The Art of Painting
Painting is a way for humans to express their beliefs, activities and lives through color and shape on canvas. The art of painting has evolved over the centuries, and modern painters use many techniques and tools to create their works of art. Modern paintings are often influenced by technology, social conventions and world events, as well as the artists themselves. Painting has been an important part of the human culture for centuries and continues to be a popular form of expression today.The earliest known paintings date from prehistoric times, with evidence of them found in caves in France and Spain. Historians, Philosophers and Anthropologists study these paintings to understand the development of ancient civilizations and cultures. Painting has continued to play a role in mankind’s evolution throughout the ages, and it is believed that there will always be a need for this form of communication.There are many different styles of painting, some more realistic than others. The first few decades of the 20th century saw dramatic leaps in the art of painting, with many styles being developed from the invention of the metal paint tube and changes in world events. These trends continue today, with a wide variety of new painting styles available to the artist.Some painting styles are more traditional, with the artist working in layers to create depth and detail. Other artists may work in a more spontaneous manner, using quick brushstrokes to convey the essence of their subject.Realism is a popular style, and focuses on making the subject appear real through the use of shading and perspective. One of the best examples of this is Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, which is a portrait of a real person that seems to come alive through its detailed brushstrokes.Other types of painting include Impasto, which involves applying a thick layer of paint with a palette knife or brush, creating a visible texture and leaving the brushstrokes behind. This technique can be used to add vibrancy and energy to a painting, as well as creating depth and dimension.Another technique is called marbling, where paint or ink is mixed on the surface of water and then transferred to paper or another surface, creating unique patterns that resemble marble. Another method is stippling, where the paint is applied with a stippled brush or sponge.Abstract painting is a style that shuns realism and instead focuses on the emotions of the artist. The artists in this style can reduce their subject to its dominant colors, shapes or textures, or even remove it completely, as with the works of Georgia O’Keeffe, who painted flowers and shells that don’t look anything like their real-life counterparts.Some abstract artists also work with other materials, such as sand, straw, cement or wood, to add texture to their paintings. A more recent trend is computer painting, where the artist uses a software program to apply color and texture to a digital "canvas." Then, using a stylus or finger, the artist applies paint with various pressures to create different effects and textures.