Art 101: Understanding Different Art Mediums (And Why They Matter for Collectors)
- Mary Katherine Fickel
- May 22
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
So, you’re ready to collect art. You’ve started browsing. You’ve found a few pieces that caught your eye. And then, bam, you see words like encaustic, acrylic on panel, mixed media, or archival pigment print and think:
“...Is that good?”
Welcome to the wonderful world of art mediums, aka, the materials artists use to make their magic. Understanding mediums isn’t just for artists or critics. It’s essential for collectors who want to buy with knowledge, confidence, and a little style.
Let’s break it all down.
🎨 What Is a Medium in Art?
In plain English: it’s what the artwork is made of.
Paintings might use oil, acrylic, watercolor, or gouache.
Drawings use graphite, ink, pastel, or charcoal.
Mixed media combines several materials like collage, paper, textiles, or even found objects.
Prints might be handmade or digital.
The medium affects the look, feel, durability, and even the value of a piece. And as a collector, it helps to know what you’re buying, and what you’re hanging on your wall.
🖌️ Popular Painting Mediums (What You’ll See Most Often)
1. Oil Paint
What it is: Pigment suspended in oil (usually linseed).
What it looks like: Rich, deep color with visible brushstrokes and a glossy finish.
Why collectors love it: Timeless. Durable. Used by the greats for centuries.
Care tips: Takes longer to dry and may require varnish. Keep out of direct sun.
⭐ Famous Example: Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh.
2. Acrylic Paint
What it is: Fast-drying paint made with pigment and acrylic polymer.
What it looks like: Versatile! Can mimic oil, watercolor, or stand alone.
Why collectors love it: Affordable, modern, and durable. Artists love how fast it dries.
Care tips: Wipe gently with a dry cloth. Never use chemicals.
💡 Fun fact: Acrylic is a favorite for contemporary and abstract artists.
3. Watercolor
What it is: Pigment mixed with water on paper.
What it looks like: Light, fluid, and transparent.
Why collectors love it: Soft and expressive. Great for delicate landscapes or portraits.
Care tips: Frame under glass with a mat to avoid moisture damage.
4. Mixed Media
What it is: Artwork that combines multiple materials—paint, collage, ink, fabric, and more.
What it looks like: Textured, layered, and often experimental.
Why collectors love it: One-of-a-kind. Tells a story. Perfect for bold walls.
Care tips: Ask the artist or gallery about the specific materials used before cleaning.
🔥 Hot trend: Artists mixing paper and gold leaf into dreamy seascapes like those from The Good Art Company 😉.
✏️ Drawing Mediums: Small but Mighty
Don’t overlook drawings, they can be powerful, intimate, and highly collectible.
Graphite = Pencil sketches with beautiful shading.
Charcoal = Bold and expressive, but delicate.
Ink = Clean lines or calligraphy-style detail.
Pastel = Soft and painterly, somewhere between drawing and painting.
🎨 Many artists offer drawings as part of limited-edition series or as studies for larger works.
🖨️ Art Prints: What’s the Deal?
There are prints, and then there are prints.
Types to know:
Giclée / Archival Pigment Print: High-quality inkjet prints on fine art paper or canvas. Looks stunning and lasts decades.
Screenprint: Each color is applied separately through a screen. Think Warhol’s soup cans.
Etching / Lithograph: Handmade prints using metal or stone. Each one is unique.
Limited Edition: Fewer prints = more value. Always ask about edition size.
⭐ Pro tip: Make sure it's signed and numbered if you're investing.
Curious about print types? MoMA’s Printmaking Glossary is a fantastic resource.
💰 What Does the Medium Say About Value?
Great question. While medium alone doesn’t determine price, it can affect:
Durability (oil lasts longer than watercolor).
Prestige (original oil paintings are often priced higher than prints).
Cost to create (encaustic or gold leaf can drive up material cost).
Framing needs (paper-based works should be framed under glass).
❤ As a rule of thumb: Buy what you love, but understand how it was made, so you can care for it well and appreciate its value fully.
📥 Want to Collect Confidently?
Are you looking to start or grow your art collection but unsure where to begin?
Our Free Digital Guide to Collecting Art is your ultimate resource! Packed with expert insights, practical tips, and must-know strategies, this guide will help you navigate the art world with confidence, whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector.
🖼️ Learn how to:
Choose the right medium for your space
Understand what makes art investment-worthy
Care for your artwork like a pro
📩 Download your free copy now and start your journey toward owning art that speaks to your soul.
👋 Final Thought: It’s Not About the Material—It’s About the Meaning
Yes, mediums matter. But collecting art isn’t about buying the “right” material, it’s about choosing what moves you.
When you understand how something’s made, you start to see why it moves you, and how it can become part of your life story.
Hi there! I’m MK, owner of The Good Art Company and The Good Artist Mentorship. Thanks for reading. Art 101: Understanding Different Art Mediums (And Why They Matter for Collectors)
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Art 101: Understanding Different Art Mediums (And Why They Matter for Collectors)
