Painting is one of the oldest art expressions and undoubtedly the most popular one. Painting is also the main character in almost every exhibition, whether if its an historical art show or about contemporary art. However, when seeing a painting it is usually a bit difficult to recognize which technique is painting with, at least at a first glance. Here are some basic characteristics to know more about the difference between oil, acrylic and watercolor paint.
1. Oil-Based Paint
Even before the Renaissance, when became more popular and turned into the queen technique for artists, oil painting was already the primary one. It works by suspending pigment particles in an oil base. It is the favourite of artists as oil keeps wet for longer which allow them to take their time working on the texture, the color and the composition details. Oil is also easier to mix than acrylic paint, thus, artists can creat different color range. Its biggest downside is maby that take longer to dry, taking days or weeks to fully dry.
- Johannes Vermeer, Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window, 1657–1659.
2. Acrylic
Insted of being made of pigment suspended in oil, acrylic works suspended in a polymer emulsion. Unlike oil, it is faster to dry, it can be dry in a matter of hours. Acrylic offers more qualities than watercolor and less than oil, at least in terms of color range. Acrylic could be the main option to artists who wants their painting dry in a very short time. It is also very resistant resistant to water, which means it’s less likely to get damaged. As mentioned before, its biggest downside is the low possibilities to get mixing colors. Acrylics are suitable for use on paper, canvas, wood, glass, and even ceramics.
- Andy Warhol, Liz #1 (Early Colored Liz), acrylic and silkscreen ink on canvas
3. Watercolor
Watercolor paint is the least expensive kind of paint out there. It’s created by pigment suspended in water. Watercolor paint can dry fast, but it’s incredibly delicate when it comes to standing up to even a single drop of water. Because of this, watercolor paints are the least resistant option among the paints. That being said, it can be used to create unique images unlike anything else created by oil or acrylic, images that often have a quality all their own.
- Joseph Mallord William Turner, The Blue Rigi, Sunrise, 1842.
FAQs
Acrylic offers more qualities than watercolor and less than oil, at least in terms of color range. Acrylic could be the main option to artists who wants their painting dry in a very short time. It is also very resistant resistant to water, which means it's less likely to get damaged.
What is the difference between oil-based acrylic and water based acrylic paint? ›
Oil-based paints (often incorrectly referred to as enamel) use an organic solvent in the makeup of the paint, which is typically a mineral turpentine. As the name suggests, the solvent used in a water-based paint (also known as acrylic paints) is almost all water.
What is the difference between a watercolor painting and an oil painting? ›
The difference between watercolor and oi is the vehicle, what the pigmented is suspended in; in watercolor the pigment is suspended in gum arabic, which is diluted with water; while the pigment in oils is suspended in linseed oil, which is diluted with mineral spirits or turpentine.
Which is better, oil or acrylic paint? ›
If you want to work on a large piece of art and continue to have the ability to blend, oil is the more flexible choice because it retains moisture much longer than acrylic. Working with oil paint will ensure you have a smooth, easy-to-glide texture for a long period of time.
Which is better for beginners, watercolor or acrylic? ›
Acrylic would be the easier, simply because it dries quickly, is opaque enough to cover, and cover any mistakes. All three mediums have their challenges.
Can you use oil paint like watercolor? ›
It's sort of like watercolor in that the initial dark washes are really thin, allowing the canvas (or in this case, board) to show through. You can then use this to your advantage by easily creating more texture in the darks by lifting it out with a brush or rag of whatever you like.
How can I tell if a painting is oil or acrylic? ›
Acrylic paint tends to be more vibrant in color due to its fast dry time, while oil may be more murky. If the edges of the shapes on your painting are crisp and sharp, it is likely an acrylic painting. Oil paint's long drying time and tendency to blend give it softer edges.
Which is best oil-based or water based paint? ›
Oil-based paints are very durable and can withstand wear and tear better than water-based paints. They're also less likely to chip or peel. Oil-based colors have a longer open time; they stay wet longer and give you more time to work with them. They're therefore easier to apply and can leave behind a smoother finish.
Why do artists use oil paint? ›
Oil paints blend well with each other, making subtle variations of colour possible as well as more easily creating details of light and shadow.
Why are oil paintings more expensive than watercolors? ›
Oil paintings will alway demand higher pricing because oil is a very difficult medium to become proficient with, and usually it will take the artist much longer to complete a piece. Also, the cost of paints, brushes and canvas is quite an investment. Brushes for oil can run into the hundreds of dollars.
Watercolor paper can be used for oil sketches, provided the paper is first covered with a ground of acrylic primer (commonly referred to as gesso). Oil paintings on paper are generally preparatory sketches or studies, with final work being done on canvas or board. Oil paintings are not usually covered with glass.
Can you watercolor with acrylic paint? ›
You can make your acrylic colors behave like watercolors, simply by thinning with a professional medium. Our Soft Body Acrylics and Acrylic Inks have a fluid consistency that build like traditional watercolors and due to the permanent nature of acrylics, you can build them without dissolving the layers.
What is a disadvantage of using acrylic paint instead of oil paint? ›
Disadvantages: because acrylic paints dry quickly they cannot be easily blended to create the 'wet in wet' technique that is popular with oil paints.
Do professional painters use oil or acrylic? ›
Popular with artists for hundreds of years, oil paints have been the go-to medium for some of the most renowned painters in history.
Should beginner painters use oil or acrylic? ›
Acrylic paints are manufactured like oils but without oil. They're water-based, which makes them safer to use. They're a great option for beginners. You can gain practice and work on techniques before moving on to oil paints.
Do professional artists use oil or acrylic paint? ›
Popular with artists for hundreds of years, oil paints have been the go-to medium for some of the most renowned painters in history. Oil paints are notorious for taking a very long time to dry; a painting created with oils can require as much as a few months to produce a completely dry surface.
Does Bob Ross paint with oil or acrylic? ›
In 'The Joy of Painting' Bob Ross uses rather thick oil paints. Please be careful not to get acrylic based paints, as these will not work for Bob's wet-on-wet-technique.
Which type of painting is best for beginners? ›
For beginners, the most recommended art forms are Acrylic Art and Watercolor Art. Acrylic Paints and Watercolors are easily available, they dry quickly and won't cost you much. You don't need to have in-depth knowledge about art here.
What is the best paint to use for canvas? ›
Oil paint – This robust material is perfect for canvas painting, as it's heaviness will thrive on a stronger surface. Acrylic paint – A popular option for canvas painting, acrylics are the ideal choice. Gouache – With qualities of both acrylic and oil pain, gouache can be used on canvas.
