Painting is the visual art of applying color and other components to a flat surface. It can depict real scenes or objects, describe a theme or idea, or be wholly abstract. The process of creating a painting involves drawing, choosing a subject, and mixing paint. The result is a work of art that is both visually pleasing and often emotionally stirring. Great works of art keep us coming back to look at them and can make our lives more enjoyable.
The history of painting can be traced back to the earliest cave paintings of prehistoric peoples. In the modern world oil painting is still a major form of art and there are many genres that artists explore.
Artists have always been fascinated with using color to communicate emotions and ideas. In early times the pigments used were natural substances such as earths and minerals, but with the advent of the industrial revolution new products such as petroleum derived dyes came onto the market. These new materials enabled the creation of a wide range of different colors. The ability to mix and blend these colors in new ways created the basis of what we now know as modern painting.
In the beginnings of modern painting, there was a tendency toward realism. This was due to the availability of more pigments, but also because patronage allowed painters to develop their skills while enjoying a good income from their work. This trend continued until the early 19th century when painting began to lose its appeal as a commercial enterprise and more emphasis was placed on expressionistic techniques that encouraged the individuality of the artist.
Painting is a complex process that can take many years to master. It is important to learn the fundamentals of painting and to practice regularly in order to improve your skills. It is also helpful to observe how other painters paint, and to study the work of those who have achieved a certain level of mastery. If you are serious about becoming a professional artist you will need to follow a rigorous training regime that includes drawing, composition, and the use of color and values. For those who are just interested in learning to paint, the goal should be to achieve a level of skill that will allow you to create beautiful works that evoke an emotional response and encourage you to continue working on your art. Good luck! And don’t forget the brushes and the paints! Paper towels are also a must. See you on the next page! —Jove Wang, a master painter and educator. Jove is the host of the video course, Taking Your Paintings to the Next Level! Check out his other courses on video on CreativeLive, including Expressive Cityscapes and Embracing Instinct and Feeling.