Oils and watercolors compared to acrylics? Advice?

Question

I've only tried painting with Acrylics. Oils seem really difficult and watercolors seem to be just way out of my comfort level.

How would you compare these three? Are acrylics really the easiest or are they all too different to compare that way?

Answer 1

Acrylic is good fer faster work and a little easier than oil as far as contorl over the medium is concerned, also if u r gonna paint a base layer and then use another colour over it fer that grainy effect and stuff acrylic is better since with oil ud have to wait before the base layer actually dries, moreover oil was used when one had to make a lot of modifications or changes through the course of producing a painting and the slower rate of drying made it easier while maintaining a good consisitency at the same time.....wtercolours are more free flowing and are used for a washed out effect.... finally it all comes down to personal choice and it is difficult to compare oil and acrylic with watercolors....^_^

Answer 2

Acrylics = fast

Oils= realistic, time consuming

watercolors= patience

My fav is oil...just think of the colors in block, and you just start to fill it in. Acryklis usually look cheap, depends. I prefer water colors and Oils.

Remember Oils are what the old masters used ;)  

Answer 3

I paint in watercolor now but have painted in oils extensively in the past. I have not painted with acrylics but many techniques used in oil painting can be applied to oil painting so they are much closer to being similar. Same to a much lesser extent with watercolors.

I have to disagree with previous comments that watercolors are "washed out". Watercolors can be as, if not more, brilliant and colorful as any other medium. Watercolors are far less forgiving than oils or acrylics. Watercolor painters have to be sure in the color application and selection as well as in the brush stroke. In oil and acrylic, you can wipe or scrape off or paint over mistakes not possible with watercolors.

Answer 4

Acrylics are fast, reasonably durable, and bright.  Watercolours generally produce a washed-out look.  Oils take a long time to dry, are as bright as acrylic, but are provide better textural qualities to a work.

Personal views here.  Each has its place.