about materials from the people who created them — the chemists, designers, and technicians behind the products — gave us insights no manual or catalogue ever could. Who could know the materials better than those who developed them? Along the way, we also participated in workshops with local designers who introduced us to the full potential of different gels and pastes, transparent and opaque paints, and specialised products for textile decoration and pseudo stained glass. We explored techniques for creating patina, working with gilding, and layering surfaces in ways that expanded both technical knowledge and creative possibility. I often find myself missing those times — being surrounded by like-minded professionals, travelling, learning, experimenting, and talking endlessly about what we loved most: paint, surface, and decoration. Those journeys shaped not only my technical approach, but also my respect for materials as active partners in the creative process.

The Versatility of Acrylics

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