Painting is the art of applying pigment or another medium to a surface to produce a visual representation. The medium can be in the form of paint, ink, or even a mixture of different materials such as plaster, wax or leather. Painting is considered an expression of the artist’s emotions and ideas, mainly by way of colour, tone, brushwork and texture. Historically, paintings have been made on canvas, but in modern times artists can work with other materials such as paper, glass, and ceramics.
Painting has a long history and many traditions in both Western and Eastern cultures. Some of these are described in articles devoted to specific cultures or periods of time. Others are discussed in articles focusing on specific media or subject matter, such as the use of particular colours or techniques, or the symbolism used in a given painting.
An early example of the art of painting is a prehistoric cave painting of an aurochs, discovered in the Lubang Jeriji Saleh cave in Indonesia, estimated to date from 40,000–52,000 years ago. The art of painting continued to develop as the tools of paintmaking became more sophisticated. Paintings moved from the walls of caves to paper, canvas, and ceramics. Artists developed more complex styles and subjects, which included portraits, landscapes, and mythological scenes.
As with other forms of artistic expression, the art of painting is largely subjective and therefore difficult to define. Nevertheless, it can be argued that a painting has the power to affect and even change perceptions of reality. Some of these effects may be instantaneous, while others are gradual. For example, a painting may cause an immediate sensation of movement, space, and light or may create a mood or emotion.
Color is the main means of expressiveness in a painting, and the function of that color may vary from one culture to the next. For example, black is often associated with mourning in the West while in some parts of Asia, it has a more positive connotation. The choice of a certain hue and its saturation, value, and intensity are also important in creating a particular feeling in a painting.
The use of contrasts between light and dark is a common technique in figurative painting. This technique, known as chiaroscuro, was used by painters such as Rembrandt and Caravaggio, as it helps to bring out the dramatic impact of a figure in a painting.
Dabbing is a simple painting technique that involves using a sponge, paper towel or brush with light pressure. This allows the paint to be dragged across the surface, reflecting light and creating movement in a painting. It is a good technique to use for painting trees or greenery, as it can add an illusion of movement and depth.
Scumbling is a painting technique that involves covering a preliminary surface with loose paint, then scratching it off in a pattern to reveal the original material beneath. It is often used for adding texture to a painting and was a favourite of Turner. For the beginner, it is an excellent way to practice mark-making skills.