Art Product Review :: Grumbacher Academy Acrylics

Our Summer 2024 Art Product Review features a medium that is ideal for the season – Grumbacher Academy Acrylics! This fun, bright and colorful medium is ideal for painting portraits, landscapes, still life and more! Founder/Instructor, Linda Wehrli recommends Grumbacher Academy Acrylics to her students for our Acrylics 301 Course. Since 1905, this brand has been trusted by professional artists, art conservationists, hobbyists, teachers and students worldwide.

A fun way to learn more about a medium is through an exclusive interview with a professional artist and brand ambassador. We reached out to Grumbacher Academy for a list of artists who use their line. Their rep graciously introduced us to one of their brand ambassadors, Cassy Lepp-Seeger, who accepted our blog interview, below. 🙂

Before we introduce you to the artist, it seems only right to present an enjoyable brief history of this bold and colorful medium (courtesy of grumbacher.chartpak.com and magazine.artland.com).

Interesting tidbit: Did you know that Max Grumbacher established his company’s humble beginnings by hand making brushes at his kitchen table in New York City? So cool! By the 1960s, Grumbacher became an art materials empire offering artists nearly every supply imaginable. Today, the Grumbacher brand is owned by Chartpak, Inc., a creative products company committed to adhering to the impeccable standards set by Max Grumbacher. Chartpak Inc., welcomes the responsibility for ensuring Grumbacher’s continued legacy as an American tradition. They lead the way by setting strict standards of exemplary quality and consistent performance for their materials. Their high standards of quality and excellence have resulted in the Grumbacher brand becoming an American tradition.

It is evident that artists trust this brand when creating their artwork. Their multi-media products, educational services, and online artists’ community, Thalo exemplify Grumbacher’s commitment to growing and adapting to the ever-changing environment of the fine and graphic art industries.

A line of 48 brilliant process colors, metallic and iridescent colors, as well as the most sought after traditional colors comprise the improves line of Grumbacher Academy Acrylics. All colors have an ASTM lightfast rating of 1-Excellent and a labeled AP. This means that the paints will not exhibit appreciable color change after being exposed to the appropriate equivalence of 100 years of indoor museum lighting. These materials are suitable for works that will be installed outdoors.They are highly pigmented and have superior tinting strength, but at a single student price. They’re conveniently available in 90 ml metal tubes or 75 and 200 ml plastic tubes, and all are made in the U.S.!

From the history of Grumbacher, we dive into the story on the invention and use of standard acrylic paint.

The first usable acrylic resin dispersion was developed in 1934 by German chemical company BASF, patented by Rohm and Haas. By the 1940s, acrylic emulsions quickly gained in popularity for home painting, as they were easier to use and clean and dried quickly. They were also far less toxic than many other paints. By the 1960s, more and more artists starting using acrylics, attracted by how cheap they were and the fact that they held color well, dried quickly, were water-resistant when dry, and could resemble watercolor and oil paint. In 1955, to meet the demands of artists, Permanent Pigment Company developed the first water-based acrylic gesso, named Liquitex. A year later they put out their first water-based fluid acrylic paints.

Acrylics offered artists the possibility to achieve the transparent brilliance of watercolors (by diluting the paint with water) or the sharp, densely layered effects of oil paints. By using various mediums, the paint can be thickened and the drying time becomes slower, just like with traditional oil paints. It can be used on all kinds of different surfaces: paper, canvas, wood, masonite, cloth, concrete and brick, among others.

First Artists Using Acrylics

Mexican Muralists

Some of the very first artists to use acrylics were the Mexican Muralists, the most notable ones being Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siqueiros. They started experimenting with acrylics due to the durability and practicality of the paint. The Politec Company was founded in Mexico City in 1953, and supplied most of the Mexican Muralists with water-based acrylics.

Abstract Expressionists

Many of the Abstract Expressionists started favouring acrylics. Mark Rothko mixed oil paints, powdered pigments, acrylics and glue tempera to create his iconic paintings. Robert Motherwell mixed acrylics with graphite and charcoal to create many of the 200 versions of his painting Elegy to the Spanish Republic. Then there was Barnett Newman, who made a relatively late-career transition from oil paints to acrylics.

David Hockney

David Hockey used acrylic paints to create some of his best-known paintings in the 1960s, including A Bigger Splash.

Roy Lichtenstein

The famed pop artist Roy Lichtenstein was another lover of acrylics. He used this paint for his comic-book inspired paintings like Whaam! and Drowning Girl.

Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol was all about innovation, about breaking with the stuffy, old-fashioned past. Acrylic paints fit perfectly with his philosophy on art and life. His Campbell’s Soup Cans are among the many paintings he did with acrylics.

Today, acrylic paints are among the most-used artist paints. Though there are still artists and art schools that feel they are inferior to oil paints, the practicality, versatility, cheaper price and high quality of acrylics allows for a wider range of artists to produce work. They continue to contribute to the accessibility of art production.

Now that you’ve been acquainted with Grumbacher and Acrylic paints, we are pleased to present to you our Artist Interview with Grumbacher Ambassador and fine artist, CassyDraws!

JLS. What is your style of painting referred to? For our art students, would you please describe what this style means or represents?

CD. My preferred style of painting is realism. The realistic style refers to the depiction of the subject matter accurately and true to form. For my particular case with painting wildlife and pets, I work my hardest to create a painting that accurately reflects what I am seeing in a photograph or nature, whether it is beautiful or imperfect.

JLS. Your animal paintings are so life-like! So impressive. How did you discover that Acrylic was the medium for you? Do you ever mix mediums or use other mediums for your paintings?

CD. I discovered that Acrylic was the medium for me purely by accident. When I originally started creating artwork, I would use colored pencil as my preferred medium. It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (which is a chronic illness that affects all areas of the body) that I unfortunately had to stop using colored pencils and find a medium that would be easier to work with and less painful for my hands and joints. That is when I found Acrylic and began to create artwork with this very versatile, softer medium. Fast forward to the present day, I have managed my illness to where I can add in new mediums like watercolour and ink to my art style, and experiment with all sorts of different techniques and methods for painting.

JLS. Wow! That is quite the story. Glad you found a medium that has helped you! We understand you are a brand ambassador for Grumbacher Academy Acrylics. So cool! Can you share your story about your discovery and relationship with this brand?

CD. The relationship I have with Grumbacher started in a beautiful way. I remember it as if it was yesterday! Originally I began using Grumbacher because of their non-toxic properties, and very low odor. I have a smaller studio space and was looking for something that I was confident and comfortable using that would be great for small spaces. I was discussing these features during a live-stream of my painting session on Twitch, (A streaming/content platform for games, music and art!) and was of course getting very passionate about their products. One of my moderators for the live-stream ended up recording my passionate discussion, and sending it to a member of the Grumbacher team via their website. This staff member ended up watching the clip, and reached out to me if I would be interested in collaborating with them, and being sponsored by their company. What a dream come true. Over the next few years our relationship grew into the one today, where I am a Global Brand Ambassador for Grumbacher, sharing the love for their products with people all over the world on my YouTube Channel, and Twitch Livestreams! I could not ask for a better partner, and an incredible line of products to use for my painting adventures.

JLS. What an inspiring story. Sounds like you two are the perfect partners. As you can tell, we’re big fans of Grumbacher! Throughout your painting experience, what sets this brand of Acrylics apart from others?

CD. I am so happy to hear you all are such fans of Grumbacher – Me too! Above all else their products are of exceptional quality. Over the course of my career I have used my fair share of different Acrylics, and have had experience with some that just do not perform to standard. With Grumbacher their paints offer an incredible amount of coverage, their colours are rich and saturated, and of course non-toxic, low odor and great for all Artists – student, or professional. Another aspect of Grumbacher Academy Acrylic that I love is you get an exceptional level of Acrylic paint that is also affordable for all budgets. Times are tough and art supplies can be expensive, so having an affordable line of Acrylic is important especially when painting on larger canvases, or a lot of projects!

JLS. We agree! Thanks for sharing. 🙂 Your subject consists of exquisite animals. What draws you to painting animals? Do you have any other imagery that inspires you?

CD. Animals have always been an incredible passion of mine, and when I started creating artwork they were immediately the first subject matter I attempted. I believe it is something in their eyes that draws me to them. Each animal I paint has a story; a life they are living that needs to be shared. My work is also my way of protecting these animals and encouraging conservation efforts – I want to share all of the beauty that surrounds us, but show that without our help and protection these animals could disappear with a blink of an eye. Aside from animals, I do enjoy creating artwork that revolves around nature, landscapes, florals, anything from the natural world, beautiful, imperfect, and sometimes even ugly!

JLS. Lovely. What advice can you give our students who are starting the Acrylics 301 Course?

CD. My advice to those who are beginning the adventure that is Acrylics 301, is to enjoy the process. Art is a marathon, not a sprint and will take time, effort and practice to see improvement and get to where you want to be with your art style, and art skills. The journey is the fun of it. You will see yourself fail – creating projects or paintings that you aren’t proud of, or that didn’t turn out; and that’s okay. You will make paintings that are your best work yet, and experience the joy that is making something you’re incredibly proud of and want the world to see! The journey isn’t always easy but is absolutely worth it!

JLS. Sound advice! Thank you for sharing with our students. At what age did you realize you wanted to be a professional artist?

CD. I began my art career later in life after I went to college and graduated with a degree in Graphic Design. I started working shortly after, but realized that it wasn’t my true passion in life, and I needed more. I ended up quitting my job, and pursuing a career in Fine Art when I was 26 and the rest is history! It just goes to show you that at any age you can follow your dreams, and turn them into a reality.

JLS. Very true! Did anyone try to talk you out of venturing into an art profession? If so, how did you handle it?

CD. I was very lucky and thankful to have a supportive team around me when I decided to pursue the visual arts. My family, friends and online community helped support me, and still do through the ups and downs of running my own business, and being a full-time fine artist! However, there are always those who want to see you fail, think you can’t achieve it, or secretly think you’re making a bad decision (Why do you want to be a “Starving Artist”?) – and the best way to handle it is to take those negative comments and criticism and turn it into motivation! Use it as fuel to be better, practice harder, and become a better Artist and go for it!

JLS. Amazing! Glad you had a supportive team. Art can touch people’s lives, bringing happiness and hope. For example, my boss Linda Wehrli, partners with CoachArt to provide free art classes for families impacted by childhood chronic illness. Is there a charity you are fond of or support, that you might like our readers to learn more about?

CD. One of the charities that I adore is Sea Shepherd. A couple of years ago I created a painting of a sea turtle, and the proceeds from the sale of the original, as well as the prints were donated to their campaign to protect and conserve our oceans! I definitely encourage anyone to take a look, see their mission and learn more about Sea Shepherd!

JLS. What a great cause! Thank you for sharing this organization with our subscribers. Do you have a favorite quote or mantra you turn to for inspiration?

CD. One of the quotes I like the most and has helped me in my journey is Bob Ross’ quote: “There are no mistakes, just happy accidents.” I think this is crucial to remember during the development process of your skills, style and confidence as an Artist!

There are no mistakes, just happy accidents. - Bob Ross Share on X

Thank you for this insightful interview, Cassy!

We hope you enjoyed this month’s Product Review on Grumbacher Academy Acrylics! Curious to learn how to use this fun medium? Pastimes offers an Acrylics 301 Course after completing the Intro to Drawing with Graphite Course or an equivalent drawing course.

Also, Pastimes students will enjoy 20% off Grumbacher Academy Acrylics when purchased through ChartPak! Email Jessica@pastimesinc.com for the code. Must be currently enrolled at Pastimes. Offer expires September 30, 2024.

Call for a free consultation or enroll in Drawing Classes with Linda today! Both in-studio instruction or on Zoom.

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