The Basics of Painting

Painting is one of the most popular art forms and has been around for thousands of years. Some of the earliest paintings were found on Mesopotamian temple walls and in the caves of Lascaux, France. Painting is used to capture a moment in time and create an illusion of life through the use of light, color and shape. A good painting should make the viewer feel as though they are in the painting, seeing the dancers move, hearing the horses canter and feeling the breeze blowing the leaves on the trees.

The type of paint medium that an artist chooses to work with can have a significant impact on the final result. There is not one single best medium, but rather a selection that should be based on the individual’s preferences, skill level and artistic goals.

Watercolors: Water-based and opaque, watercolors provide a soft and spontaneous look to artwork while covering mistakes easily. This medium is typically used on paper, although it can also be applied to mixed media canvas.

Oil Paint: Highly versatile, oil paint is available in a wide range of colors and can be used on most surfaces. It is often used in combination with other mediums to change its flow, texture, sheen and drying time. There are a number of different types of oil paint mediums that can be added to the paint, but the easiest and most cost effective is linseed oil (or stand oil). Linseed oil does yellow the paintings over time, but it is very easy to bleach back to clear using simple household cleaners.

Acrylic Paint: Water-based and relatively inexpensive, acrylics are great for beginners as they dry quickly and don’t have the odor that comes with traditional oils. However, they are less durable and can be easily scratched.

Tempera: Known for its buttery consistency and bright, intense colors, tempera is used on a variety of surfaces including wood and canvas. It is very forgiving and can be worked in layers.

A good drawing is essential for a successful painting. A basic sketch with a light pencil will help position the principal elements in space and define forms and proportions. Some painters draw their entire picture from start to finish, but most sketch lightly with a pencil or charcoal on the canvas before applying paint. This allows them to focus more on the paint and less on arranging the subject. It also gives them a chance to check that they haven’t missed any important details, such as the shadows under the figure. It is important not to overwork the paint, as it is easier to ruin a color when too much is mixed and blended.