Pick Your Paint!

Are you interested in painting but unsure where to begin? Confused about which type of paint is best for you? Fear no more! Your basic guide to discovering your favourite paint medium is here!

Working with paint can be challenging, especially if you are uncertain about which type to use. The first step is to decide which kind of paint you want to try. There are four main categories of paint: acrylic, oil, gouache, and watercolour. All of these paints are readily available at craft and art stores, making them easily accessible for your projects. Additionally, these paints vary in terms of drying time, final appearance, and malleability. It is essential to understand the differences between various types of paint, particularly in relation to your skill level and willingness to experiment. In the following sections, I will break down the different paint types to help you determine your preferred medium.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is known for its quick drying time and versatility, adhering well to surfaces like canvas, paper, wood, glass, and fabric. Its vibrant colours make it ideal for detailed work and fluid washes. Acrylic is water-soluble, allowing for easy thinning without special solvents, unlike oil paints. It is also non-toxic, safe for indoor use and around children. Generally more affordable than oil or gouache paints, you can find good acrylic set options for about $30, especially with coupons. While brands like Artist Loft offer budget-friendly choices, investing in Liquitex Basics can provide a smoother painting experience and is still on the cheaper end!

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Oil Paint

Oil paints are often seen as the more complex, sophisticated, older cousin of acrylics, but they are rewarding once you learn to use them. Unlike acrylics, oil paints are thinned with solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits instead of water. Linseed oil is added to change the paint’s consistency and gloss, aiding in blending and application. While oil paints tend to be pricier due to additional costs for solvents and oils, they offer a more vibrant, smooth finish. When it comes to paintbrushes, you should use hog bristle or synthetic brushes specifically designed for oil paints. You can easily find these at art supply stores. While the initial steps to begin oil painting may seem challenging, they are simply part of the learning process. Once you have all the necessary materials, you will find that each painting session becomes smoother and more enjoyable! I highly recommend taking a look at Michael Chamberlain’s oil paintings for inspiration. He has a YouTube channel called Chamberlainpaintings, where he uploads a variety of oil painting videos. These videos provide a great insight into the process of oil painting and demonstrate how simple and relaxing it can be.

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Further reading and podcast on Michael Chamberlain: https://theartfulpainter.com/artful-painter/michael-chamberlain-25

Further reading on why oil paints are so expensive: https://theartfulpainter.com/blog/why-oil-paint-is-so-expensive

Watercolour Paint

Watercolour paint is known for its sheer, light quality. It is an excellent choice for travelling artists because it is portable and convenient. All you need is your paint palette, a source of water, a surface to paint on, and one or two paintbrushes. Like other types of paint, the price of watercolours varies by brand. Watercolours can cost anywhere from a few dollars per tube to several hundred for a high-quality set. Watercolour paints are excellent for daily painting, and many artists enjoy working at cafes, parks, and beaches because the medium requires minimal setup. In terms of finish, watercolours produce lighter-looking paintings compared to acrylics and oils. This airy quality can be perfect for certain artists. However, if you’re aiming to create opaque, highly realistic paintings, I recommend trying oil paints instead! I am currently fixated on the watercolour works by Liz Steel and would highly recommend giving her website and art a look!

Liz Steel’s Website: https://www.lizsteel.com/

Gouache Paint

Unlike watercolour, gouache is known for its bright, opaque colours, making it an excellent choice for illustrations and graphic design. Gouache can be applied in thin washes similar to watercolour or in thicker layers akin to acrylic paint. Once dry, it achieves a smooth, matte finish, which is ideal for photography since it minimizes glare. Its opacity allows for layering lighter colours over darker ones, a technique not possible with watercolour paints. Gouache provides boldness and control, making it perfect for those interested in photographing their artwork for use in storybooks, posters, and more. As for the cost, it varies depending on the brand you choose, similar to other types of paint.

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