Watercolor vs. Oil Paint? How to Choose When Ordering a Pet Portrait.
Watercolor vs. Oil Paint?
How to Choose When Ordering a Pet Portrait.
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Art medium refers to the material an artist uses to create. The plural of medium is media. Ex. mixed media
What Art Medium to Choose?
I work in several different mediums which may be different than some artists. I offer pet portraits in oils, watercolor, and pastels/colored pencils. To assist people in making a choice, I wrote this article. Some of the information below pertains to me specifically and some pertain to the medium in general.
Also, please be assured- if going thru this feels overwhelming, the process to order a pet portrait can be greatly simplified by just telling me you want one and sending me some photos. :) I offer this more detailed description for those who desire it.
My Watercolor attributes:
Generally more:
· detailed
· realistic
· light and airy, transparent color
· less expensive for a custom portrait
Framing needs:
· must be framed under glass
· generally are framed with a ‘mat’ or border
· artwork is shipped with insurance, unmated and unframed
· easier and less expensive to ship
cons: The framing issue used to be a bit of an obstacle for some but now there are watercolor 'canvas' or cradleboards that allow the painting to be hung without the extra cost of framing.
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Rainbow Horse by Sue Steiner |
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Watercolor of a wild horse from the Outer Banks, NC by Sue Steiner |
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Arabian horse watercolor by Sue Steiner of Free Rein Art Studio |
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Work in Progress watercolor painting of a lab by Sue Steiner |
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Chihuahua watercolor painting by Sue Steiner |
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Equine Art by Sue Steiner |
My Oil Painting Attributes
· more style options- from detailed to abstract, palette knife
· more sizing options- 8 x 10 to Life-sized
· the richness in color and texture from oil paint- exceeds anything else!
· sturdy – can be painted on a variety of surfaces
· can be painted on gallery wrapped canvas which does not require framing
cons: longer drying time which can be problematic for rushed orders or during the holidays when I get booked.
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Equine Art by Sue Steiner |
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Pet Portrait by Sue Steiner |
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Pet Portrait by Sue Steiner |
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Pet Portrait work in Progress by Sue Steiner |
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Yellow Peep in oils by Sue Steiner |
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Cat Oil Painting by Sue Steiner |
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'Stride By', 18 x 24 in oils by Sue Steiner |
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work in progress slide show of large horse oil painting by Sue Steiner |
My Pastel/ Colored Pencil Attributes
- colorful, often playful, realistic
- detailed
- limited sizing options- usually 8 x 10 to 11 x 14
- framed and matted under glass (which a spacer so glass doesn't sit on top of artwork)
- easy to ship
- no drying time
con: can be a bit more fragile to ship- special handling required under framed
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Colorful Cows Mixed Media by Sue Steiner |
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Three Pigs by Sue Steiner |
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Horse in Mixed Media by Sue Steiner |
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Bull Terrier Pet Portrait by Sue Steiner |
If you, are anyone you know, are interested in a pet portrait or painting of your horse, please take a look at my artwork and website. I would love to talk about what you have in mind. I specialize in dogs, cats, horses, horse and rider, pet and owner, farm animal and wildlife paintings. I work from small custom stall signs to Life-Sized!
Find me on
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FreeReinArtStudio/
Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/FreeReinArtStudio
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/sue_steiner/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/freereinart/
Twitter https://twitter.com/saveaface
Website: https://www.horseartonline.com
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