Acrylics are different from Oil paints in that they have a shorter drying time and are soluble in water. These types of paint do not require use of turpentine or gesso and they can be applied directly to the canvas. The pigments are rich and can be watered down for a consistency which can be used for glazes and poured. There are different styles of manipulating acrylic paints.  They can be used to create fluid paints, painting glazes, wash paint and more.