When it comes to fine art painting, two mediums have long dominated the conversation: acrylic paint and oil paint. As a contemporary abstract portrait artist, I’ve explored different mediums over the years, but I consistently return to acrylics as my medium of choice. Why? The fast drying time, the versatility, and the innovation in modern acrylic formulations make it ideal for the way I work and create.

Yet, despite its many advantages, acrylic paint still faces an odd kind of prejudice in some fine art circles—an outdated snobbery that suggests oil paint is the "superior" medium. In this post, I’ll share why I use acrylics, how it compares to oils, and why I believe acrylics have more than earned their place in the world of professional art.

Acrylic Paint vs Oil Paint: The Key Differences

Before diving into my own preferences, it’s important to understand the main differences between these two mediums.

• Drying Time: Acrylic paint dries significantly faster than oil paint. This single factor influences workflow, layering techniques, and studio setup.
• Texture and Finish: Oil paint has a rich, buttery texture and a natural gloss, while acrylic paint can mimic oils but also offers a broader range of textures and finishes.
• Clean-Up: Acrylics are water-based, making them easy to clean with just soap and water. Oils require solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits.
• Longevity: Oil paint has centuries of history to prove its durability. Acrylic paint, while relatively new (developed in the mid-20th century), has shown excellent stability and color retention in modern testing.
• Toxicity: Acrylic paint is generally non-toxic, whereas oil paint often requires the use of hazardous solvents.

Why I Prefer Acrylic Paint in My Fine Art Practice

As someone who creates bold, abstract portraits, I need a medium that moves as fast as my ideas. That’s why I consistently choose acrylic paint over oil paint.

Speed and Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of acrylic paint is its fast drying time. Unlike oil paint, which can take days—or even weeks—to dry completely, acrylics dry within minutes to a few hours depending on thickness. This allows me to build layers rapidly, make changes, and move on with a painting without waiting days between sessions.

This flexibility is invaluable when working intuitively, allowing a dynamic and responsive painting process that suits my expressive, abstract style.

Innovative Mediums and Techniques

Today’s acrylic paints aren’t what they were fifty years ago. Modern formulations offer everything from slow-drying acrylics (for those who want more blending time) to heavy-body, soft-body, and fluid acrylics that mimic oil paint’s richness without the wait or toxicity.

There are also mediums that can be mixed with acrylics to alter texture, sheen, and drying time—giving artists a huge creative toolkit. Whether I want a glossy, high-flow effect or a matte, impasto surface, acrylics give me that control.

Challenging the Snobbery Around Oil Paint

Let’s talk about the elephant in the studio: the idea that oil paint is “better” than acrylic paint. It’s a narrative that persists in certain art communities, often tied to tradition and historical prestige. Yes, the old masters painted with oils. But we are no longer in the Renaissance—and the tools of the trade have evolved.

Acrylic paint was once seen as a beginner’s material, but that’s simply no longer the case. Many professional artists, including fine art painters, use acrylics for their unmatched versatility and adaptability. Museums and galleries now frequently show works in acrylic. Major artists like David Hockney, Bridget Riley, and Mark Rothko have used acrylics extensively in their practices.

It’s time to retire the outdated notion that acrylics are somehow inferior. Art is not defined by the medium, but by the message, vision, and execution.

Environmental and Health Benefits of Acrylic Paint

Another reason I choose acrylic paint over oil paint is its eco-friendliness and low toxicity. Working with oils often requires strong solvents that release harmful fumes into the studio. This isn’t ideal for artists who paint at home or who want a safer, cleaner work environment.

With acrylics, clean-up is easy with water, and there’s no need for ventilation or gloves. That gives me peace of mind, especially when painting for long stretches.

Archival Quality and Longevity of Acrylic Paint

One common misconception about acrylic paint is that it doesn’t last as long as oil paint. While it’s true that oil has been around for centuries, acrylic paint has now been around long enough for art conservators to confirm its archival quality.

Acrylics resist yellowing, cracking, and fading over time. In fact, because they remain flexible when dry, they’re less prone to cracking than oil paints on canvas. With proper technique and materials, a painting in acrylic will last just as long—and possibly even longer—than its oil-based counterparts.

Creative Freedom and Experimentation

Ultimately, the most important reason I choose acrylic paint is because it allows for freedom and experimentation. I can incorporate mixed media, layering techniques, quick drying textures, and even collage elements with ease. That kind of creative flexibility just isn’t possible with traditional oils, at least not without a lot of drying time and technical workarounds.

For contemporary artists pushing boundaries, acrylic paint opens doors, not limitations.

Conclusion: Acrylic Paint is a Professional Medium for Fine Art

The debate between acrylic paint vs oil paint often boils down to personal preference and artistic goals. But make no mistake—acrylic paint is every bit a professional, gallery-worthy medium as oil paint. Its speed, versatility, safety, and innovation make it an ideal choice for contemporary artists like myself.

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned painter looking to try something new, acrylics offer a fresh, exciting, and powerful way to create fine art. Don’t let outdated notions about “real” painting materials hold you back. The best paint is the one that brings your vision to life.