OK, so you've been painting with acrylics for a while now, but how does that compare to other paint mediums or work surfaces?
My paint parties are done with acrylics on canvas. Acrylics have a fast drying time, so they're great for working within a specific time frame. You may use a pre-stretched canvas or a canvas panel, or board. The basics of painting are same either way, but there are some things to consider.
If price is your concern, panels are generally less expensive. They might also be a better option if you plan on tracing or sketching your design onto the canvas first. The rigid panel allows you to press your pencil down firmly without risk of damage.
If you want a more polished, professional look to the finished product, the stretched canvas might be the way to go. You can wrap the color of your painting around the sides to give it a little extra dimension. The stretched canvas also has a bit of give to it, compared to the panel. You might notice a "springier" feel to your brushstrokes as you apply the paint. This may simply be a personal preference, but I feel like it allows me to work the paint into the canvas more easily.
If you want to branch out and try wood panels, be aware that wood likes to soak up moisture. It may take a few of coats of paint for it to have the same vibrant look you get on a canvas. You may also try adding a coat of white as a base before adding your design.
There are also notepads full of canvas sheets, which are a heavy, textured paper. You may want to tape the paper down to hold it in place as you work. Since paper also soaks up moisture, you might end up using more water then you normally would. Just remember to "dip and dab." Dip in the water, dab on the paper towel. You don't want to drench the paper, or it might warp. You might also consider framing your final piece, since paper is clearly not as sturdy as canvas or wood.
But what about oils and watercolors? Which one should you try?
Both! Try as many different art mediums as you want. That's the best way to figure out which one you prefer. What works for me may not work for you and vice versa.
Personally, I love working with oils. I love the thick consistency. They also take long to dry, so I have more time to play with the paint. I can take my time blending large areas, or experimenting with different brushstrokes. When I use acrylics, I have to work much faster. I don't have as much time to figure out how I want to apply my paint before it's already dry. But, I've met plenty of artists that dislike oils for the same reason I like them. They would rather work in a medium that dries quickly so they can finish faster, have an easier clean-up, or simply paint over whatever didn't work the first time.
If you try oil, ditch the water in favor a paint thinner such as mineral spirits, turpentine, or turpenoid. You'll want to work in a well-ventilated area, and the smell can admittedly be a bit much for some people. Make sure to open a window and turn on a fan.
Watercolors have only recently become a new favorite art medium for me. I still prefer thicker oils paints, but watercolors can be a lot of fun. The whole painting can be watercolor, or you can add extra details with colored pencils, black waterproof art pens, white gel pens, or white acrylic paint.
Use more water for diluted colors, and less water for more vibrant colors. Figure out where you want your highlights, and leave those spaces unpainted. Begin adding the lighter colors, and work your way towards the shadows, making sure each layer of paint is dry before adding the next. You can purchase a relatively inexpensive tray of watercolor cakes if you're just beginning, but don't skimp out on the paper. The sturdier the paper, the less it warps. You'll probably want to tape it down while working. Blast your painting with a hair dryer or heat gun in between layers to speed up the drying process. This also keeps the paper flatter once you're finished. Slowly and carefully peel the masking tape off the paper at a 90 degree angle. Remember, if water gets on your painting, it will run. Store it in a frame or plastic sleeve. Or, you can invest in a wax medium designed to preserve watercolor paintings.
I hope this gives you some ideas about what to try next! If you do experiment with oils or watercolors, I would love to see your work! Post to Instagram, and tag @laurarosepaints. Who knows? Maybe it will show up in a future newsletter!
Thank you to @henrietta_hugginstuff and @princess_.billi for your questions!