Acrylics Addicts Anonymous – The Story So Far

I’ve been a little busy lately, battling a new addiction. It all started during a visit to my parents’ house in Yorkshire. I was discussing art with my talented artist dad, when he made the seemingly innocent remark that would lead to my downfall.

“I think you should try painting in acrylics” he said. “Acrylics?” said I “no, I don’t think so”. My memories of painting were not good. I remembered grappling with cheap standard issue brushes and gaudily coloured tubes of gouache, back at art school, whilst the red faced, balding lecturer yelled “let your painting grow … let it take on a life of its own … let it speak to you!” The girl next to me leaned over and whispered “Is your painting speaking to you? Mine is, It’s telling me it’s rubbish”. Rubbish wasn’t the exact term she used, but you get the point.

'Carmen' by Jo Hards ~ SOLD

“No, I really can’t …” I protested. “Have a go” said my dad, “I think you’d be good at it”. Well, you can’t argue with that, can you? A week later, I had bought a selection of acrylic paints, a set of brushes, a big tub of gesso primer, some painting panels and a B&Q tool box. After many hours spent nervously Googling various painting techniques, I was ready to start. A simple portrait to start with … What about the background? … A sunset, perfect! I took a broad brush, loaded it with colour and tentatively drew it across the canvas. Wow, it actually didn’t look bad. Several hours later I was still there. I was hooked, building up layer upon layer, experimenting with strokes and colours. Within a few days I had completed my first acrylic painting ‘Carmen’.

Gothic mermaid painting 'Changes' by Jo Hards

I couldn’t wait to get started on the next painting, another portrait, but a little different. I wanted to include a fantasy element … Of course, a mermaid! The result was ‘Changes’. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t tried this before! Carmen has already been sold, but Changes is available to buy now from the online store, priced at £65. I’m now working on my next acrylic painting. This time, a faerie. I have a feeling she won’t be the last. All paintings come with an EBSQ Certificate of Authenticity. To keep updated and see new paintings as soon as they are released, you can find me on Facebook or Twitter.

Buy Gothic Fantasy paintings by Jo Hards