Painting can be fun if you have the right tools for work. For a novice, it may be a challenge deciding between oil and acrylics paintings. If at all you know your needs and your capabilities, choosing the medium should not be a problem. Here is a guide on what you think of in choosing between
Renaissance acrylic paintings and oil paintings.
Acrylics allow painters to break with some traditions of having to work on limited surfaces. This is because it works well on anything all from canvas, unlike other paints that only work best on wood, canvas, and some fresco. Oil paint is long lasting only when done on wood panels of or primed canvas. Therefore, if your aim is to work with any surface, then acrylic medium is your choice due to its versatility.
Are you slow in painting or are you a quick painter? This will also tell you what to pick between the two. In case you need to work faster on your painting, then acrylics will be a better choice since it takes less time to dry. For oil, you will need to be patient in revising your work since it takes more time to dry. Furthermore, you may need to factor in more time to prepare the canvas with prime.
Whatever your preference is between hard lines and subtle blends plays part in the decision you make. If at all you are a person of graphic composition, then acrylic will be your medium of choice for it will dry fast and allow you time to rework. However, when you consider the blending of colors, the oil may be better in this, but you have to wait longer for it to dry.
How do you want your painting to be years down the line? This is where color shifting comes in. In case you want the same effect over the years, then you may go for acrylics. The polymer in them prevents color turning. With oil, you can expect your painting to appear yellow over time because of the binders in the medium. As the white binder in acrylics get clear, the painting may become darker.
Additionally, the thickness or thinness of your layers will tell you what exactly to pick. In case you prefer thick layers that are ready fast enough to allow for glazing, then acrylics are a better choice. This is because it dries faster. Nevertheless, you may use oil if at all you have sufficient time to wait for it to dry and apply the glaze. This may take some days.
When working from a small space or somewhere around children, you must use some safe paint. Acrylic contains no toxins and has no smell. Moreover, you can clean it with water easily. For oil, you must be careful with the bad fumes from its thinners and turpentine; hence, it is not good for small workspaces.
Well, the major factor of concern when choosing a medium between the two is the time. If you need to work faster, you may need to go for acrylics. Beyond time, you will need to choose a medium that best suits your needs and preferences.