Acrylic vs. Oil: What's the difference?

What's the difference between acrylic and oil paint? Which is better? I happen to work in both. And I love them each for a variety of reasons. Let me start first with acrylic. Acrylic paint is a fast-drying paint made of pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion. Acrylic paints are water-soluble, but become water-resistant when dry. I enjoy acrylic because it does dry quickly. It's water soluble so it's easy to cleanup--no harsh terpenoids, no chemicals needed. Just soap and water. I can also make the paint very matte with a variety of media. To boot, there are infinite textures, finishes, gels and pastes that I can add to the paint for very unique compositions. Sometimes, I just don't want a glossy painting. Lastly, I find it to be more cost effective than oils.

Oil paint is a type of slow-drying paint that consists of particles of pigment suspended in a drying oil, commonly linseed oil. The viscosity (or thickness) of the paint may be modified by the addition of a solvent such as turpentine, mineral spirits or even water, and varnish may be added to increase the glossiness of the dried oil paint film, though it's fairly glossy without a varnish coat. The color is rich and you can work wet in wet more easily with oil. I also love the historic element and long tradition of oil. Many of the old masters and even several modern artists work in oil.

Bright Colors and Lots of Fun!

For me, one is not better than the other. I work in acrylic because I'm impatient and I like the immediacy it provides. Oil, however, allows me more time to reflect, it's more forgiving and I can work wet in wet. I recommend trying both. Many art stores have starter kits that are an affordable way to get started.