Oil Painting vs Watercolor - Which One's Better for You?

Art supplies can be expensive, with high-quality materials costing up to 50% more than student-grade alternatives. If you’re feeling torn between oil paints and watercolors, you’re not alone—it’s a common struggle for artists deciding which medium to commit to. The truth is, there’s no single “best” medium to start with. Both oil and watercolor have their unique strengths. Oils have vibrant, rich colors and are more forgiving with mistakes, while watercolors are lighter, more spontaneous, and require fewer materials to begin.

Many experienced artists recommend mastering drawing first, saying, “Painting is mostly drawing. If you jump straight into painting, you’re choosing a slower, more expensive way to learn to draw than with a simple pencil and paper.” But once you’ve got the basics down, the choice is yours—oils or watercolors.

Whichever you decide to explore first, just start - don’t think too much about it. Try oil first, then switch to watercolor if you feel limited. After all, you won’t truly know which one is for you until you give both a shot!

Key Takeaways

• Oil paints are forgiving, vibrant, and long-lasting but expensive and require more setup.
• Watercolors are quick, spontaneous, easy to clean, and portable but less forgiving.
• Oils allow for corrections; watercolors demand precision.
• Both require practice, but oils are easier for beginners.

1. Oil Paints Are More Forgiving Than Watercolors

One of the biggest advantages of oil paints is their forgiving nature. If you make a mistake while painting with oils, it’s easy to fix. Oil paint stays wet for 24 to 72 hours. This gives you time to blend, smooth, or completely remove sections you’re not happy with.

If a color is wrong, you can simply wipe it away with a cloth, scrape it off with a palette knife, or paint over it without losing texture or detail. This flexibility makes oils ideal for beginners who are still finding their way with techniques and color mixing.

Watercolors, on the other hand, are much less forgiving. Once the paint is on the paper, it’s hard to remove or adjust. Watercolors dry within 10 to 15 minutes, and mistakes can become permanent if not corrected in the first 5 minutes. If you try to "fix" an error by layering more paint, you often end up with muddy colors or damaged paper. Even a small misstep, like applying too much water, can lead to unintended effects like blooms (cauliflower-like patterns) or unwanted bleeding between colors.

That said, watercolors' challenges can also be seen as part of their charm. Watercolor forces careful planning and encourages you to embrace imperfections.

2. Watercolors Are Easier to Clean and Set Up

One of the greatest conveniences of watercolors is how simple they are to set up and clean. All you need to get started is a set of paints, a few brushes, water, and paper. There’s no need for easels, palettes full of mixed colors, or a big space to work in. Watercolors can be painted on virtually any flat surface—whether it’s a kitchen table, a desk, or even outdoors, making them a versatile option for those with limited space.

When it comes to cleaning up, watercolors are effortless. Since they’re water-based, rinsing your brushes and containers with water is all that’s needed. There are no messy solvents, no strong odors, and no special cleaning agents required.

In contrast, oil paints require solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits to clean brushes and tools, which can be toxic if not handled properly. This makes watercolors not only easier to clean up, but also more eco-friendly and suitable for indoor use without worrying about ventilation.

Setting up and cleaning oil paints can take up to 30 minutes, compared to just 5 minutes with watercolors. If you want a quick, straightforward setup that’s easy to maintain, watercolors are a way to go.

3. Oil Paints Are More Vibrant and Deep

Oil paints have rich, vibrant colors that maintain intensity even after drying. The oil base keeps pigments bright and saturated. This gives artists the ability to create bold, striking works. Whether you want deep shadows or intense highlights, oil paints provide unmatched depth and color vibrancy.

Another advantage is how you can smoothly blend and layer with oil paints. You can create subtle transitions between colors or build up texture with thick applications. This versatility makes oil painting ideal for both realistic art and dramatic effects that require strong contrast and dimension.

Watercolors on the other hand have a soft, translucent quality, which might be good for surreal, dreamy paintings.

It's all about preferences, so choose whichever fits your painting style!

4. Watercolors Are Better for Quick, Spontaneous Art

Watercolors are perfect for artists who like to work fast and intuitively. The paint dries quickly and artists can finish a piece in one session without waiting for layers to dry. This makes it ideal for painting fleeting moments or working on the go.

The fluid nature of watercolor also encourages spontaneity. The way colors blend and move on the paper can lead to unexpected and beautiful results. With watercolors, you have the freedom to experiment without overplanning.

With minimal setup—just paint, water, and paper—you can start painting almost anywhere.

For artists who enjoy a fast, flexible approach, watercolors are the ideal medium.

5. Oil Paintings Are More Durable and Long-lasting

Oil paintings are known for their durability and ability to last for centuries. Once dry, oil paint forms a protective layer that can last over 100 years, with varnish extending the lifespan by up to 200 years under proper conditions. Unlike watercolors, which are more fragile and can fade or warp over time.

Oil paintings are typically done on sturdy surfaces like stretched canvas or wood panels, such as birch or plywood. This adds to their longevity as well. Oil paintings can also be framed for extra protection against dust and UV damage. If needed, the varnish can be removed and replaced, and artists can keep the painting fresh for many years.

In contrast, watercolors require glass framing to shield them from the elements, as they’re more sensitive to damage.

If you're looking for a medium that creates art built to last, oil painting is the better option.

6. Watercolors Are More Portable and Travel-Friendly

Watercolors are ideal for artists on the go, with a basic travel set weighing as little as 0.5 pounds and fitting easily into a small bag. All you need is a small set of paints, a brush, and some paper. As it was already mentioned, it is easy to paint almost anywhere—whether at home, in a park, or on a trip. There’s no need for bulky supplies like easels or canvases, as you can work on any flat surface.

The lightweight materials make watercolors ideal for plein air painting or travel. You can easily pack your supplies in a small bag without worrying about heavy tools or cleanup. Plus, since water is the only thing needed for mixing and cleaning, there’s no need to deal with solvents or mess.

If you’re an artist on the go, watercolors are a hassle-free way to create art wherever inspiration strikes.

7. Oil Paintings Are More Expensive to Create

Oil painting materials are not cheap. They can cost from 50% to 75% more than watercolors, with a high-quality oil paint set ranging from $50 to $200, compared to watercolor sets that start at $20. High-quality oil paints, brushes, and canvases can quickly add up in price. In addition to paint, you’ll need solvents like turpentine or linseed oil for mixing and cleaning, which further increases costs.

Canvases, often used for oil painting, are more expensive than watercolor paper, and they take up more space to store. While watercolors require just a few basic supplies, oil painting involves more investment in materials, including larger palettes and additional tools like palette knives.

For beginners or artists on a budget, the cost of oil painting supplies can range from $100 to $300. Watercolors, with basic sets starting at $30, are a more affordable option. But, if you are planning to take painting seriously, the depth and vibrancy of the results can make the investment worthwhile.

8. Both Mediums Require Practice, But Oils Are Easier to Master

Both oil painting and watercolor demand practice to master, but oil paints are generally easier for beginners. Oil paints give you more time to blend, adjust, and correct mistakes. There’s more flexibility as you learn. If you make an error, you can scrape it off or paint over it without damaging the work.

Watercolors, on the other hand, require more precision. They dry quickly, and mistakes are harder to fix. Overworking the paper can lead to muddy colors or damaged surfaces, which means you have to plan ahead and work with a light hand. Mastering watercolors takes patience and control, as the paint’s fluidity can be unpredictable.

While both mediums have their challenges, oils provide more room for trial and error, making them a bit easier to learn for most beginners.

Which Medium Is Best for You? Oil Paints vs Watercolor

Choosing between oil paints and watercolors depends on your artistic goals, preferences, and how you like to work. If you prefer rich, vibrant colors and enjoy having time to blend and perfect your work, oil painting might be the best fit. Oils give you more control over details and corrections, and the finished pieces have a bold, lasting impact. However, keep in mind that oil painting requires more materials, space, and time.

On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter, more spontaneous approach, watercolors could be the way to go. Watercolors are great for quick studies, travel, and artists who prefer minimal setup. They encourage a more fluid, expressive style, though they can be less forgiving and require careful planning.

Ultimately, the best medium is the one that suits your process and goals. Some artists love the vibrant control of oils, while others are drawn to the immediacy and simplicity of watercolors. If you’re not sure, don’t hesitate to try both—you may find that each offers something unique to your creative journey.

Oil Paints vs Watercolors for Each Type of Painting

Both oils and watercolors work for various types of paintings, but each medium has its strengths depending on the style you're going for. Here’s a quick breakdown of which medium is better for landscapes, portraits, and abstract art.

Which Is Better for Landscape Painting?

Oil paints are great for capturing rich colors and textures in landscape paintings, with the ability to create depth through blending and layering. Their slow drying time lets you rework details like shadows and light.

Watercolors, with their fluidity and transparency, excel at creating atmospheric effects like skies and reflections. They’re also perfect for quick outdoor (plein air) paintings thanks to their portability and fast drying time.

Which Is Better for Abstract Art?

For abstract art, oils have versatility with bold colors, texture, and the ability to layer thick, impasto strokes. This makes them ideal for pieces focused on texture and depth.

Watercolors shine in more fluid, spontaneous abstract work. The natural blending and bleeding of watercolor create unexpected effects that suit organic, flowing compositions.

Which Is Better for Portrait Painting?

Oil paints are ideal for portrait paintings due to their smooth blending and ability to create realistic skin tones and textures. The extended drying time gives artists an opportunity to rework details. Hence, they are unmatched for painting expressions and features.

Watercolors are more challenging for portraits, but they can work for a looser, more expressive style. Their quick drying nature makes them less forgiving, but suitable for artists aiming for soft, impressionistic effects.

Conclusion

Both oil paints and watercolors have unique advantages, and the choice between them depends solely on you. Oil paints have stunning colors, texture, and flexibility. They are perfect for detailed, realistic work. Watercolors, on the other hand, excel in spontaneity, ease of use, and portability, perfect for quick, expressive art.

A final tip to consider: you don’t have to limit yourself to one medium. Many artists find that experimenting with both can improve their skills and open new creative possibilities. For example, starting with quick watercolor studies can help plan out a composition before committing to a larger oil painting. This way, you can harness the best qualities of each medium ad create the perfect art piece.

So, whether you start with the forgiving nature of oils or the spontaneity of watercolors, the most important thing is to keep exploring and enjoying the process!