Acrylic Paintings: A Modern Twist on Classic Custom Art

Have you ever wanted a custom painting but weren’t sure which style would last, look modern, and still feel classic? That’s the problem many people face—oil can take forever to dry, watercolor can fade or wrinkle, and pencil sometimes feels too simple.

It can be frustrating to invest in a painting only to worry if the colors will hold up over time, or if it will even match the look you want for your home. You want something timeless, but also something fresh that doesn’t feel “old-fashioned.”

That’s where acrylic paintings come in. Acrylics are bold, durable, and versatile. They can mimic the softness of watercolor or the depth of oil, but without the downsides. Whether it’s a family portrait, a pet painting, or an abstract design for your wall, acrylic art gives you the best of both worlds—classic beauty with a modern twist.

“Acrylics let me move fast, layer bold colors, and create something that feels alive. They’re perfect for today’s world.” – Shepard Fairey 

Key Takeaways

• Acrylics are versatile: They can imitate oils, watercolors, or create effects unique to themselves, making them perfect for many styles of custom art.

• They work on many surfaces: From canvas and paper to wood, fabric, and even glass, acrylics open up endless creative possibilities.

• Durability sets them apart: Quick drying, fade resistance, and moisture protection ensure acrylic paintings last for decades with little maintenance.

• The “middle ground” medium: Acrylics combine the depth of oils and the softness of watercolors while avoiding their drawbacks.

• Perfect for custom art: Whether it’s portraits, pets, landscapes, or abstracts, acrylics adapt beautifully to personal and modern artwork.

• Smart choice for commissions: Acrylics deliver vibrant, lasting results quickly and reliably, making them one of the most popular options for custom paintings today.

The Origins of Acrylic Painting

Acrylic paint is one of the newest additions to the world of art, but in just a few decades it has become a favorite for both professional and custom artwork. Its history shows how a scientific discovery grew into a medium that balances tradition with modern convenience.

From Science to Art

In the early 20th century, chemists created acrylic resins, synthetic materials designed for industrial paints and coatings. These paints were strong, fast-drying, and resistant to water—perfect for buildings and outdoor use. But artists soon saw the potential. 

By the 1930s and 40s, painters started experimenting with these new materials, impressed by their ability to stick to almost any surface and their resistance to cracking and fading. Acrylics were no longer just practical—they were creative.

The Mid-Century Boom

The 1950s and 60s were a turning point. Acrylic paints became widely available in art stores, and they quickly stood out from oils and watercolors. Unlike oil, which could take weeks to dry, acrylic dried within hours. Unlike watercolor, which was delicate and sometimes unpredictable, acrylic held its bold, vibrant color over time. 

Artists found that acrylics could be used in many ways—applied thick for a textured look, watered down for transparent washes, or layered for dramatic effects. This flexibility made acrylics the paint of choice for a fast-changing, modern era.

Today’s Favorite Medium

By the late 20th century, acrylics had become one of the most widely used paints in the world. They were affordable, safer to work with (no toxic solvents), and accessible to both professionals and beginners. Schools and studios adopted them, and custom art services began offering acrylic paintings as a durable, vibrant option.

Today, acrylics remain popular because they deliver the best of both worlds: the strength and longevity of modern materials with the timeless beauty of traditional painting.

The Versatility of Acrylic Paintings

Acrylics are often described as the “all-around” medium of modern painting. Their ability to shift styles, work on countless surfaces, and adapt to different techniques makes them one of the most exciting choices for custom art. Here’s a closer look at why they stand out.

1. Acrylics Can Imitate Other Mediums

One of the most fascinating things about acrylic paint is how it can mimic the qualities of completely different mediums. When used thickly, acrylics can create the same textured depth that people admire in traditional oil paintings, but without the long drying times that often stretch into weeks. 

On the other hand, when diluted with water, acrylics can achieve the soft, translucent look of watercolor washes—perfect for dreamy skies, delicate portraits, or subtle background effects. This ability to shift back and forth means a single medium can cover both ends of the artistic spectrum, offering the richness of oil and the lightness of watercolor in one.

2. They Work on Almost Any Surface

Acrylics also break free from the limitations of other paints by bonding well with nearly any surface. While watercolors are tied to paper and oils mostly to canvas or board, acrylics can be applied to wood, glass, ceramics, fabric, and even metal. 

This makes them incredibly useful for custom artwork, because a painting isn’t limited to the classic framed canvas—it could be turned into a mural on a wall, a decorative piece on furniture, or even an accent on a household object. Once acrylics dry, they form a durable plastic-like layer that resists peeling, which allows them to remain vibrant on all sorts of unconventional bases.

3. Wide Range of Techniques

Beyond surfaces, acrylics are celebrated for their endless techniques. Because they dry quickly, artists can build up layers in a single session, creating dimension and contrast without waiting days between coats. They can also be thinned down into transparent glazes that glow when light hits them, or mixed with mediums to form raised, textured effects that stand out from the canvas. 

Some artists even push acrylics into mixed-media territory, combining them with ink, charcoal, collage, or photography to create hybrid artworks. This makes acrylic paintings a playground for experimentation—whether the goal is a highly realistic portrait or something completely modern and abstract.

4. Suitable for Every Style

All of this flexibility leads to one big advantage: acrylics can match any style of art. For clients who want lifelike detail, they can produce crisp lines and realistic color blends. For those who prefer bold, modern looks, they can deliver sharp contrasts and vivid tones that energize a room. 

They can even be adapted to large-scale decorative projects like murals, where durability and brightness are essential. In short, whether your taste leans toward classic portraits, expressive abstracts, or sleek contemporary pieces, acrylics can make it possible.

Because of this versatility, acrylics have earned their place as one of the most popular mediums for custom paintings today. They give artists freedom to explore, and clients confidence that their artwork will both look stunning and last.

The Durability of Acrylic Paintings

Another major reason acrylic paintings have become so popular is their incredible durability. Unlike some traditional mediums that require careful handling or controlled environments, acrylics are designed to last. They stand up to time, light, and even humidity in ways that make them a smart choice for custom artwork meant to be displayed and enjoyed.

Quick Drying for Safer Handling

One of the most practical benefits of acrylics is how quickly they dry. While oils can stay wet for weeks, acrylics set in just minutes to hours. This reduces the risk of smudges, dust sticking to wet paint, or accidental damage while waiting for a piece to finish curing. For custom art, this means a faster turnaround without sacrificing quality—your painting can be finished, protected, and delivered much sooner.

Fade-Resistant and Colorfast

Acrylics are known for their ability to hold onto vibrant color. Unlike watercolors that can fade in sunlight or oils that sometimes yellow over time, acrylics maintain their brightness for decades. This is because the pigments are locked inside a strong, flexible acrylic binder that resists UV damage. For someone commissioning a portrait or special piece, this means the colors you fall in love with today will look just as fresh years from now.

Resistant to Moisture and Humidity

Another strength of acrylic paint is its resilience in different environments. While paper-based watercolor pieces are vulnerable to humidity, and oil paintings can sometimes crack in dry conditions, acrylics remain stable. Once dry, they form a durable, water-resistant layer that protects the surface beneath. This makes them well-suited for homes in humid climates, or for artwork that isn’t going to be kept under glass.

Low Maintenance and Easy Care

Finally, acrylic paintings are easier to care for than many other mediums. They don’t require varnishing as often as oils, and they aren’t as fragile as watercolors, which need to be kept behind protective glass. 

Dust can usually be removed gently with a dry cloth, and the paint surface resists scratches and peeling. This makes acrylics an ideal choice for busy households where art is meant to be displayed and enjoyed, not hidden away for fear of damage.

Put simply, acrylics combine strength with beauty. They are fast to finish, built to resist fading, stable in different environments, and easy to care for. That’s why many people see them as the most practical choice for custom paintings that are meant to last a lifetime.

Acrylics vs. Other Classic Mediums

To really understand the value of acrylics, it helps to see how they compare to the two classic painting mediums most people know: oils and watercolors. Each has its strengths, but acrylics often strike the best balance for modern custom artwork.

Acrylics vs. Oil Paints

Oil paints are beloved for their richness and depth, but they come with challenges. They can take weeks to dry, which slows down the process for both artist and client. They also require solvents like turpentine for cleaning and thinning, which aren’t always convenient or safe in every environment. 

Acrylics, on the other hand, dry quickly, don’t need toxic chemicals, and are far easier to handle. They can still create thick, textured effects similar to oils, but without the long waiting times or heavy maintenance.

Acrylics vs. Watercolors

Watercolors are known for their light, delicate beauty, but they’re also fragile. The colors can fade when exposed to sunlight, and the paper base is easily damaged by humidity or handling. For a custom painting meant to last generations, this can be risky. 

Acrylics offer the same ability to produce soft washes and transparent effects, yet they remain bold, durable, and resistant to the elements. This makes them a practical choice for people who want the look of watercolor but the strength of a long-lasting medium.

Acrylics as the “Middle Ground”

What makes acrylics so appealing is that they combine the best of both worlds. They have the versatility and boldness of oils, the softness and delicacy of watercolors, and the added bonus of being more durable and easier to care for. For many people choosing a custom painting, this balance makes acrylics the obvious choice—they capture emotion and detail while also standing up to time.

Popular Uses of Acrylic in Custom Art

One of the reasons acrylics have become so dominant in custom artwork is that they can adapt to so many different subjects. Whether you want something deeply personal or purely decorative, acrylics can bring it to life with color, depth, and durability.

Portraits of Loved Ones

Acrylics are a favorite for portraits because they allow artists to capture fine detail while keeping colors vibrant and true. Skin tones, hair textures, and expressions can be painted with a balance of realism and warmth. The quick-drying nature of acrylics also helps artists build up layers of highlights and shadows more efficiently, resulting in lifelike depth. For families, couples, or individuals who want a timeless memory on canvas, acrylic portraits are one of the most popular choices.

Pet Paintings

From playful dogs to elegant cats, pets come alive in acrylic paintings. The medium’s ability to capture both bold strokes and delicate details makes it perfect for fur, whiskers, and expressive eyes. Acrylics also help highlight personality—whether that’s through vivid, joyful colors for an energetic pup, or soft, muted tones for a calm and gentle companion. Pet lovers often turn to acrylics because they strike the right balance between realistic likeness and artistic interpretation.

Landscapes and Scenery

Acrylics are equally at home with nature. Their ability to shift from soft, blended skies to textured, layered mountains makes them ideal for landscapes. Artists can use transparent glazes to capture the glow of a sunset or thick strokes to create the rugged feel of rocks and trees. The durability of acrylic also ensures that the bold colors of a natural scene won’t fade, allowing landscapes to remain just as vivid as the day they were painted.

Abstract and Modern Designs

For clients who prefer something contemporary, acrylics excel at abstract art. Their bold pigments, fast layering ability, and compatibility with textures and mixed media make them perfect for expressive, one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether it’s a splash of color to brighten a room or a geometric design to match a modern interior, acrylics give artists the tools to push creativity without limits.

5 Tips for Choosing Acrylic for Your Custom Painting

If you’re considering commissioning a custom painting, acrylics are often one of the best options. But to make sure you get the result you want, there are a few things to keep in mind when working with an artist or service.

1. Decide on the Style That Fits Your Vision

Acrylics can handle realism, abstraction, or anything in between. Before you commission your painting, think about what kind of look you want. Do you prefer a lifelike portrait that captures every detail, or a more artistic interpretation that uses bold colors and textures? Being clear about your style preference will help your artist use acrylics in the most effective way.

2. Choose the Right Photo

Since many custom acrylic paintings are based on photos, the quality of the photo matters. Pick an image that’s well-lit, clear, and expressive. A blurry or overly dark photo may limit the detail an artist can capture, while a bright, high-quality picture allows them to recreate expressions, colors, and emotions more faithfully.

3. Think About the Surface and Size

One advantage of acrylics is that they can be painted on many different surfaces, from traditional canvas to wood or even fabric. Consider where you want to display the painting—this can influence the best choice of surface and size. A large acrylic landscape might work beautifully above a sofa, while a smaller portrait could be perfect for a personal gift.

4. Ask About the Finish

Acrylics can be finished in different ways. Some are left matte for a soft, classic look, while others are varnished to give them a glossy shine and extra protection. If you’re commissioning a piece, ask your artist what finish they recommend based on the style and where the painting will hang.

5. Communicate with Your Artist

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Acrylics are versatile, but every artist has their own approach. Discuss how much detail you want, what mood or colors you prefer, and whether you’d like the painting to look more traditional or modern. Clear communication ensures your custom artwork matches your expectations.

Conclusion

Acrylic paintings prove that art doesn’t have to choose between tradition and innovation. They carry the strength of modern materials while still delivering the timeless beauty people look for in custom artwork. From portraits and pet paintings to bold abstracts and landscapes, acrylics adapt to almost any vision, and they do it with a durability that ensures your painting will last for years to come.

For anyone considering a custom piece, acrylics are often the safest and most versatile choice. They give you vibrant colors, quick results, and a finish that stands the test of time—whether you want a heartfelt family portrait or a statement piece to transform your space.

As contemporary painter Kehinde Wiley once said:

“Color is the language of the soul, and acrylics give me the freedom to speak it boldly.”

Acrylics are more than just paint on a surface—they’re a modern twist on classic art, designed to preserve your memories and add a touch of creativity to everyday life.