Virtual Workshop: Amsterdam Acrylics with Jeff. Sept 29, Tuesday 1PM

The Acrylic Advantage: Fast, Flexible & Fearlessly Versatile

Workshop Description

What makes acrylic paint one of the most versatile artists' materials ever invented? Fast-drying, water-based, remarkably flexible, and capable of everything from transparent washes to bold impasto, acrylics have transformed the possibilities of modern painting.

Join artist and Royal Talens North America Art Education Director Jeff Olson for a lively exploration of what makes acrylic paint unique. Discover how acrylics dry through evaporation rather than the slow oxidation of traditional oils, why some colors shift slightly as they dry, how acrylic paint films remain remarkably flexible, and what really happens as water leaves the paint film.

Along the way, we'll explore the extraordinary versatility of acrylics through color mixing, transparency and opacity, texture, layering, mixed media, and a wide variety of surfaces. With no traditional solvents required and nearly endless creative possibilities, acrylic paint truly is the modern medium.

Whether you're new to acrylics or have been painting with them for years, this workshop will offer a deeper understanding of the material in your hands and new inspiration for where it can take you.

Jeff Olson Bio: Jeff Olson is a Seattle-based artist and educator whose career spans more than three decades of studio practice, exhibitions, and a deep engagement with the world of art materials. He currently serves as the Art Education Director for Royal Talens North America, traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada to share his expertise with universities, art organizations, and creative communities. Olson’s work and teaching both reflect his fascination with how technique, history, and material come together to spark artistic expression. His career bridges fine art and material science, offering a unique perspective that inspires artists at every level.