Painting is an art form that involves using pigments on a two-dimensional surface to create a picture. The basic tools of the trade are a brush, a palette and paint (water-based for acrylics or oil-based for oils). Some of the most basic painting techniques include color mixing, layering, spattering, blending, and texture. Many people find that it is easier to develop a painting style with practice. Having a firm foundation in the fundamentals of color, value, composition, edges and brushwork will allow artists to explore new techniques with confidence.
One of the first things that beginners learn is how to mix their own colors. Using the primary colors of red, yellow and blue along with white and black allows for unlimited combinations of hues. It is also a good idea to have a small chart of the different combinations you discover so that you can recreate them quickly when you need a specific color again.
Water or oil is used to thin the paints making them more workable and long lasting. It is also used to clean the brushes. A palette is a flat piece of paper or plastic that is used to keep the paints separated and easily mixed. When working with oils, you will also need a solvent such as mineral spirits or turpentine.
When creating a painting, it is important to use contrasting values of dark and light. This is known as chiaroscuro and was used often by Renaissance painters such as Rembrandt and Caravaggio. This technique is effective because it draws the eye to the main subject of the painting and makes it pop out from the background.
As you begin to experiment with the techniques of painting, you may be surprised by how much fun it is. Try experimenting with different textures, such as rough surfaces and the use of various sizes of brushes. Also experiment with varying the amount of paint on the brush and the type of strokes you make. Short little strokes can resemble fur or pollen, while longer smoother strokes can give the impression of movement. Almost anything can be used as a tool for texture: egg shells, sand, or even your finger can be dipped in paint and flicked over the surface of the painting to create an interesting pattern.
Developing a painting is all about exploring your creativity and learning how to communicate your ideas visually. There are so many different styles of painting, but the best way to find your own is to keep experimenting and don’t worry too much about what others think. If you screw up a part of the painting, don’t be afraid to cover it up or turn it into something else. These are what artists call “happy accidents” and can add a lot to the final piece of art.
Remember that it takes time to develop a true painting style. While some artists have a natural style that comes to them effortlessly, it is important for the beginner artist to take time to learn the fundamentals of the medium. This will allow them to focus on the creativity aspects of painting and less on what they are doing technically.