Reeves Acrylic Paint

recycled · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 20 Location: Bundaberg

Has anyone used these paints. I have been told (at different times)that they are "just student paints" & "they are good enough to exhibit & sell.
I only have a few, so changing is not a problem; do the ones I have left mix with others?

Tango · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1360 Location: Melbourne

No I've never used them and haven't seen them around much except in boxed set , but there are so many other brands around to choose from I don't think I would bother with them , though they do seem to have a long history of production. www.reeves-art.com/heritage.lasso

Chrissy D · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 1053 Location: Queensland

I believe they are low grade student paints and personally would not feel comfortable exhibiting my paintings with them as an emerging artist.

However if you do, keep in mind the quality and maybe price your work accordingly.

Use the existing ones for "underpaintings" or play experiments and sketches and buy some better quality ones.

recycled · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 20 Location: Bundaberg

Thanks folks. I have only recently taken to painting as a retirement hobby & still coming to grips with the various judgements of art matters. Many seem to be very subjective, particularly with respect to materials.
I used to play golf & saw good golfers score well with cheap clubs & bad golfers play very badly with very expensive clubs.
I doubt that I shall sell paintings as it seems difficult to identify what the market actually wants & even harder for most to see a return on the hours spent, let alone the materials used. Reading about the history of artists suggests that this trend has always existed.
The ones that I have given as presents have been well received & visitors to their homes tell me they are being displayed, so that is sufficient reward for me. I would be more comfortable if the paintings were sure of lasting as I see that many are only recognised years after an artist has died. It would be a shame if I happened to create a masterpiece that fell apart just as I became recognised.

Chrissy D · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 1053 Location: Queensland

Recycled,

There are many famous artists who are known to have used non archival mediums and supports.

If you feel comfortable using that medium and are proud to say it than do it! (However do be aware the cheaper paint pigments could fade). Yes you could paint some brilliant work using cheap and nasty mediums, and if someone wants to buy it because of what the art represents than great!

It depends what you want to do with your artistic career, a reputable gallery might not show you because of the quality of the materials NOT the quality of the work.

We all start out trying the cheaper stuff so we can get a feel and see if we like it. If your happy and feel that what you use shouldn't be a problem than keep doing what your doing.

I always judge situations by my own expectations of a product e.g. if I really liked a painting but found out the materials used were not of the value and quality I paid for than I would be angry. I price my work according how I value it and what I believe it is worth.

Universalight · Joined: 04 Mar 2010 Posts: 3 Location: Canberra

It is such a shame that people make judgments on a paint that they have neither seen nor tried! I am a painter that both exhibits and sells her works. I have been/and am an Artist is Residence to a State school and have undertaken larger community projects all while using this brand of paint.

I have used other brands but quite frankly I find Reeves to be of superior quality...I like their fast drying times...there is no fading out of colour. I have works that are on permanent display and there is absolutely NO sign of fading discolouration etc. They are acrylic paints and are extremely versatile...have a decent range of colours, come in a variety of sizes and the bonus points for me is they do not cost a ridiculous amount of money!!

I started out using a lower grade of paint and all those paintings have faded and discoloured...now that I have the means to buy more expensive brands I choose not to simply because I believe that there are many pretentious artists out there in the world who believe that a painting is not a painting of quality if one does not use an expensive paint.

Universalight · Joined: 04 Mar 2010 Posts: 3 Location: Canberra

...something I forgot to mention also was the fact that Reeves have been making art supplies since the 1800's...no company with low quality products is going to survive for over 100yrs in such a competitive art world. One of the other things I like about Reeves is that they become water ineffective once they have dried.

If I can give you one piece advise as you start out on your painting journey it would be this...do not allow yourself to be boxed in by views of pretentious artists within the pretentious art world around you to paint this way or that...art is about freedom of expression, paint what comes naturally to you and what is in your heart and soul. Art is not about painting within the lines and most of all HAVE FUN!!

The great artists of this world were not conformists but free spirited! Go against the grain & Enjoy!

Universalight · Joined: 04 Mar 2010 Posts: 3 Location: Canberra

PS.

Correction: Reeves were est in 1766.

Added note: In 1991, The Reeves business along with other fine art brands of Reckett and Colman, was acquired by the current owners AB Wilhelm Becker, who already owned Colart.

Tango · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1360 Location: Melbourne

Quote
"REEVES ACRYLIC PAINT''

''From the firm with over 200 years of tradition and experience producing artists' and school paints. Reeves Acrylics are made from high quality pigments and are quick-drying. They are water-based and have a buttery consistency. They have strong colour strength and good covering power, are acceptably lightfast and are all intermixable. Their value for money is exceptional making them ideal for use in schools and for beginners.''

Universalight I took the above from a retailer of art supplies site,, because I think that it points to the fact the Reeves paint has an image problem , it has positioned itself at the low end of the art supply market, ie the craft and beginners end , like its paint by numbers sets.. I have no idea of the quality of their paint but the words ''acceptably lightfast '' in the above quote is a bit of a worry.. it certainly is low cost , I see Officeworks sells the 75ml tubes for $4.64 , But I think the only thing that matters is that you are happy with them, and seeing I've got shares in Officeworks I hope you buy a lot more there Very Happy

art8dave · Joined: 01 May 2006 Posts: 1333 Location: Sydney

I don't use them myself (as i paint oils), but I have an artist friend who uses them to build up her thicker textures....she has had reeves paints out on all kinds of weather and found they outlast many of the more expensive brands.... with absolutely no cracking, unlike some other brands...

recycled · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 20 Location: Bundaberg