Sheila Schaetzle talks about Acrylic or Oil?

5/5/2013 9:51:34 AM

Recently I was asked 'how can we tell the difference between an acrylic and an oil painting?'. Trueth be known; most artist work hard to make it difficult to tell them apart. We often add products to our acrylics to get the flow and depth that an oil paint readily offers. We add more layers and medium to bring the colors to new life so it has the texture and freshness of an oil. The beauty in todays products is being able to use either to create a similar result.

As an artist, it's beneficial to take the time to think about which medium would work best when contemplating a new piece of work. Often the deciding factor between oil or acrylic is determined by how quickly I want to get the essence of the subject on the canvas. If its a new concept and I'm working from sketches I'll create the artwork in acrylic so I can move quickly, responding and excellerating as the layers of paint develops on the canvas. Alice Teichert said it best; 'Acrylic's respond beautifully to my thought and working methods, which rely on immediacy, simplicity, precise spontaneity, fluidity, billiant colors, light, textures, crisp clarity, transparency and translucency'.

If its a subject or scene that I'm familiar with I may use oils to slow down the process, allowing the paint to dry for days between each sesssion. This time of seperation helps to develops your ability to see the painting with fresh eyes; often allowing you to observe problems areas as the painting is developing instead of at the completion stage.

Understanding each of these products is the key to creating a successful painting. Understanding comes from reading or instruction and many hours/days/months/years of practicial application.

So next time your at one of my art shows don't be suprised to see some work in Acrylics and some work in Oils; it has become my creative process and I thoughly enjoy going from one to the other; it is my way of reigniting the flint.