Why Acrylics Disappointed Me—How Oil Painting Changed Everything and a Little Lesson on Gesso

So you tried acrylic painting… and you were disappointed. I’ve been there too. I experimented with watercolors, acrylics, gouache, and pastels—each offering something unique, but none quite having everything I wanted in a painting medium. However, trying so many different materials helped me figure out exactly what I was looking for.

I wanted something that blended smoothly on canvas, like oil pastels. I loved the vibrant colors of acrylics and gouache. And I appreciated the layering ability of watercolors. Then, I discovered oil painting. It had everything I loved about the other mediums without the drawbacks. It layers well, yet can be applied alla prima or in thick textures. The color range is rich and vibrant. You can create soft, blended effects or bold, textured strokes. I was hooked.

At sixteen, I bought my first set of oil paints—cheap ones—but I was eager to start. This was the first painting I created with them.

I remember getting incredibly frustrated when my colors turned muddy, but I loved how the swirls in the background turned out. That experience made me want to learn everything I could about oil painting. And now, I’m here to share what I’ve learned with you.

Canvas and Canvas Prep

When I first started, I used inexpensive, highly textured canvases—totally fine for beginners! But as I started selling my paintings, I wanted to ensure they were high-quality and built to last. Now, I use better-quality canvases, but no matter your budget, there’s one key step to improve any canvas: gesso.

Gesso has been used since ancient Egyptian times to prepare painting surfaces. Originally, it was a labor-intensive process involving layers of chalky material, sanding, and burnishing. Today, we have pre-made acrylic-based gesso, which is much easier to use while still providing the structure and flexibility a painting needs.

How to Use Gesso

1. Choose any size canvas and apply a thin, even layer of gesso with a brush.

2. Allow the layer to dry completely.

3. If desired, apply up to three additional thin layers, letting each one dry before adding the next.

4. Wait 24 hours, then sand the canvas until smooth.

5. If the surface isn’t smooth enough, repeat as needed.

Here are some great gesso brands to start with:

What’s Next?

Oil painting changed everything for me, and I can’t wait to help you explore it too! This is just the beginning—there’s so much more to learn when it comes to art.

I’ll be sharing more about painting techniques, different artistic mediums, composition tips, and even the business side of selling art. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, there will be something for you.

Stay tuned for upcoming posts where we’ll dive into color mixing, brush techniques, and how to develop your unique artistic style. Let’s keep learning and creating together!