From Acrylic to Zinc: An A–Z of Mediums

A — Acrylic

Fast-drying paint made from pigment and polymer. Versatile, durable, and often used as an alternative to oil.
Commonly used for: Painting, contemporary art, layered work

B — Bronze

A metal alloy used in casting sculpture. Known for its strength, weight, and traditional association with fine art.
Commonly used for: Sculpture, public art

C — Charcoal

A dry drawing medium made from burnt wood. Soft, expressive, and ideal for sketching and tonal work.
Commonly used for: Drawing, studies, life drawing

D — Dye

Pigment dissolved in liquid and absorbed into materials such as fabric or paper.
Commonly used for: Textile art, paper works

E — Egg Tempera

A traditional paint made by mixing pigment with egg yolk. Known for its precision and matte finish.
Commonly used for: Painting, iconography, detailed panel work

F — Fibre

Materials such as thread, fabric, and natural fibres used in textile-based artworks.
Commonly used for: Textile art, sculpture, wall-based works

G — Gouache

An opaque water-based paint. Similar to watercolour but with a flatter, more solid finish.
Commonly used for: Illustration, design, painting

H — Handmade Paper

Paper made using traditional techniques, often with visible fibres and texture.
Commonly used for: Drawing, printmaking, works on paper

I — Intaglio

A printmaking technique where the image is incised into a surface (often metal), holding ink in the grooves.
Commonly used for: Etching, engraving, fine art prints

J — Japanese Ink (Sumi Ink)

Traditional black ink made from soot and animal glue, used in East Asian calligraphy and painting. Known for its depth and tonal range.
Commonly used for: Drawing, calligraphy, ink painting

K — Kiln-Fired Clay

Clay that has been shaped and hardened through firing in a kiln. Includes both functional and sculptural ceramics.
Commonly used for: Ceramics, sculpture, vessels

L — Lithograph

A printmaking process using a flat stone or plate. Known for its ability to capture fine detail and texture.
Commonly used for: Fine art prints, editions

M — Mixed Media

Artwork combining multiple materials or techniques—e.g. paint, collage, textiles.
Commonly used for: Contemporary art, collage, experimental work

N — Neon

Light-based work using electrified gas tubes.
Commonly used for: Sculpture, wall-based works

O — Oil Paint

Slow-drying paint made with oil and pigment. Rich in colour and depth.
Commonly used for: Painting, portraiture, landscape

P — Pastel

Pigment in stick form. Can be soft or oil-based.
Commonly used for: Drawing, portraiture, studies

Q — Quartz

A natural mineral often used in sculpture and carving.
Commonly used for: Sculpture, carved objects

R — Resin

A liquid material that hardens into a glossy solid.
Commonly used for: Sculpture, mixed media, surface finishes

S — Screenprint (Silkscreen)

A printmaking technique using a mesh screen.
Commonly used for: Prints, posters, editions

T — Textile

Fabric-based material used as both surface and structure in artworks.
Commonly used for: Textile art, wall-based works, sculpture

U — Underglaze

Decorative layer applied to ceramics before glazing and firing.
Commonly used for: Ceramics, pottery

V — Vegetable Dye

Natural dyes derived from plants, producing soft and organic colour palettes.
Commonly used for: Textile art, paper works

W — Watercolour

Transparent, water-based paint. Known for its lightness and fluidity.
Commonly used for: Painting, landscape, studies

X — Xylography (Woodcut Print)

A relief printmaking technique where an image is carved into wood.
Commonly used for: Printmaking, editions

Y — Yarn

Used in textile and fibre art.
Commonly used for: Textile art, sculpture

Z — Zinc

Used in printmaking plates and sculpture.
Commonly used for: Etching, printmaking, sculpture