If you’ve been following my journey for a while, you know my studio is usually filled with jars of water, various brushes, and tubes of vibrant pigment. One of the most common questions I get from fellow artists and collectors is: "Why do you paint with acrylics instead of oils?"
There is a long-standing tradition that views oil paint as the "gold standard" of fine art. But for me, the choice isn’t about tradition—it’s about the soul of the process. Every artist needs a medium that speaks their language, and for me, that language is acrylic. Here is why I choose the acrylic path every single time.
The Magic of Water
There is something deeply grounding about the feeling of water. When I dip my brush into a jar, I’m not just cleaning it; I’m engaging with an element that feels alive and fluid.
Unlike oils, which require harsh chemicals and solvents that can feel heavy and clinical, acrylics thrive on hydration. I love the way the paint dances when it’s diluted—the way it can mimic a delicate watercolor wash or a heavy, opaque shield just by adding a few drops of water. It feels organic, clean, and rhythmic.
20 Layers in a Single Weekend
My creative process is fast-paced and intuitive. I don't like to wait for my thoughts to dry, and I certainly don't like to wait weeks for a single layer of paint to set.
One of the greatest "superpowers" of acrylics is their drying time. Because they dry so quickly, I can build incredible depth in a single session. I often find myself working through 20 layers or more on a single canvas in just a few days. I can glaze, scumble, and rework a sky five times until it feels "just right." This allows for a level of experimentation and spontaneous "happy accidents" that oils simply wouldn't allow in such a short timeframe.
The "Bark of a Tree" Finish
Finally, we have to talk about the finish. While many people love the glossy, "wet" look of oils, I am constantly chasing a different kind of beauty: the rugged, tactile dryness of nature.
When my paintings are finished, they have a specific texture—a matte, structural quality that reminds me of the bark of a tree. There is a raw, earthy honesty in that dryness. It feels ancient and sturdy, like something found in the woods rather than something manufactured in a lab. Acrylics allow me to build up "impasto" peaks and dry-brushed ridges that hold their shape perfectly, creating a surface you almost want to reach out and touch.
Finding Your Own Flow
At the end of the day, your choice of medium should feel like an extension of your hands. For some, the slow, buttery blend of oils is a form of meditation. But for me, the speed, the water, and the bark-like textures of acrylics are what make my heart beat faster. And what about you?
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