Painting is an art form that has a long history dating back to cave paintings. Painting is used as a way to express oneself, communicate a message or story and to beautify objects or buildings. The process of creating a painting involves choosing a subject, using brushes to apply paint, blending colors and adding details. There are many different types of paintings including realistic, abstract, impressionist and modern art. The basic principles of painting remain the same over time and across cultures.
Before painting begins it is important to make sure the surface is properly prepared. This step will help ensure the best results and make it easy to clean up afterwards. If you are not sure how to prepare a wall for painting take a look at our ‘prepping your walls for painting’ article. Before you start painting it is also important to understand what you want from your painting. This will allow you to focus your attention on the big-picture aspects of the painting such as color, value and composition.
Once you have decided what you would like to paint it is important to consider the balance of the composition. Balance is achieved by arranging the various elements of the work so that they are equally weighted and the composition feels harmonious. This can be achieved through a variety of techniques including symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial symmetry (where the design encircles a central point). A well-balanced painting will also appear alive. You can achieve this by placing contrasting light and dark areas in the painting or by moving elements within the composition to create movement such as the breeze that is blowing the leaves in the painting by Millais of Mariana.
Another aspect of balance is the use of proportion to create a sense of scale. This can be achieved by balancing the size of the various elements in the painting, for example by using a large figure to balance a small tree. This can also be achieved by making sure the distance between the subject and viewer is correct. The subject should be close enough to be recognizable but not so close that the viewer feels overwhelmed and can not interact with the painting.
There are many other aspects to consider when painting including the type of brush and canvas to use, paints, varnishes and other supplies. It is important to choose the right paints for the job as they vary significantly in durability and appearance. It is also important to consider the amount of time you are willing to spend on a painting and whether or not it will be hung indoors or outdoors as the environment can influence the longevity of the paint film.
Once you have considered these aspects it is time to begin the actual painting. Remember to keep your eyes open for inspiration and don’t be afraid to experiment with your techniques. If you keep practicing and improving your skills you will eventually develop a unique style of painting that is all your own. However, be wary of gimmicky techniques and secrets that claim to turn you into a great artist overnight. The only true secret to becoming a great artist is learning, reviewing, practicing and improving.