Painting is an art form that uses paint to create a two-dimensional image. It can be used for a wide range of purposes, from decorative to narrative. Artists use a variety of materials, from paint to cloth, to create the designs they envision. Many artists work alone, while others combine their art with other media.
The art of painting emerged from the early cultural traditions that controlled the craft and the subject matter of painting. As an art form, painting has changed little since the early days. Some artists still paint on canvas, while other use plastic, paper, or metal. However, many modern artists have created their own visual language.
Some painters, such as Johannes Vermeer, drew inspiration from everyday life and spirituality. Vermeer painted scenes from his life and used color and light to create the image. He also experimented with perspective. This technique is used to fool the eye into believing that the object on the painting has three-dimensional depth.
In the seventeenth century, ambitious painters grouped together in a variety of social contexts. These painters shared an interest in painting as a means of self-expression, and they often established a personal relationship with a patron. They often signed the designs they created.
A key aspect of painting is the moral message that the artist wishes to convey. Whether the message is for social, religious, or political reasons, the moral message is usually at the forefront of the painting. Most styles of painting incorporate expressive shapes that are based on archetypal forms. For instance, squares are frequently found at the focal point of a design.
As a medium, painting is one of the few forms of art that has changed very little in the last few thousand years. Oil paint was invented in Europe in the fifteenth century, and it was a major part of the Western art tradition during the Renaissance. Since then, the range of pigments has expanded to include plant extracts, earths, and synthetic colours.
In modern times, the medium of painting has evolved to include digital tools that allow artists to paint with virtual brushes and a wide variety of colours. In addition, some modern painters have produced kinetic and three-dimensional abstract designs. Other artists have addressed common societal issues, such as the detritus of human accumulation.
In the 21st century, painting has embraced new technologies, and exchanges of ideas have accelerated. Social media have given new opportunities to artists, including the direct communication between them and their audience. There are a number of online conferences that feature top contemporary painters and their works. UC Davis is home to Roy de Forest, Wayne Thiebaud, and Robert Arneson. You can learn more about art history and attend one of these events by visiting uc-davis.com.
If you want to hear from the most innovative artists, sign up for one of the Art of Painting in the 21st Century online conferences. Participating in these programs is a great way to interact with the top professionals working today.