Decoding Art: Understanding Mediums & Materials
Decoding Art: Understanding Mediums & Materials
An Art Collector’s Guide to Paintings, Prints & Mixed Media
When buying art, you’re not just investing in a beautiful piece—you’re also investing in its material longevity, preservation needs, and unique artistic qualities. The medium an artist chooses affects not just the aesthetics of the work but also its texture, depth, and long-term durability.
Below, we break down different artistic mediums, why artists favor them, what collectors should consider, and how to care for each type in your space.
1. Painting Mediums
Oil Paint: Timeless & Rich
Why Artists Love It:
• Oil paint has been a favorite among artists for centuries due to its slow drying time, allowing for blending, layering, and intricate detail.
• It creates deep, luminous colors that can be built up for a rich, textured finish (known as impasto).
Why Collectors Love It:
• The depth of color and texture in oil paintings make them striking centerpieces.
• A well-made oil painting holds its value due to its historical significance and craftsmanship.
Ageing & Preservation:
• Best conditions: Keep in a stable, low-humidity environment away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid extreme temperatures, as oil paint can expand and crack over time.
• Framing tip: Oil paintings on canvas don’t require glass framing, but should be protected from dust and pollutants.
Acrylic Paint: Vibrant & Versatile
Why Artists Love It:
• Acrylic dries much faster than oil paint, allowing for quick layering and bold, vibrant colors.
• It can be applied thinly like watercolor or thickly like oil, making it one of the most versatile mediums.
Why Collectors Love It:
• Less prone to cracking compared to oil paint, making it low-maintenance.
• Bright, modern colors that stay true over time with minimal yellowing.
Ageing & Preservation:
• Best conditions: Keep out of harsh direct sunlight to avoid color fading.
• Easy to clean: Can be gently wiped with a dry microfiber cloth.
• Framing tip: Acrylic works on paper need to be framed with glass, while those on canvas can be displayed without it.
Watercolor: Light, Airy, & Expressive
Why Artists Love It:
• Watercolor allows for soft, fluid blending that creates a dreamlike, transparent effect.
• It’s one of the most difficult mediums to control, often requiring years of practice to master.
Why Collectors Love It:
• Ideal for subtle, delicate compositions that add an elegant touch to interiors.
• Works well in smaller spaces due to its lightness and often minimalist aesthetic.
Ageing & Preservation:
• Best conditions: Should always be framed under UV-protective glass to prevent fading.
• Keep away from humidity, as watercolors are highly sensitive to moisture.
• Framing tip: Matting around the artwork helps prevent the paper from touching the glass and deteriorating over time.
2. Drawing & Printmaking
Charcoal & Graphite: Raw & Expressive
Why Artists Love It:
• Charcoal allows for deep contrasts and bold, expressive strokes, while graphite provides precise, detailed shading.
• Many artists love the intimacy of drawing—it’s often the foundation of all visual art.
Why Collectors Love It:
• Monochromatic artworks are timeless and work well in modern interiors.
• Charcoal has a unique, hand-drawn authenticity that appeals to collectors who value traditional skills.
Ageing & Preservation:
• Best conditions: Must be framed under glass or acrylic to prevent smudging.
• Avoid direct contact: Charcoal is fragile and should never touch the frame glass.
• Framing tip: Use acid-free matting to prevent discoloration.
Linocut & Woodcut Prints: Bold & Handmade
Why Artists Love It:
• Printmaking is a hands-on process, often requiring carving into wood or linoleum before inking and pressing onto paper.
• Each print retains slight variations, making them unique while still allowing for limited editions.
Why Collectors Love It:
• Perfect for those who want affordable original artwork—prints often come in small, numbered editions.
• Strong graphic lines and textures make them bold statement pieces.
Ageing & Preservation:
• Best conditions: Frame under glass and avoid direct sunlight.
• Limited editions can increase in value over time.
Which Medium Speaks to You?
When buying art, consider not just aesthetics, but longevity, maintenance, and how the medium complements your space. Whether you’re drawn to the rich depth of oils, the modern vibrancy of acrylics, or the bold graphics of printmaking, understanding different mediums will help you invest wisely and appreciate your collection even more.
Words: Vivian de Waal