Making The Switch
While I am forever grateful for everything that acrylic paint has taught me, I felt that it was time for me to make the switch from acrylic to oil paint. If you are not familiar with oil paint, Oil paint is a slow-drying paint made from particles of pigment and oil. As I began to challenge myself more and more in my art, I felt that acrylic was holding my skill sets back and I wanted to take on a new challenge. Here is the beginner's guide to why you should make the switch from acrylic to oil, what materials you need, and what I have personally gained from making this switch.
Which One Blends Better?
There is absolutely no comparison. Oil beats acrylic any day
when it comes to blending. Acrylic is ideal if you like to paint in layers, or if you like adding thick texture. If you want crazy details and smooth blending, oil paints will be your best friend. Not only do they blend beautifully but since they don’t dry as fast, you have more time to blend. There have been one too many times when I have painted a layer with acrylic, and when I added a second layer with a different color, the paint was already dry. Oil gives you a lot more flexibility and amazing blending with little to no brush streaks. I highly recommend oil paint if your priority is blending. Follow the Amazon link and check out my favorite Oil Paint !
Richer Colors
Oil paint presents differently on canvas than acrylic paint does. Even the highest quality of acrylic paint can't compare with the richness of oil paint. The red and the orange colors are visibly more vibrant in oil paint. Oil paints have more pigment in them and that's why they present much brighter on canvas. On the other hand, acrylic colors darken as they dry and you can end up with completely different colors. Some artists' priority is to get their artistic message across and that's okay. I on the other hand highly value the quality of the image therefore, I made the switch from acrylic paint to oil paint. Below are two images of my art when I painted with acrylic and now with oil paint.
Less waste = more money-saving
It is no secret art supply is very expensive. The problem I have with acrylic paint is that even though it is less expensive than oil, you end up wasting more paint with acrylic. Acrylic dries so fast that when you are ready to dip your brush in the paint again it's already dry and you have to pour more paint out. When I paint with oil, I can leave my palette out for days and go right back to it. No paint is wasted when I paint with oil. Oil paint is also so pigmented that a little bit goes a long way. Acrylic paint does not go a long way and when you try to water down acrylic paint it changes the color and consistency. I say, spend the extra cash on the oil paint because in the long run acrylic paint is more expensive.
I know all artists have their own techniques and preferences, but If it doesn't alter your technique I highly suggest giving oil painting a try. Oil paint can definitely take your art to the next level if you learn how to use it effectively. I wish you all happy and peaceful art-making!
Ashley Garcia
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