CommissionIt painting guide
Choosing the right medium for a commissioned painting
Oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastel and drawing media all create different results. Compare their appearance, texture, durability, presentation and production considerations to find the right starting point for your commission.
Start with the right question
Medium, technique and style are different choices
They work together, but each describes a different part of the finished artwork. Understanding the distinction makes it easier to brief an artist and compare suitable options.
Medium
What the artwork is physically made with, such as oil paint, watercolour, acrylic, charcoal or pastel.
Technique
How the artist handles the materials, such as glazing, impasto, stippling, dry brush or wet on wet painting.
Style
The visual character of the result, such as realism, impressionism, abstraction or surrealism.
Looking beyond the main painting media?
Explore specialist painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, glass, textile, metal, digital and mixed media processes in the wider CommissionIt techniques guide.
Quick comparison
Compare the principal painting and drawing media
These are practical starting points rather than fixed rules. Size, complexity, artist availability and delivery requirements will affect the final proposal.
| Medium | Appearance | Best suited to | Relative cost | Production considerations | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watercolour | Luminous, delicate and atmospheric | Portraits, homes, landscapes, weddings and gifts | Accessible to mid range | Often quicker than oil, depending on detail | Normally mounted and framed behind glass |
| Oil | Rich colour, depth and subtle blending | Heirloom portraits, statement pieces and detailed scenes | Usually premium | Allow time for layered painting and drying | Canvas may be framed or displayed without glass |
| Acrylic | Vibrant, versatile, smooth or textured | Contemporary portraits, interiors and tighter schedules | Mid range | Fast drying and adaptable | Often created on canvas and displayed without glass |
| Gouache | Opaque, matt and richly coloured | Illustrative work, design led portraits and compact pieces | Accessible to mid range | Suited to controlled colour and crisp forms | Usually framed behind glass |
| Pastel | Soft, velvety and naturally blended | Skin tones, animals and gentle light | Mid range | The surface remains delicate | Needs careful mounting and glazing |
| Graphite | Refined monochrome detail | Portraits, architecture and intimate studies | Often accessible | Complex detail can still require substantial time | Normally framed behind glass |
| Charcoal | Dramatic blacks and expressive marks | Portraits, figures and energetic studies | Often accessible to mid range | May need fixing and careful handling | Normally framed behind glass |
| Ink | Crisp, graphic or fluid | Architecture, pets, people and minimalist work | Often accessible | Excellent for line, contrast and economy | Usually presented behind glass |
| Mixed media | Layered, tactile and highly individual | Contemporary, memory based and abstract commissions | Varies widely | Materials and care requirements must be agreed | Depends on the surface and materials used |
All cost and production guidance is indicative. CommissionIt confirms the artist, specification, price, timing, delivery and presentation in the written proposal.
See the differences
The main media in more detail
Each example uses real artwork from CommissionIt. The artist shown may be available for your project, or CommissionIt will recommend a suitably matched artist with a comparable approach.
Watercolour
Transparent layers create luminous colour, softness and atmosphere. Watercolour is especially effective for portraits, wedding scenes, homes and landscapes.
Oil on canvas
Oil offers exceptional depth, gradual blending and a distinctive surface. It suits important portraits and statement work intended to last for generations.
Acrylic on canvas
Acrylic can be smooth and controlled or built into bold texture. It provides vibrant colour, durability and flexibility for modern commissions.
Soft pastel
Pastel combines the immediacy of drawing with velvety colour. It is particularly strong for natural skin, fur and soft transitions of light.
Graphite pencil
Graphite produces precise detail, controlled shading and an understated monochrome finish. It can feel intimate, refined and timeless.
Charcoal
Charcoal creates deep blacks, energetic marks and strong tonal contrast. It can be controlled for likeness or used loosely for movement and emotion.
Ink line and wash
Ink can be clean and graphic or loose and fluid. Washes introduce tone and atmosphere while preserving the directness of the drawn line.
Mixed media
Mixed media combines paint, ink, pencil, collage or textured materials. It allows the artist to create layered surfaces and highly personal visual narratives.
Digital painting and illustration
Digital artwork can be revised before production and supplied as a file or professionally printed on fine art paper, canvas or another agreed surface.
Choose by outcome
What matters most to you?
Start with oil, then consider whether you prefer smooth glazing or visible impasto texture.
Compare watercolour, gouache and pastel, particularly for portraits, weddings and landscapes.
Acrylic is versatile, durable and well suited to contemporary artwork and expressive texture.
Graphite provides precision, while charcoal creates greater drama, contrast and movement.
Ink or digital illustration can provide controlled lines, simplified colour and a modern finish.
Mixed media allows meaningful objects, papers, textures and imagery to be combined.
Medium does not determine style
An oil painting can be realistic, impressionistic, abstract or highly textured. Choose the material here, then use the techniques guide to explore how it can be handled.
Complete the specification
Think about size, framing and the room
The medium is only one part of the decision. Dimensions, orientation, surface, mount and frame all affect how the finished artwork works in its intended space.
Still unsure which medium is right?
You do not need to decide before contacting us. Tell CommissionIt about your subject, preferred appearance, size, budget and deadline. We can recommend a suitable medium and identify an appropriately matched artist.
Ask CommissionIt to recommend a medium