The Intersection of Watercolor, Oil, and Acrylics
As an artist, I often find myself balancing two worlds: the raw, textured energy of oil painting and the delicate, flowing nature of watercolor. Each medium offers something entirely different, yet they complement each other in ways that continually surprise and inspire me.
Oil painting, for me, is like sculpting with color. The texture of oil allows me to create depth and movement, to build and shape the image with my hands. I love how the rich pigments spread and blend, how I can layer and manipulate the paint to create a tangible sense of form. There’s something visceral about the way oil paints respond—thick, lush, and full of life. It’s bold, sometimes chaotic, as I often paint straight onto the canvas without pre-drawing, letting my imagination lead the way.
Painting with oil is rougher on the body; it’s a heavier medium, and if you paint like I do—with palette knives or even custom rubber brushes to create texture—I find I need to take breaks. This is actually a great thing, as it allows the oil layers to begin drying and gives me the space to step back and reflect.
I find that watercolor and oil painting work in harmony for me. While I let the oils rest, I shift to watercolor, a medium that is much lighter and more fluid. Watercolor helps me refine ideas and keep the creative flow going. It’s almost like a reset between the rawness of oil painting and the precision I need to move forward.
I use watercolors to better understand where not to touch and leave space for new colors that might complement the composition. It acts as a guide before I dive into the messier world of oils, helping me visualize the balance and flow of the piece.
In addition, I use acrylics to ease my way into a more solid paint medium, especially when I feel daunted by how I’m going to express something. I’ve been using matte acrylics for years now as my preferred medium for this purpose. They allow me to adjust my movements, helping me figure out where to use rubber and where to incorporate my sculpting tools. The flexibility of acrylics makes them a great bridge between the fluidity of watercolor and the heaviness of oils, letting me find my way into the next phase of the painting process with confidence.
Acrylic on canvas board, 12”×16”, In progress. I have decided to change that painting, since i first listed it last week. It’s currently available as is in progress. Please note it might or might not change. To see what it used to look like, clock on the image. Thanks :)
I encourage you to explore the acrylic and watercolor pieces I’ve listed in my shop to get a better view of my perspective and process. These works, both small and large, offer a closer look at how I approach the intersection of color, texture, and form, and how these mediums inform each other in my practice.
As I embark on this new series of paintings, I’m excited to see how these mediums interact and evolve. The journey is just beginning, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions as I dive deeper into this process. What do you think about the contrasts between these mediums? Have you ever worked with oils or watercolor? Feel free to share your ideas—I can’t wait to connect with you as I begin this new collection!
Thanks for following along with me. More to come soon.