How I Found My Colors: Choosing the Right Medium for My Art

Every artist has a language — some speak through bold strokes, others through delicate detail. But for me, that language is defined by color and the medium that carries it. My journey through acrylics, oils, and other materials has been more than a technical exploration; it has been a discovery of myself, my emotions, and how I want the world to feel my art.

When I First Touched Paint

I still remember the first time I dipped a brush into color. It was a small palette, messy and exciting, and I didn’t know where to begin. The moment the paint touched the paper, something inside me clicked. I realized that art wasn’t just about what I saw — it was about what I felt.

Back then, I didn’t think about mediums or techniques. I only knew that colors spoke a language my heart understood. Over time, as my hands grew steadier and my thoughts more expressive, I began to explore the materials that could best translate my emotions onto the canvas.

Acrylics: My First Love

Acrylics were where my story truly began. Fast-drying, bold, and vibrant — they matched my energy. I loved how quickly they responded, how easily they blended into layers of emotion. Acrylics gave me the freedom to experiment — to make mistakes, to start over, to play.

There’s something beautiful about how forgiving they are. Every stroke can be reborn within minutes, every layer can tell a new story. When I paint with acrylics, I feel alive, spontaneous, and fearless. They capture the excitement I feel when an idea is fresh — that rush of inspiration that refuses to wait.

Oil Paints: The Art of Patience

Then came oils — the complete opposite of acrylics. Slow, deep, and full of quiet grace. They taught me patience, reflection, and the art of letting things breathe.

When I paint with oils, it feels like time slows down. Each stroke carries intention. The colors blend softly, creating harmony instead of contrast. It’s as if I am not just painting an image, but creating a memory that matures with every passing hour.

Oils helped me find stillness in the process — to enjoy the silence, to connect with my thoughts, and to understand that not every emotion needs to be rushed. Sometimes beauty takes time to reveal itself.

Mixed Media: The Freedom to Combine

Eventually, I stopped limiting myself to one medium. I began mixing — using texture paste, ink, and even bits of fabric or paper to add life to my work. I realized that emotions are layered, just like art. Sometimes you need more than one material to capture what you feel.

Mixed media gave me permission to break rules, to explore art without boundaries. It taught me that creativity has no single form — it’s fluid, evolving, and deeply personal.

Choosing the Right Medium for the Moment

Now, every time I begin a new piece, I ask myself one question: What do I want this painting to feel like?
If I want passion and energy, I choose acrylics.
If I want calmness and reflection, I reach for oils.
If I want to explore and surprise myself, I mix.

It’s never about which medium is “better.” It’s about which one understands my heart at that moment.

Art as a Reflection of Growth

Over time, I’ve realized that the medium you choose mirrors your inner state. The speed, texture, and fluidity reflect your emotions and growth. When I look at my older works, I see more than technique — I see who I was at that time, what I was feeling, and how my colors helped me express it.

Art is not just about what’s on the surface. It’s a diary of emotions — written not in words, but in texture and color.

The Canvas of Possibilities

Each medium has its own soul. Acrylics are fire. Oils are water. Mixed media is wind — unpredictable and free. Together, they remind me that art has no limits, only possibilities.

And in this endless exploration, I’ve discovered that choosing a medium is not about what looks best, but what feels right. Because in the end, every brushstroke is a heartbeat, and every color is a whisper of who I am.

You can also explore the story behind my art journey in The Story Behind Akahi Art