So, you’re thinking about commissioning a painting but aren’t sure whether to go with watercolor or acrylic? It’s a common dilemma! Both mediums offer unique qualities that can affect the final look and feel of your artwork. In this guide, I hope to help you understand the key differences so that you can make an informed decision based on your vision, style preferences, and where you plan to display the piece.
Understanding Watercolor
Watercolor is known for its delicate, translucent qualities and soft, flowing effects. It’s a water-based medium applied to paper, creating layers of color that interact beautifully with light.
Pros of Watercolor:
• Soft and ethereal look – Ideal for dreamy landscapes, delicate portraits, and atmospheric scenes.
• Lightweight and easy to frame – Since it is painted on paper, framing is simple and usually involves glass protection.
• Unique fluidity – Colors blend effortlessly, creating organic, unpredictable textures.
Considerations:
• Less vibrant than acrylic – Watercolors tend to be more muted, making them better for subtle, elegant aesthetics.
• Fragility – Since watercolor is applied to paper, it needs careful handling and proper framing to avoid damage.
• Limited opacity – Unlike acrylic, you can’t layer dark colors over light ones as easily.
Understanding Acrylic
Acrylic paint is a versatile, fast-drying medium that can mimic both watercolor and oil paint, depending on how it’s applied. Unlike watercolor, it’s painted on canvas, making it more durable and long-lasting.
Pros of Acrylic:
• Bold, vibrant colors – If you want rich, saturated hues, acrylic is a great choice.
• Durability – Unlike watercolor on paper, acrylic paintings on canvas don’t require glass protection and are more resistant to moisture and sunlight.
• Textural possibilities – Acrylic can be layered thickly for texture or thinned for a more transparent look.
Considerations:
• Heavier and more solid – Acrylic paintings on canvas have a more substantial presence compared to the lightness of watercolor on paper.
• Less fluidity – While acrylic can be blended smoothly, it doesn’t have the same soft, flowing effect as watercolor.
• Gloss and finish – Acrylic can have a matte or glossy finish depending on the artist’s technique, which might impact the final look.
How to Decide Which Is Right for You
Consider the following questions:
• What mood are you going for? If you want something soft, airy, and delicate, go for watercolor. If you prefer bold, vibrant, and textured artwork, acrylic is the way to go.
• Where will you display it? Acrylic paintings are more durable and don’t need a glass frame, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. Watercolors require more protection and are best suited for controlled indoor environments.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, both watercolor and acrylic have their own beauty, and the right choice depends on your personal aesthetic and practical needs. If you’re still unsure, I’d love to help guide you through the process! At Sills Studio, I create custom watercolor and acrylic paintings tailored to your vision—whether you’re looking for a soft, ethereal piece or a bold, vibrant statement.
Let’s bring your ideas to life! Visit Sills Studio to explore my work, get in touch, and commission a painting that’s uniquely yours.
This is a very interesting article and helps me understand the differences in acrylic and watercolor.