#115 MASTER CLASS — EXPLORING ACRYLIC MEDIUMS
In this practical Master Class, Assistant Coach Tom Hlas cuts through the overwhelm and shows you what actually matters. Through clear demonstrations, Tom walks through gels, pastes, and mediums, showing how each one behaves, when to use it, and why. You’ll see how to build texture, create transparency, and expand what’s possible with acrylic paint, without overcomplicating your process. Grounded in Tom’s deep experience with materials, this class helps you make smarter choices in the studio and use mediums in ways that genuinely elevate your work.
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This was so helpful!. I have many of the Golden mediums used in this video, and after seeing this video, I can see more so many more ways to use them
Lyntha, that is so great to hear. Go for it!
Thanks, Tom, for the excellent descriptions and demonstrations of these wonderful products! I’ve seen them at the art stores I frequent, but have been hesitant to purchase because I didn’t know how I would make use of them in my work. Now I have a much better sense of which ones I will purchase and play with. I’m going to have so much fun!
Tom, Great presentation. Thank you for the overview. Now on to experimentation. Lin’
Lin, thanks. I hope the Masterclass gives you new ideas and permission to push yourself along your journey!
Thank you so much Tom. Such a valuable resource. I love all the mediums you showed.
Wafa Daya Tarrab, that’s great to hear. I’m glad you found the Masterclass valuable. Please share the fruit of your art journey with us in the Academy. We’d love to see the impact these materials make on your art.
Hey Tom, this was great!! I’m excited to try some of them out. Thank you !
Martha, give it a go and see which products you like best and work well with your art.
Thank you Tom for making this useful guide to mediums, gels and grounds. Really helpful
Pat, thanks a lot. That means a lot to me. Have fun trying out some of the products!
Absolutely wonderful Tom thank you. I can see a shopping trip coming on! Particularly taken by Tar and Glass Bead Gel, Crackle Paste and Absorbent Ground. So useful to learn about making acrylic skins too. Hours of fun coming up…
Annie, thanks. Those are pretty great products. I particularly like glass bead gel and crackle paste. And I do love making skins and transfers with the various products. Lots to explore!
Thanks Tom for a very informative demonstration on products I have only just found out about. My wealth of knowledge only amounted to the application of Gloss and Matt medium; and these I have only started using since I joined CVP. I love drawing, basically I love charcoal and your introduction to the Pastel Ground and the Absorbent Ground has opened up many possibilities for me. So thank you again for showing the endless possibilities of these mediums.
Mary, I’m so glad Pastel and Absorbent Ground might open new artistic doors for you. Be sure to share your experiments and work with the community!
Tom, thanks so much for such a wonderful professional presentation. I learnt more about these products that I can now experiment with and specifically not using mat medium until the last coat!
Sandra, I’m glad you found the masterclass valuable. Yes, I always recommend not using matte medium until the end, unless you want the result or particular areas to be quite opaque by using multiple matte layers.