Painting, An Introduction
Painting, at its most basic level, is the practice of applying pigment to a surface. While it can encompass a wide array of mediums, from oil paints and egg tempera to acrylics, encaustics, and spray paints, the term has become synonymous with two particular materials: watercolor and oil paints. Each of these painting techniques offers its own unique approach to the art of painting, and offers a perfect way for a budding artist to find their individual voice and style.
No matter what the medium, painting techniques and applications can be divided into two basic categories, wet and dry techniques. The wet techniques encompass such processes as bathing, washing, and glazing, while the dry techniques are mixed and layered with a palette knife or brush.
Oil painting is a traditional art form with a history stretching back hundreds and hundreds of years, and it is a form that has greatly impacted the development of modern art. It is an infinitely versatile technique and has been successfully used to create vibrant landscapes, mysterious portraits, and abstract images that explore the boundaries between reality and imagination. Painting with oils requires some kind of surface, with canvas the most popular choice. Paintings are then brought to life with the manipulation of pigment, medium, and binder.
In contrast to oil painting, watercolor painting has a glowing, luminous quality, and its delicate blend of hues and tints creates a serene and tranquil beauty that other mediums cannot compete with. Although watercolor painting is a challenging medium to work with, due to its unpredictable nature, it is often praised for its immediacy, the painter being able to make swift corrections in the way of washes and glazes. As with oil painting, a canvas is usually the surface of choice for watercolor painting.
Regardless of the particular painting technique chosen, the materials and the surface chosen to paint on are important considerations for anyone trying to make a mark as a painter. Different surfaces offer different properties; canvas and paper are easily transportable and allow undoing and painting over.
Another important consideration is the type of pigment to use. Pigments are divided into two basic groups, organic and inorganic. The organic pigments, such as the natural earth and mineral pigments, are the traditional mediums of the painter and have been used since the Renaissance period. They provide the luminescence and color intensity found in the works of old masters such as Rembrandt, whereas the inorganic pigments are generally considered to be weaker in color, but have greater lightfastness, which means that the hues will not change over time.
Whether you choose to work with oil or watercolor, painting can be a wonderful pursuit that can bring great joy and lasting satisfaction. About all you need is a bit of enthusiasm, a few quality materials, and a willing spirit and you will be ready to make your mark as a painter.
