Painting has a rich and varied history. It has been used to express ideas, emotions and even religions. It is as old as mankind and its development has been closely linked to the very evolution of civilizations. It is one of the oldest art forms still practiced and is well-known to be the most versatile of all mediums. It is also the most complicated to master, as it requires a great deal of skill and knowledge.
Painting is a medium that can be applied to many different surfaces including canvas, paper, wood and glass. It is typically a combination of layers of paint, each of which must be properly prepared to ensure a long life for the painting. Each layer is made up of pigments which may be natural (mineral, vegetable or animal) or synthetic and these are suspended in a binder such as linseed oil, alkyd, acrylic, water, casein or tempera.
The first step in creating a painting is choosing the subject, which should be inspiring or challenging. Then the composition must be planned and sketched before any actual painting takes place. It is helpful to start with a simple object and work towards the more complicated ones as your skills develop.
Before any paint is applied, it is necessary to prepare the surface of the painting, which can be done by sanding, scraping or even burning the surface. This will provide a good foundation for the painting and it will help to create a smooth finish. It is also important to consider the type of paint that will be used as each has its own characteristics. Some paints dry quickly and will require little maintenance while others may need to be varnished or re-varnished in the future to keep them looking their best.
Once the preparation is complete it is time to apply the paints. It is important to keep in mind that it is better to apply thin coats of paint as opposed to thick ones. This will allow for a faster drying time and it will help to prevent any cracking or flaking of the surface of the paint. It is also helpful to use a palette when working with oil paints as this will help you control the amount of paint that is being used.
It is essential to be able to properly mix and blend colors in order to achieve the desired results. A wide range of brushes should be available in order to get the most variety of effects, from soft and subtle to bold and intense. It is also important to learn about edges in order to create an interesting and realistic appearance. Edges can be hard, soft or lost and it is helpful to understand how each of these affect the overall look of a painting.
It is also important to not become too attached to a style at the beginning of your journey as this will likely change over time. Instead, focus on the fundamentals of color, value, composition and edges and these areas will compound your level of success over time.