Painting is a medium of visual expression using pigments applied to a surface (usually canvas, wood, paper or plaster). It can represent a natural scene or object, describe a narrative, be wholly abstract, or be decorative. It is one of the oldest forms of art, dating back to prehistoric cave paintings and neolithic etchings.
Painting can be done with any number of artistic media, including watercolors, acrylics, oil paints, and even a stylus and ink pen. Each type of painting requires specific techniques and skills.
The basic goal of any painting is to create a pleasing and meaningful work of art. It can be used to communicate a specific idea or emotion, to entertain, or simply to inspire the viewer. The meaning can be as simple as a memory or an impression, as complex and profound as a story or feeling, or can be something that the viewer can identify with.
There are many reasons to learn to paint, including gaining facility with your art tools, exploring the beauty of nature, and improving your ability to express yourself. Painting can also be a fun way to explore new ways of thinking and seeing, such as learning about color-mixing or brushwork.
Many of the world’s greatest artists have produced some of history’s most famous paintings, which are often considered masterpieces. The process of producing a painting is a time-consuming and complex one. The first step is to prepare the surface of the canvas or panel. The surface is then gessoed, which is made from a layer of ground up linen fabric impregnated with sturgeon glue and chalk mixed with water and sometimes other ingredients. It is up to ten layers thick and is the foundation on which a painter builds his or her work.
After the gesso is prepared, the painting can begin. The first layer is usually a light washed of a base color, and then the artist begins modeling form by adding layers of paint in varying degrees of transparency. The resulting tone and texture of the painting will be greatly affected by the thickness of the individual layer of paint and the amount of transparency.
In some cases, the artist may sketch out his or her ideas on the surface of the canvas with pencil before beginning the actual painting. In other cases, the artist will begin working straight from the imagination. In either case, the finished painting will have a specific message or mood intended to convey, as well as a style and palette that will distinguish it from other works of art.
An important aspect of creating a successful painting is the use of line to unify the design. Whether they are clearly defined, contrasting dark against light shapes or subtle and ambiguous, these lines bind the parts of the picture together and establish the mood. Some painters, such as Frank Brangwyn, Steve Huston, and Nancy Guzik, are particularly skilled at tying these lines into beautiful and intricate patterns.