When I take on a commission, one of the first questions I ask is whether you’d like an Acrylic or Watercolour painting.
A few people then ask me, “What’s the difference?’ Each time I have been slightly stumped because although I, as an artist, know the difference, explaining them is a whole other matter.
Now if you’d like to know the technical or chemical differences, I recommend you do a quick google search because that isn’t really (in my opinion) where the difference lies.
The difference between the two comes down to how they are applied, and what effect they create.
Medium 1: Watercolour
If you are looking for an airy, more delicate, or subdued painting, then watercolour would be the best fit.
Watercolour is a paint medium that uses a very small amount of paint combined with water to create subtle hues and delicate strokes. The artist applies the paint but also allows the water to move the colours around and create interesting images naturally.
Usually painted on watercolour paper, this medium can be used for both realistic or more abstracted designs.
Here are two pieces that I have created using watercolour paint on paper:
In the painting above I have opted to use the medium to create a realistic image, focusing on detail and accuracy.
In the painting below I have chosen to use the medium more loosely to create more of an impression of the form.
The main similarities with these works are that they still both have an airy appearance, with more subdued tones, even if one is more realistic than the other.
If these images resemble what you are hoping to achieve with your commissioned piece, then I recommend you choose a watercolour painting.
Medium 2: Acrylic
If you are looking for a bold, more direct painting, then acrylic would be the best fit.
Acrylic paint is a medium where little water is applied to the paints before they go on the canvas. Acrylic paint dries fast and allows you to build layers in your work, painting one colour on top of another to achieve depth and try new combinations.
Here are two pieces that I have created with acrylic paint on canvas.
The photo above shows a more realistic looking painting where the details are the focus, whereas the photo below shows the more abstracted version that lends to more creative experimentation.
The main similarities between these works is that they are both much more vibrant in colour, the paint being more bold and direct. If either of these images look more to your liking, you should go with an acrylic piece.
One additional note about acrylic paintings, is that since they are usually done on canvas, I have had the creative freedom of sewing embroidery thread or attaching wire outlines directly onto the piece, The fabric like material gives me the option of adding multimedia features that I am not as easily able to add to watercolour paintings that are done on paper.
Both mediums have their place in the art world and my heart and are beautiful in their own ways. I cannot choose a favourite so instead I choose to work with both, giving myself the freedom to create both bold and airy works.
Non-Artsy Differences
Three non-artsy differences in the mediums also may influence your choice as well.
These are the cost, size, and how you display the work.
For watercolour paintings I offer sizing up to 18 x 24 as large watercolour paintings come with their own challenges (including cost of sourcing the paper, and having a large enough space to tape the paper down while its being worked on). With acrylic paintings I am able to offer sizing up to 3ft by 4ft and would also be happy to paint even larger works if you would like to special order an extra large size.
Acrylic paintings do cost slightly more than their watercolour counterparts as more paint is required in painting (not as much water is used) and the canvases are more expensive than watercolour paper.
When you are displaying your artwork watercolour paintings do need to be framed with a glass picture frame to ensure that the painting stays dry and flat and does not fade in colour as easily as it would if exposed to the air.
With Acrylic paintings on canvas you have the option to frame your piece with or without glass (a varnish is applied to prevent discoloration or natural wear on the piece), or leave it completely un-framed.
The choice is up to your personal preference.
So Watercolour vs Acrylic: What's the Difference?
To summarize, watercolour paint creates more airy, subtle and delicate works, while acrylic paint lends to more bold and direct brushstrokes with vibrant colours.
Watercolour is watered down and applied onto watercolour paper, while acrylic is applied with little water onto canvas.
Acrylic can be painted on very large canvases, whereas watercolour is slightly restricted by size.
Watercolour is the cheaper option over acrylic, but when it comes to options for displaying your work, acrylic offers the most variety.
Two very different mediums, that can be used in similar or very different ways. I cannot tell you which option you should choose, but hopefully these comparisons can help explain “what’s the difference?” when it comes to Watercolour vs Acrylic.
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