Whats the difference between watercolors versus oil and acrylic paintings?
Watercolor paints are different than oils and acrylics in several ways. The most notable is that watercolors are transparent, whereas oils and acrylics are opaque. The translucent quality of watercolor paints creates a bright and luminous effect that differentiates them from oil and acrylic paints. As the name implies, watercolors are dispersed and thinned with water. Acrylics also use water. Oils use solvents such as turpentine for this purpose. Watercolors are traditionally applied to special watercolor paper. Oils and acrylics are typically done on canvas. Watercolor paintings need to be hung and protected under a mat and glass (or plexiglass), and supported with a frame. Apart from the protection it brings to the painting, matting and framing also enhances its appearance. Oil and acrylic paintings typically do not have glass in front of them.
