Acrylics versus Oils

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Permalink Reply by Artist4$ on May 24, 2008 at 4:37am

I've tried oils and can't stand to use them it's like pushing jelly around a canvas.I think some people believe if they don't use Oil they aren't really an artist, because it was used centuries ago. U should use what U like using, what works for U, not what someone else says is or isn't a "true artists medium. Just my 2 cents

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Permalink Reply by Donna on May 24, 2008 at 5:01am

I think that is old school. The masters didn't have acrylics. I imagine if they had been around, some would have used it. I think its best to use a medium that you are comfortable with. Then stretch and try something else. I play different instruments, but I usually grab the first instrument I learned because it is more comfortable. Don't be offended by comments. Hopefully we are all here to grow and share.

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Permalink Reply by FearlessArtist on May 25, 2008 at 5:01am

I am new here, but I thought I would jump in. I have seen acrylics painted and I could not tell if they were oils or not. Some acrylic artists create very "oil painted" work. I like to work "wet into wet" so oils work for me. I think it really is a matter of personal preference. I learned oils first, so maybe thats why I like them better. I would like to dabble more in acrylics soon though.

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Permalink Reply by Shula steiner on May 25, 2008 at 9:10pm

All the above could also be applied with acrylics, and if they dry to fast then one can use retardant, some of the new mediums give the acrylics the depth and sparkle of oil without the smell of oils and turpentine, as i am working in a very small space in a very small apartment I see this as a big advantage and besides, acrylics are cheaper to buy.
Oils are great but working with them is much more complicated and expensive, and as a returning amateur, acrylics are better used

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Permalink Reply by philip wegner on May 25, 2008 at 9:47pm

For years I only painted in oils,I thought acrylic was a material they made jerseys out of.
The first time I tried acrylics I thought would be my last,not impressed,to say the least.Later,I watched one or two t.v.shows about acrylic painting and also purchased a book covering everything in all mediums.
Acrylics,oils and watercolours all have exactly the same pigment base.It's there binders that provide their "differences".Obviously for oils it's oil ,water for water colour,but,for acrylics it's polymer.According to many artists and people involved in the world of art,if artists had the choice of using only one medium,the majority would choose acrylics.
Both oils and acrylics have advantages over one another.People,s choices may vary in their preferences though basically should be similar.Speaking for myself,acrylics dry faster than oils,which is an advantage sometimes, but not so at others e.g. covering large areas of canvas painting skies or water where the blending of colours are required.A real pain with acrylics,a joy in oils,on the other hand,you can make as many mistakes as you like with acrylics and correct them time and time again without ending up in the "big muddy",and we've all been there.
Debating oils and acrylics is infinitive.If you can get the hang of both mediums that's great.The adjustment in technique is more awkward than difficult.I found with acrylics,I kept forgetting to clean or keep my brushes wet,where in oils I cleaned them all in one go at the end of the session.
The main reason I paint more with acrylics than oils,less mess.Only water,no smells or vapours.It's the same difference, say, after using your loo.With acrylics you'd just wash your hands,with oils you'd need a bath.In the end it's your choice,me,I luv-em-both.

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Permalink Reply by Julian on May 25, 2008 at 11:01pm

Hello everyone, I am a beginner, so I dont have alot of weight in this discussion, but......., I like acrylics, I have never used oils as of yet, but I have planned on trying them. I have read everyones comments and it seems u can do just about everything with acrylics that u can do with oils, but like I said , I havent actually tried them myself yet. I really do believe tho that u cant define real art by what medium is used. My paintings are just as much a painting as if they had been done in oils or any other medium as far as I'm concerned. There are so many different forms of art, I would never be so closed minded as to think one medium would be the only one that a person could use to do what is considered a "big thing" or be of more value to define what is real art or paintings. Just my opinion.

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Permalink Reply by Judith on June 1, 2008 at 3:18am

Have been reading all the comments on oil v acks. I used oil for 35 years and like them well enough and got a couple of very good results. I just started using acks about a year ago and i like them very much. It was a challange in the beginning because after the oil they are hard to handle until you get the hang of it...... then it's pretty much he same except there is no smelly rags and it's an easier cleanup.
As a matter of fact, if you do something on a canvas that you don't like, it's easier to correct. It is also healthier to handle this medium. As far as which is more professional, there is no difference. Many beautiful works have been done in oils, pastels , watercolors, conte, ink , and etc. etc. now acrylics has been added and is here to stay, a medium in its own right. Also, it's not prone to fading.
I am sure if the old masters had access to it, they would have used them. One is not better than the other, it's just the new boy on the blocki.

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Permalink Reply by Marilyn K on June 2, 2008 at 1:18pm

I've painted with both mediums and found that I do like acrylics the best just because they are more convient to use. I spray my pallet with a fine mist of water and cover it with plastic and the paint remains workable for days. I clean up with soap and water and then I'm ready to go again. If I don't like my painting I just cover it over with gesso and go at it again. It's a very forgiving medium. If you haven't tried it go ahead, it's fun.

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Permalink Reply by Suzanne & Jonathan on June 11, 2008 at 1:58am

I think its because its kinda an "Old Masters" thing.

Personally... its arrogant to say "this is a better medium than that" about anything. Just my opinion.

I have seen some STUNNING work done with Crayola crayons.... So I dont think it matters what medium.

Art is about expression. If you are expressing yourself, or something in your world, no one has any right to run down how you do it.

Just my 2 cents.

*steps down off soapbox* LOL

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Permalink Reply by Mariamne on July 16, 2008 at 2:36am

Hello Shula,

I thought I would come to your site and take a look. I came across this section. I am not sure
what the member meant by saying that oils are 'the big thing'. I have worked in oils for many years
and I think it's just what one gets use to. Oils do have a different consistency than acrylics so they may have different look to them, but they are not necessarily the best medium. I have seem some
wonders done with acrylics. Diversity is what makes the world vibrant.

You should paint with what you are comfortable with, and don't worry about what anyone else says. If acrylics are your favorite medium, than they are right for you. I remember commenting on your work some time back. You've put out some wonderful pieces.
Bottom line is - oils are not more important than acrylics, they're just different.

Best Regards,
Mariamne

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Permalink Reply by Eli on July 16, 2008 at 3:05am

wow.......... shula..........
now, thats a question and a half, isnt it.
Ive used oils, but only because someone gave me some as a present ! Before that, I had only used watercolours and gouache.
Acrylics intimidate me lol........ I have no idea whatsoever how to use them properly, so thats something Im looking forward to learning. I must say Ive been absolutely bowled over looking at some of the acrylic work on this site..... and oils too.
I think also, the availability and variety, and the quality of painting mediums has expanded and grown so much that they just arent what they used to be........ Ive heard lots on acrylic drying fast, which is kind of endearing to me because of the fast nature of watercolours drying..... and yet, in my oil attempts, Ive found that interesting, challenging and a whole completely different ball game.
Goodness, now you can get heat set oils, water friendly oils.... lol......... and acrylic paints that Ive seen on display in the art shop, just are beautiful.
I think at this stage, I would agree with Philips comment.

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Permalink Reply by Mountain Man on July 16, 2008 at 3:29am

Basically its just a matter of choice. I have studied both, I just happen to like Oils. You can adjust either medium's versitility and enjoy almost any of the same qualities in either.

Let me explain:
You can find a version of each medium that mimics the other in versatility and performance.

You can find oils that dry slowly, oils that dry fast (Heat set)
Acrylics that dry fast, Acrylic polymer emulsions that retard drying.
Acrylic or oils that are water soluble.
Oils can use substitute mediums and Turpentines that have no odor.

The only thing you cant change with Oils is the Fat over lean rule. With Acrylics you are not worried about it.
Varnish application time after completion varies between the two. Its a highly debated subject I don't want to start here.

So again...Choice is yours. Whatever you feel best using.
Claude

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