Images of Paint Samples
All the following images were taken at 4x magnification using a camera and bellows system. A PICTURE of the setup is available for viewing. Click HERE for an expanded definition of macrography, including how to take macro photos.
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Oil paint has a glossy finish. This is the most distinguishing factor of oil paint. Despite the texture created by the artist, oil paint gives a smooth feel to the painting. As a result of the gloss, light reflects causing specular highlights. Oil paint also allows the artist to achieve more dimension in their painting. The pictures to the left are of oil paint on canvas. |
| Acrylic is like oil paint in the fashion that it allows for dimension and depth to be created within the paint samples. However, acrylic has a very flat, matte surface. This results in the reflecting light to be more diffuse. A big distinguishing aspect of acrylic paint is the "gritty" look given due to the particals in the paint. The images are of acrylic paint on canvas. |
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Watercolor paint is much more two dimensional compared to the other two paint types. It also has a matte surface, but it is not as flat as acrylic paint. Watercolor paint often cracks. This especially true on paper substrates. The image on the far left is painted on canvas; the image in the center is painted on watercolor paper. |