Modern acrylic paintings

I find inspiration for any of my contemporary acrylic paintings in the current fashion trends and actualities. Check out my modern acrylic paintings “Selfie”, “Italian Silk”, “Damn, Where Did I Lose My Contact Lenses”, and “Inconvenient Formality”. I love combining design and painting – very few artists do it. This is why some critics say that my modern artwork is so confident it’s almost masculine, and I certainly don’t mind this description. When it comes to contemporary acrylic paintings, I don’t shy away from the dramatic effects, intensity, and anything that brings more power to my work.

Painting technique of Agne Kisonaite

Could you recognize my modern art paintings at a glance? That’s entirely possible. You can always pay attention to the thin and sleek coat of paint – I’m not too fond of multiple acrylic layers visibly sitting on top of each other, so I created my own technique instead. Notice large, bold shapes and pure contrasting colors. I always try to balance design and painting smoothly. I use flashy colors and decorative details to convey a vibrant pop-art vibe.

Looking back, I’m happy I didn’t choose painting as my study subject. That’s why I don’t feel stuck in the narrow academic framework of art today and don’t play by the strict rulebook. The courage to experiment with shapes and colors also came very naturally.

Academy of Arts students often support the notion that waiting for an impulse, for a creative muse, is necessary. I do the opposite. I never wait for the inspiration to strike – get down to work, and when the muse visits me, she finds me already in process. In my contemporary acrylic paintings, there are no coincidences. I use a precise technique in all my contemporary acrylic paintings. I thought out all compositions to the smallest detail – even the spontaneous elements. At the end of the day, I always aim for a clear, proportionate, and harmonious creation.

The value of acrylic paintings in the modern world

Modern acrylic paintings are well-known in the contemporary art scene. As opposed to the pricey and slow-drying oil paint, acrylic paint is incredibly versatile. Nowadays, it is heavily loaded with pigment – so you can effortlessly play with gorgeous, saturated hues.

I’ve been using acrylics to create my artwork for years. Thanks to its elegant simplicity, the paint is ideal for creative experiments. It’s not a high-maintenance medium; the artist can control its consistency and texture. As acrylic paint dries fast, you can apply multiple layers without long waiting times (and you won’t disturb the layers underneath).

Clients love acrylic artwork because the paintings are water-resistant and durable. I enjoy a smooth mix of traditional and abstract elements that create a unique contemporary edge.

Famous acrylic artwork

Acrylic paintings, known for their versatility and vibrant colors, have significantly impacted the art world since their introduction in the mid-20th century. One of the most famous acrylic artwork is David Hockney’s “A Bigger Splash” (1967). This painting, emblematic of Hockney’s style, captures a moment just after a diver has entered a swimming pool, creating a dynamic splash. The work is renowned for its vivid colors and portrayal of a quintessentially Californian scene.

Another notable acrylic masterpiece is Bridget Riley’s “Drift No. 2” (1966). Riley, a key figure in the Op art movement, used acrylics to create optical illusions through precise, geometric patterns. Her work plays with viewers’ perceptions, creating a sense of movement and color interaction that is both mesmerizing and disorienting.

Andy Warhol’s “Marilyn Diptych” (1962) is also an iconic and famous acrylic artwork. Combining acrylic paint with silk screen printing, Warhol created a work juxtaposing a brightly coloured Marilyn Monroe against a faded, monochromatic background. This piece emulates Warhol’s exploration of celebrity culture and the ephemeral nature of fame.

Though often associated with oil, Mark Rothko’s large, abstract expressions also included acrylic works. His use of acrylics allowed for a faster drying time, enabling him to build rich, deep-colour layers. Rothko’s modern acrylic paintings are characterized by their emotional depth and simplicity of form, inviting contemplation and introspection.

These artworks, varying in style and subject matter, exemplify acrylic paints’ flexibility and expressive potential. They have marked significant moments in art and demonstrated the medium’s ability to convey complex emotions and concepts.

Best acrylic paintings

Identifying the “top 10” best acrylic paintings can be subjective. However, several acrylic paintings are widely recognized for their innovation, influence, and mastery. Here’s my list that includes some of the most celebrated best acrylic paintings:

David Hockney – “A Bigger Splash” (1967): This painting is famous for depicting a splash in a swimming pool, showcasing Hockney’s distinctive style and vibrant use of color.

Bridget Riley – “Drift No. 2” (1966): A leading example of Op Art, this work uses geometric patterns to create optical effects, playing with the viewer’s perception.

Andy Warhol – “Marilyn Diptych” (1962): A powerful piece of Pop Art, this painting combines acrylic and silkscreen to depict Marilyn Monroe, exploring themes of celebrity and mortality.

Roy Lichtenstein – “Whaam!” (1963): This large diptych is one of the best-known examples of Pop Art, utilizing a comic book style to depict a fighter jet in action.

Mark Rothko – “Untitled (Black on Grey)” (1970): Known for his large abstract paintings, this work exemplifies Rothko’s use of color fields to evoke emotional responses.

Jean-Michel Basquiat – “Hollywood Africans” (1983): This painting, with its bold colors and graffiti-like style, comments on African-American stereotypes and the experience of black celebrities in Hollywood.

Keith Haring – “Untitled” (1982): Featuring his iconic bold lines and dynamic figures, Haring’s work is both a political statement and a lively expression of energy and life.

Jasper Johns – “Flag” (1954-55): While Johns used encaic and oil in many of his flag paintings, his later work incorporated acrylics, and his flag series remains an iconic example of American art.

Yayoi Kusama – “Infinity Nets” (various): Kusama’s series of monochromatic paintings, featuring endless loops and dots, offer a mesmerizing experience and are a hallmark of her larger body of work.

Frank Stella – “Harran II” (1967): Part of his Protractor series, this painting is known for its geometric patterns and bright, contrasting colors, exemplifying the minimalism and hard-edge painting of the 1960s.

These best acrylic paintings, each revolutionary in its own right, demonstrate the versatility and expressive power of acrylic paints. They’ve had a profound impact on the art world and continue to inspire artists and art lovers alike.