Should an Artist Using Oils Use Acrylics as an Underpainting?

When it comes to oil painting, the choice of underpainting can significantly impact the overall quality and longevity of a piece. Many artists opt to use acrylics as a base, a practice that has its merits and considerations. This article explores the benefits and drawbacks of using acrylics as an underpainting for oil paintings.

The Use of Acrylics as an Underpainting for Oils

Acrylics can serve as a fantastic underpainting for oil paintings due to their water-based nature, which aligns with the traditional method. Unlike oil paints, acrylics dry quickly, typically within an hour, and can be blended and adjusted before they fully dry. This characteristic makes them highly practical for artists who need a flexible and adaptable base layer.

Benefits of Using Acrylics as an Underpainting

The primary advantage of using acrylics as an underpainting is the ability to achieve a wide range of tones and tints on a canvas. Acrylics are known for their vibrant colors and can be applied in thin, translucent layers, allowing for a nuanced underpainting. This underpainting can serve as a guide for the subsequent layers of oil paint, providing a solid foundation for the artist to build upon.

Process of Using Acrylics as an Underpainting

To use acrylics as an underpainting for oil paintings, the process is straightforward:

Prepare the canvas with a water-based undercoat to ensure it is properly primed for the acrylics. Apply a layer of acrylic paint, allowing it to dry completely. It is advisable to wait at least an hour, or even better, two hours for the paint to dry thoroughly. Once the acrylic layer is dry, it is ready for the application of oil paints. Ensure to clean and wash all your brushes, empty and clean your water containers, and move your water-based materials to a safe storage area. Prepare your oils and mixtures. Open a window for better ventilation and put on a clean, protective apron or old overalls. Start painting with your oil paints, using turpentine to thin the oils as needed. Oils stay soft for much longer, providing a longer window of opportunity for blending and adjusting.

Considerations and Recommendations

While using acrylics as an underpainting offers several benefits, it is crucial to follow proper procedures to ensure the best results. Never rush the drying time of the acrylics, and always carefully clean and prepare your workspace before moving to oil paints.

Why Not Use Oil Paints Directly?

Using oil paints directly on a canvas without a water-based underpainting can be problematic. Oil paints are more prone to mechanical issues, such as cracking and unevenness, when applied directly to an absorbent surface like a water-soaked canvas. A water-based underpainting helps to seal the canvas and prepares it for the more fluid and expansive nature of oil paints.

Handling Clean-up and Storage

After using acrylics as an underpainting, proper clean-up and storage are essential:

Wash and dry all brushes thoroughly. Empty and clean your water containers. Store water-based materials separately from your oils to prevent contamination.

Mixing Acrylics and Oils: A Cautionary Note

While using acrylics as an underpainting is a suitable practice, it is important to note that mixing acrylics and oils can be risky. The fundamental difference between the two mediums, which is essentially oil and water, makes a combination impractical. Even if some artists have successfully used a hybrid approach, it is generally recommended to stick to individual mediums to maintain the integrity of the painting.

In conclusion, using acrylics as an underpainting for oil paintings can provide a solid, flexible foundation for a piece. However, it is essential to follow best practices to achieve the best results and avoid potential issues.