Star Noble: Art Advice Columnist for Fine Art Registry®

Acrylics vs. Oils

Star responds to an artist's question of acrylics vs. oil paints.

Dear Star,
This is a very simplistic question but I am going to ask it anyway. In your opinion, what are the advantages of painting with acrylics as opposed to using oil paints?
Thanks, Fay

Hello Fay,
There are several advantages to painting with acrylics as opposed to oils. The three that come to mind immediately (in no particular order) are: cost, drying time and clean-up. Acrylics cost less than oil paints and right now, that is probably a plus in this economy.

Acrylics dry in a matter of no time, whereas oils can take months to dry completely. That can be a real issue if you paint consistently and like to move/sell your work as you go along. That's how I roll.

Acrylics are much easier to clean up after than oil paints and are less time consuming to do so.

Having said that, I must admit that my favorite medium to work in is OIL! I work in several media but I find the richness of oil paints make me just melt when viewing the completed work. I also feel that oils are much more forgiving because they don't dry right away. They allow you to "massage" the painting as you're working on it. From a collector's standpoint, I prefer oil paintings but let's face it, if a painting speaks to you, it doesn't matter what medium it's painted in.

So in the end, I encourage artists to experiment in all media. Ultimately, you'll have a "favorite", as it were, but you'll find it liberating when you try working in several.

Having followed my own advice, I enjoy working in oil, acrylic, watercolor and clay. All render a different yet pleasing result. I have tried pastels and they are definitely not for me. But at least I know that now because I gave it the ol' college try.

- Star Noble

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