Decorating your office allows you to create a more pleasing, comfortable space. The right pictures will help your employees stay energized and relaxed, making them more productive. If you want to include acrylic or oil paintings in the design scheme, understanding how these styles differ will help you select the perfect decorations. Here is a brief guide that explains each option.

Acrylic

Acrylic paint entered the art market in the 1950s as a fast-drying product that was ideal for busy artists with multiple commissions. It features a synthetic resin that allows it to cure in under an hour, while other contemporary options used an oil binder that took much longer to dry. Acrylic paint can darken slightly upon drying, but is ideal for a sunny office because it won't fade. Product pigments generally feature higher permanence ratings than other types, such as watercolors.

Since it dries quickly, acrylic paint isn’t ideal for portraits or pieces where the artist wants to make subtle changes. However, if you prefer unique graphic designs for your office, acrylic is the perfect medium because it creates crisp edges, helping the image stand out.

Oil

Oil paint was the primary substance that was used to create some of the world’s most well-known paintings, including Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” and “Starry Night” by Vincent Van Gogh. It consists of pigment and oil, and while it fades slightly over time, the wide array of oil paintings from the past prove it has incredible longevity. Some oil paint lightens upon curing; the product takes several weeks to dry fully, especially in humid conditions. However, the longer drying time allows the artist to go back and make changes. 

Oil paint creates richer colors than acrylic. They also have a softening effect because the lines and edges are more blurred. The paint lends itself to a wide variety of fine art, including landscapes, portraits, and still-life images. If you enjoy the rich, classic look and desire stunning landscapes for your office over contemporary designs, opt for oil paintings.

When you need help decorating your office with original paintings, contact The Art Company in Cincinnati, OH. The business provides a wide selection of fine art to clients throughout the area, including sculptures, canvas prints, and oil paintings. Custom framing and art consultation services are also available to help you find pieces that you'll love. Call (513) 651-5092 to schedule a consultation, and visit them online for more information about their services.