A painter uses paint, brushes, and other tools to create visual representations of objects and scenes on a surface—usually canvas or a wall. Throughout history, different techniques have been developed to make paintings more vibrant and expressive. Some of the most basic painting techniques can be used to add texture and detail, while others help the artist achieve more complex, realistic results. The types of paint used in painting can also have a significant effect on the overall appearance of the work.
The process of painting has been around for thousands of years, with cave paintings being some of the earliest examples. The practice continued as humans moved from rock surfaces to paper and other materials. Over time, the paints used to make art have changed as well, from natural pigments that were mined from minerals and plants to modern synthetic varieties that rely on a chemical reaction.
In the beginning, the painting process can be quite challenging and intimidating. It is important to start by thinking about what you want to say with your painting and how to best communicate it. It is also helpful to have a reference for your subject. A photograph, a sketch, or even a life model can be a great tool to keep in mind as you begin your piece.
When you’re ready to begin, try not to overwork the painting too quickly. It can be easy to get caught up in the moment and want to exaggerate what you see, but this can lead to an unnatural looking finished product. It is much better to work slowly and carefully and trust your color checking.
Another way to develop the painting is to use a variety of colors. Try tinting your bright colors with white to soften them, or adding a small amount of black to one paint to create shades and tones. This can give the painting a more intense and dynamic sense of value. It is also helpful to vary the contrast in value of your painting, using a range of contrasting colors and tones.
A final painting technique is encaustic, which involves heating beeswax and then adding colored pigments to it. The mixture is then applied to a support—typically prepared wood or canvas, though metals and other materials are sometimes used. Heated metal tools can be used to manipulate the wax as it cools and hardens on the painting’s surface.
Once you’ve painted your background and gotten the hang of painting, it’s time to bring in some details! You can use a wash, glaze, or dry brush to add texture and detail. You can also try sgraffito, a technique that involves scratching through a layer of paint to expose the material underneath. It’s possible to add texture with any kind of object, such as a toothbrush or sand, but there are also many pre-made texture media available that can be bought or made.