If you are planning to buy a painting, then you may also be faced with the dilemma of the difference between oil paint and acrylic paint. Whether your intention behind understanding this difference is educational or you just want to gather necessary information before ordering a portrait painting.
After reading this article, you will clearly understand all the important and main differences between oil painting and acrylic painting. Specially if you are thinking on portrait painting.
Longevity
Longevity of Oil Painting Portrait- Portrait painting prepared with oil paint is very durable and remains for generations to come.
Oil paint is one of the oldest mediums of painting. It is considered to be the most tried and authentic painting medium for longevity of any kind of painting.
Longevity of Acrylic Portrait Painting- Portraits made in acrylic paint medium are considered less durable than oil paintings. And comparatively this is a new painting medium.
Vibrancy
Vibrancy of Oil Painting Portrait- Oil paints are known for their richness and depth of colors along with their natural blending quality. Oil painting portrait is suitable for those who want a classic or more realistic portrait painting.
Vibrancy of Acrylic Painting Portrait- Acrylic paints have a more shiny and vibrant feel. If you are planning to make a modern type of contemporary painting or abstract portrait, then acrylic painting medium would be suitable.
Texture
Texture of Oil Painting Portrait- In oil painting paintings, the texture of the canvas is suppressed and a feeling of smoothness is created. You can feel the texture by looking at the picture or placing your hand on it, but it is very minimal.
Texture of Acrylic Painting Portrait- The texture is clearly visible in the canvas of the acrylic painting portrait. Even by touching the painting, its texture can be clearly felt.
Drying Time
Drying Time of Oil Painting Portrait- Oil paint takes a long time to dry. Factors such as paint density or weather can increase or decrease the time it takes for an oil painting portrait to dry. Due to this property of oil paint, layering is used in portraits. But for portrait works of short notice, a portrait artist rarely uses oil paint.
Drying Time of Oil Painting Portrait- Acrylic paint is a quick-drying painting medium and any kind of weather makes no difference in its drying process. This is why a portrait artist prefers to do short notice portrait painting work with acrylic paint.
Finishing
Finishing of Oil Painting Portrait- The natural glossy finish of oil painting adds depth and richness to a portrait painting.
Finishing of Acrylic Painting Portrait- Portraits done with acrylic paint medium come in a matte finish, although a gloss finish can be given by using different types of mixtures.
Price
Price of Oil Portrait Painting- In oil paint, it takes more time for an artist to complete a portrait painting, and oil paints are also expensive. Due to these factors the price of oil painting portrait becomes comparatively higher.
Price of Oil Portrait Painting- Due to the quick-drying nature of acrylic paint, it takes relatively less time to create a custom portrait painting. And the cost of painting material is also less as compared to oil paint. This is why acrylic portrait painting is cost effective.
Maintenance
Maintenance Of Oil Portrait Painting- Oil painting has to be cleaned carefully. You can clean the dust etc. by using soft cotton or soft cleaning brush. Have to be protected from direct sunlight, UV rays and moisture etc.
Maintenance Of Acrylic Portrait Painting- Acrylic portrait paintings have better plasticity, although you must be gentle when cleaning a portrait painting. Portraits made with acrylic paint are less susceptible to weather conditions than oil painting portraits.
Feel The Difference by checking below picture
You should demand more picture as sample from the portrait artist you are going to hire for your custom portrait work
A Word Of Advise
After reading this article carefully, you must have understood the difference between oil painting and acrylic painting.
If you want to understand the difference regarding portrait painting, then I would say that you should choose a decision keeping in mind your aesthetic sense, budget and time.
Another thing that needs to be clarified here is that in custom portrait painting style, it is more important to choose an experienced portrait artist than the painting medium. An artist who is charging a lot may not necessarily be experienced, so you should personally review the artist’s previous work in both mediums.
Please read this guide it can help you in choosing the best portrait artist.
Choosing The Right Artist for Portrait Commission: A Guide on How To Select
Conclusion
You can discuss these considerations with your chosen portrait artist. They can provide you with an understanding based on their experience in both mediums and help you choose the best option for your custom portrait. I hope this table of differences between oil paint and acrylic paint from “theartcritique.com” will help you make an informed decision for purchasing a painting.
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