Painting is the process of applying pigments to a surface to create an image. It is a traditional art form that has existed for thousands of years, with examples found in caves across the globe. There are many different painting mediums to choose from and it is important for the artist to find one that suits their vision. Creating a painting requires a large number of layers, each requiring care and consideration. The paint itself, the surface it is painted on and the coatings used are all important in the final appearance of the finished work.
When deciding on which painting medium to use, the first step is choosing your paint color palette. This can be as simple or as complex as you wish. Once you have a palette, the next step is to decide which type of painting you are going to make. Some painters like to work in multiple layers, while others prefer to paint alla prima, which means they try to finish the entire painting in one sitting. It is also common for artists to do studies (small versions) or sketches before committing to the actual painting.
The types of paintings made with different painting mediums can range from abstract to realistic. The painting process can be as fast or slow as you like, but it is important to set aside enough time to give the paint a chance to dry and harden properly. A painting that is not allowed to dry can become brittle and lose its vibrancy.
Some of the most common painting mediums are acrylic, oil and watercolor. Acrylic paints are typically the best choice for beginners as they are easy to control and can be adapted easily once each layer is dry. Watercolor is similar but has the added benefit of being very forgiving and any mistakes can be erased with a little bit of water. Oil paints are a traditional medium but can be very messy and require a certain amount of preparation, such as priming the support with gesso. They can also take days or weeks to fully dry and they can crack when not handled carefully.
There are some new products that offer a solvent-free option for using oil paints which can save space in the studio and reduce the need to use toxic turpentine for cleaning brushes. This is a great choice for those who want the look of oil but are concerned about having to deal with toxic fumes while working.
Whatever painting medium you choose, it is crucial to cover floors, furniture and hardware with drop cloths or plastic sandwich bags secured with tape before starting any project. It is also helpful to stand back from the canvas or paper every once in a while and look at the work from a distance. It is easy to overwork a painting and ruin the colors by pushing them too hard. Take a break when you start to feel burnt out and be sure to clean up your brushes before you begin a new painting.