Painting is the mediated result of an artist’s application of wet paint to a flat surface. It used to be simple enough to define as the art of representation; that is, capturing images of real-life objects or natural scenes in the form and style of traditional portraits or landscapes. Now, painting is a many-splendored thing, having absorbed and turned itself into mixed-media assemblages that include both organic and synthetic materials as well as borrowing from commercial illustration, architectural, tattoo, and textile design—all of which make the distinction between abstraction and representation seem rather quaint.
A painter’s lexicon grows from the medium itself, and he or she can use it to express ideas, tell stories, and create moods with a brush. The color of paint reflects the lightness or darkness of a scene, and can even reveal a subject’s age or history.
When a painter begins to work, his or her first task is to select the right subject. A good subject will inspire and challenge the painter, and provide opportunities for creativity and problem-solving. The painter should also consider whether the subject will allow him or her to develop the skills required to successfully paint it.
Next, the painter must choose a medium. There are a few major choices—oils, acrylics, and watercolors—and each one has its own characteristics. For example, oils dry slowly, and their pigments are lightfast, thick, and creamy. Watercolors, on the other hand, dry quickly and are nontoxic. Acrylics dry fast and are relatively durable, but they don’t have the same richness of pigment or depth of texture as oil paints.
Once the medium is selected, the painter must prepare the surface before beginning to apply the paint. A thorough cleaning with sugar soap is usually sufficient, but if the surface is particularly dirty or greasy, a thinner might be necessary to ensure the paint adheres properly. After that, the surface should be lightly sanded to smooth any rough spots. Then, a priming coat should be applied to the entire surface, and allowed to dry thoroughly.
When the primer has dried, the final coats of paint can be applied. A painting’s finishing touches are what separate it from a mere reproduction and create the artist’s unique voice. For this reason, a painter may use a variety of techniques to achieve the desired effect, from stippling and washy glazes to sanding and buffing.
Painting is a complex and ever-changing art, but the basics of the craft are easy to learn. As an artist becomes more familiar with his or her medium, he or she can focus on more advanced concepts such as composition and color theory.
Painting a room is an exciting project that can transform a space, but it’s important to plan the work carefully to avoid any mistakes. Taking the time to prepare and clean the surface will help to reduce drips, runs, and overall errors. It is also important to follow the correct order when painting a room, starting with ceilings, walls, and windows/door trim.