The evolution of acrylic paint into modern artists’ acrylics

In the beginning

The story of acrylics begins with early synthetic polymers, developed in the 1930s and refined over the following decades. These innovations eventually led to water-based formulations that were safer, more versatile, and easier to work with than traditional solvent-based paints. Artists quickly recognised their potential. Mexican muralists like José Clemente Orozco embraced acrylics for their strong adhesion and durability, allowing them to create bold murals that could endure for generations, which was impossible with oil paints. The mural The Epic of American Civilization by Orozco, seen on the left, is a notable example of this pioneering work. Later, abstract painters and Pop artists such as Roy Lichtenstein and Helen Frankenthaler explored acrylics for their ability to produce both luminous washes and sharp, graphic precision. Acrylics had become more than just a substitute for older materials. They had emerged as a medium for bold, modern expression.