Painting is an art form in which pigments are applied to a support such as paper, canvas or wood. It has been around for thousands of years, and is one of the oldest forms of visual art known to humankind. Throughout history, it has evolved into many different styles and techniques. Some of these are more traditional and figurative, while others are abstract or use a mixture of elements.
The first step in creating a painting is to choose a subject. It is important that the subject be inspiring, challenging and have a strong design. It should also have a big “why,” or a single idea behind it that explains why you want to paint it. It is the big idea that will guide you through the rest of the painting process, ensuring that all the details work together in harmony to communicate that big idea.
Once you have chosen your subject, the next step is to sketch it out on the surface of the canvas. Some artists will do multiple sketches before starting on the final piece. This will help to organize the composition and visualize the final result. Sketching also helps to refine your brushwork and color choices. It can be helpful to experiment with various types of brushes, both long and short, to see what marks they can make. Vary the amount of paint on your brush and the style of strokes you use to create different textures. Short, rough strokes can resemble fur, while thinner and smoother strokes can look more like skin or water.
A good brush is essential for creating a beautiful painting. Once you have a few that you’re comfortable using, start mixing your colors. There are many ways to do this, and it’s important to find a system that works for you. Some artists will mix several colors at once to create new hues, while others may tint the primary colors with varying amounts of white or black to create tones and shades. Experimenting with these variations will allow you to create a range of colors that you can’t buy off the shelf.
Once you feel confident in your ability to mix and apply paint, it’s time to start focusing on the other aspects of painting. You’ll likely have weaknesses in each of these areas, but try to pick just one to focus on and practice improving. For example, maybe your colors are too muted or you’re not applying the paint thinly enough. Keeping this in mind will keep you from becoming overwhelmed with the complexity of painting and keep you learning without getting bored.