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!

Quick comparison: oil vs watercolor

Oil paints

• Rich, vibrant colors that stay bold after drying

• Forgiving: mistakes can be scraped, wiped, or painted over

• Durable and long-lasting, often lasting centuries

• More expensive and require solvents for cleanup

• Slower drying time (24–72 hours)

Watercolors

• Light, translucent, and spontaneous look

• Portable: just paint, water, and paper needed

• Quick to set up and easy to clean with water

• Less forgiving: mistakes are harder to fix

• Affordable and great for fast studies or travel

1. Oil Paints Are More Forgiving Than Watercolors

One of the biggest advantages of oil paints is how forgiving they are. Because oils stay wet for 24–72 hours, you have plenty of time to blend, smooth, or even remove areas you don’t like. If a color feels off, you can wipe it away with a cloth, scrape it with a palette knife, or paint over it without losing detail or texture. This flexibility makes oils beginner-friendly while you’re still learning technique and color mixing.

Watercolors, by contrast, demand precision. They dry within 10–15 minutes, and mistakes usually become permanent if not fixed almost immediately. Adding extra layers often leads to muddy colors or damaged paper. Even using too much water can cause blooms (cauliflower-like textures) or unplanned bleeding between colors.

Still, this challenge is also part of watercolor’s appeal. The medium encourages careful planning and invites you to embrace happy accidents and imperfections.

2. Watercolors Are Easier to Clean and Set Up

One of watercolor’s biggest perks is simplicity. To get started, you only need paints, a couple of brushes, paper, and water. There is no need for an easel, a large palette, or a dedicated studio space. You can paint at a desk, kitchen table, or even outdoors.

Cleanup is just as easy. Because watercolors are water-based, rinsing your brushes and containers with water is all it takes. No solvents, no strong odors, and no special cleaners.

Oil paints, on the other hand, require solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits to clean tools. These add cost, smell, and health concerns, especially indoors without good ventilation. Setup and cleanup for oils can take 30 minutes, compared to about 5 minutes with watercolors.

If you want a medium that is quick, eco-friendly, and easy to manage in small spaces, watercolors are the clear winner.

3. Oil Paints Are More Vibrant and Deep

Oil paints are known for their rich, saturated colors that stay intense even after drying. The oil base keeps pigments bright, giving artists the ability to create bold, dramatic work. Oils allow deep shadows, strong highlights, and an unmatched sense of depth.

They also blend and layer smoothly. You can build gradual transitions between colors or apply thick textures for dimension. This makes oils versatile for both realistic details and expressive effects.

Watercolors, in contrast, have a soft and translucent quality. They work well for light, dreamy, or atmospheric paintings but will not deliver the same bold vibrancy as oils.

Which you prefer comes down to your style. Oils are best for strong color and impact, while watercolors suit a lighter, more delicate look.

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 only paint, water, and paper, you can set up almost anywhere. For artists who prefer speed and flexibility, watercolors are the best fit.

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 oils and watercolors comes down to your goals and how you like to work. If you want bold, vibrant colors and the time to blend and refine details, oil painting may be the better choice. Oils give more control over corrections and depth, but they also require extra materials, space, and patience.

If you prefer a lighter, more spontaneous style, watercolors are a strong option. They are easy to set up, great for travel, and perfect for quick studies. Their fluid nature encourages expression and experimentation, though they demand precision and planning since mistakes are harder to fix.

In the end, the right medium is the one that matches your process. Many artists enjoy the lasting vibrancy of oils, while others prefer the freedom and simplicity of watercolors. If you are unsure, try both. Each offers something different and can expand your skills in unique ways.

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. For instance, people love their house portraits in watercolors!

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 and 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!