Experimental Acrylic Painting on Fabric Workshop with Contemporary Textile Studio, Toronto

The workshop focused on textile painting using acrylic paints. At a beginner level, acrylic is often the preferred choice because it is easy to work with and can be fixed onto fabric simply by heat setting with an iron.
What made this workshop especially enjoyable was the exploration of different techniques to create abstract textures. Participants were encouraged to bring their own used garments to upcycle using acrylic colors, which made the experience more personal and engaging.
We also explored how to use vibrant colors without making the fabric feel stiff. Acrylic paints tend to work beautifully on silk due to its smooth and slightly glossy surface. For this reason, each participant was given a silk scarf at the end of the workshop as a final piece to paint and take home.
Before moving on to the final product, we experimented on cotton swatches, trying out various abstract textures and approaches freely. One of the most exciting moments was when participants began working on their own textiles. One participant used a balloon to create a flower-like pattern on her shirt, while another brought a white crochet runner and applied blue acrylic paint. The natural resistance of acrylic created unique and unexpected textures on the surface.
Overall, the session was filled with experimentation, creativity, and exchange of ideas, resulting in a collection of interesting swatches and a beautifully painted scarves.

Acrylic Painting on cotton shirt

Painting and dyeing on Crochet runner with acrylic