Painting is an art form in which pigments are suspended or embedded in a liquid medium and applied to a flat surface to produce visual effects such as light, shape, depth, volume, and color. Paintings can depict natural scenes and objects, evoke emotions, or tell a narrative. The mediums used to paint can vary, and the paintings themselves can be made of canvas, paper, ceramics, wood, or metal. Paintings can be wholly abstract or contain subject matter such as landscapes, figures, or still life.
While most people are familiar with the concept of painting, few know much about the actual art of it. Aside from the obvious things like brush strokes and color, painting involves many other skills that are difficult to learn. It is important for anyone interested in becoming an artist to understand the fundamentals of painting and how it works to allow them to pursue their own unique style.
Painting styles and techniques have changed significantly over the centuries. These changes have been influenced by technological developments, social conventions, world events, and philosophical beliefs. Some of these changes have even resulted in the creation of new forms of art.
For example, the invention of the metal paint tube in the 19th century liberated painters from having to mix their own pigments, and allowed them to focus more on the process of painting itself. This led to the development of abstract art. Other painters have written theoretical works about the art of painting, such as Kandinsky, who categorized painting as one of the three “romantic arts” along with music and poetry.
Other styles of painting include genre, historical, or narrative, which depict real-life subjects and often offer insights into a cultural context. These paintings can range from intimate interiors to bustling street scenes. Landscape paintings are often created to capture the beauty, mood, and atmospheric elements of natural scenery.
Many painters use different methods to add texture and create dynamic contrasts in their work. For example, a monochromatic layer can be used to establish values and composition, while layers of colors are added on top. Some painters will also use tools such as cloths or brushes to subtract paint while it is still wet, revealing intriguing textures. Other techniques include stippling, where small brushstrokes are applied quickly and randomly to the surface. Embellishing is another method, where the edges of colors or brushstrokes are softened by feathering them together.
Light is an important aspect of any painting. In Vermeer’s The Art of Painting, for example, the light falling across Clio’s hands and face helps to bring her to life, while illuminating the objects in the room. This attention to light is the hallmark of Vermeer’s mastery of painting. It is also an expression of his belief that the painter has a special relationship to the world and can express abstract concepts through specific, fixed symbols. For this reason, his paintings are often referred to as “masterpieces.”