One of the things I enjoy most about being an artist is experimenting with new materials and discovering how they influence the creative process. Recently, I decided to try Strathmore Acrylic Paper, and I created this small 6″ x 6″ abstract painting while getting familiar with its unique surface.

The first thing I noticed was the weight of the paper. At 246 lb, it’s thicker than the 140 lb watercolor paper I sometimes use. Even though it’s heavier, it still buckles slightly when paint is applied, but nothing major and certainly not enough to distract from the painting experience.

What I especially love is the refined texture. It reminds me of painting on a canvas while still offering the flexibility and convenience of working on paper. The surface allows the paint to glide smoothly while still providing enough texture to create interesting movement and layering.

For this piece, I was inspired by the soothing colors of water and the gentle movement of ocean currents. I built layers of turquoise, aqua, white, and touches of metallic gold to create a sense of flow and tranquility. The tiny dotted details add a playful rhythm that guides the eye across the painting and gives the piece a little extra personality.

Whenever I experiment with a new surface, I like to create a few smaller pieces first. It gives me an opportunity to learn how the material behaves before committing to larger works. Every paper, canvas, or substrate has its own personality, and discovering those differences is one of my favorite parts of the artistic journey.

Sometimes stepping outside of our usual supplies can spark fresh inspiration and encourage us to see our work in new ways.

Have you ever tried a new art supply that surprised you? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope this little experiment inspires you to try something new and embrace the joy of creative exploration.

Wishing you a magical and wonderful day! ✨

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