Painting has been one of the earliest forms of art in human history and continues to be an important part of many cultures around the world. Originally based on the use of colored ochre and other pigments, paintings have evolved to include many different styles and themes throughout history.
The elements of shape, color, line, and texture come together in unique ways to produce works of art that express sensations of movement, volume, space, and light. Traditionally painted on a flat surface, paintings can represent a scene or object, tell a story, or be wholly abstract.
When you’re ready to begin painting, it is important to prepare your surface before you apply any paint. This will help prevent streaks or drips and ensure the paint will dry properly. It’s also a good idea to have a well-lit work area, so you can easily check your work as you go.
Before you begin, decide on the subject of your painting. Pick a theme that you want to explore and that has a strong visual appeal. The subject should be interesting and challenging so that you can push yourself to create a great painting.
Selecting the Right Medium
For beginners, it is best to choose a medium that you can become familiar with. This can be an oil, acrylic, watercolor or other water-based medium like gouache. This will help you get a feel for the medium and how it dries, which will help you learn more about painting.
Once you have decided on a medium, stock up on the supplies you’ll need to get started. You can purchase these online or at most craft and painting stores.
Getting Started
It’s always best to start with a small section of wall and paint it with a neutral color first. This way, you can see how the colors look against your existing wall. Once you’re satisfied with the color, you can then move on to the larger sections of your wall.
Next, you’ll need to tape the wall and any moldings or window frames to ensure that the paint will not run off of them. This can be done with painter’s tape, but it is also a good idea to have spackling paste on hand to fill in any holes or bumps in the wall before you apply the paint.
Mixing the Colors
As you’re mixing your paints, you may discover some new hues that you didn’t expect. To save time and avoid making mistakes, make a color mixing chart that you can refer to every time you want to mix up your paints. This way, you can remember which colors you used and how to recreate them in the future.
Using the Brush
As you’ll soon find out, your paintbrush can be one of your most important tools when it comes to painting. So be sure to get a quality brush that you can be comfortable using. You’ll be happy you did when you find out how much better your finished painting will turn out!