First serious experiment with acrylic. Trying to overcome the hurdles that have kept me from using it as a medium in my work.

Many struggles. The values hurt. Don't know how to lighten the background without making it chalky. Even used zinc white to try to keep it from being overpowering. Did manage to get them presentable.

Difficulty with the paint. Perhaps I just need to find the right brushes, or maybe the right combination of what kinds of mediums. I used some glazing liquid with more success than water, but it makes the paint transparent. Great for glazing, I'm sure, but for colors that are supposed to be more opaque, it's difficult to control that opacity.

How do I keep my brushes from getting so plasticy feeling, the paint from drying too fast to use?

I definitely want to start painting on a regular basis. Working in a tiny sketchbook to remind myself that what I'm doing are studies- meant for learning, not as an end in itself.