Painting as a need for human expression is present since the earliest days of humanity, and that can be seen from the images found in the caves. The way of painting evolved and it is still evolving, because of the modernization of materials and techniques. Paintings can be done manually, (like the use of paint and brush), and digital, (with the use of a computer). When creating a painting (artwork created with paint), the artists use a wide variety of techniques and materials. A surface for painting can be almost everything, starting from different kinds of paper, canvas, different wooden, glass, or metal surfaces, and many more. Which painting material will be used depends on the surface. And vice-versa, if some painting material is preferred, a suitable surface will be needed.
There are many different types of painting an artist can choose when creating a piece of art. They include:
Each of these techniques differs depending on the use of different materials and surfaces.
Since its first use, by Indian and Chinese artists in the fifth century, oil painting for centuries is used by artists for creating their paintings. This technique is not usually used by beginners, because it is difficult. It is suitable for almost any kind of style. Thanks to its thick consistency it can show wonderful texture effects. The process of drying is not so fast, so it can take time for the painting to be finished. In the process are used some drying oils as a binder, like walnut oil, linseed oil, etc. The most famous paintings Mona Lisa, by Leonardo da Vinci; The Starry Night, by Vincent van Gogh; Girl with a Pearl Earring, which is a painting by Johannes Vermeer and many more, are painted with this technique.
Acrylic painting is water-soluble in nature, but it is water-resistant when is completely dry on canvas. Also, it is fast drying. It is easy to use, and brushes and other objects used for painting can be easily cleaned after work. This technique is cost-effective. When compared to oil painting, acrylic painting holds up better over time. All of the mentioned above make acrylic painting one of the most chosen techniques for painting, used by artists with any skill level.
The surface that is usually used in watercolor painting is paper, but fabric, wood, leather also can be used. The name of this technique comes from the use of water-based solutions for mixing colors. The mixing of colors is crucial. Watercolor paint remains soluble when dry, so the artist can easily make corrections if needed. The paintings with watercolor techniques must be protected in a good way. It is a widely used technique in artists.
When creating pastel paintings are used pastel sticks. This type of painting is also known as dry painting and there is no need for drying. It is easy because an artist can immediately start drawing and coloring. Pastel sticks are already prepared powder with a binding agent and are ready to use. Paintings made with pastel can be very realistic. The colors are pure and deep. These paintings are usually framed under glass.
Ink wash painting is also known as Literati painting. Its origins are in China and East Asia. The most common ink that is used is Chinese black ink. There are colored inks too. The ink is mixed with water, and the artist can get various shades of color. That's how is created desired consistency. The black ink is also popular in calligraphy.
When we say hot Wax Painting it is the same for Encaustic painting. This painting technique uses beeswax mixed with color pigments. The result of this mix is a paste, which is applied on a surface. The paintings made with this technique are usually created on a wood canvas.
Gouache is water-soluble, it is similar to watercolor, and it is often used together with it. Gouache dries very fast. It is opaque and thick because contains a lot of pigment. It has the ability to be reworked once it has dried. The gouache does not bind well, so it can not be applied directly onto a canvas. There is another variation, called acrylic gouache. This technique uses an acrylic-based binder so the paint will be water-resistant when dry.
Fresco painting is an antique technique of painting.
This technique is very old, but it is not so commonly used today. Tempera was popular until oil paint. The most common type is egg tempera. Here typically are used egg yolks that are mixed with a solution of vinegar or water as a binder. Other binding mediums that can be used are gum, glycerin, or casein. The paint dries fast, and it lasts very long.
Spray painting, or aerosol painting, is usually used for creating graffiti, murals, etc, and can be applied on wood, metal, canvas, glass, ceramic, or nearly any surface. It is most commonly used by graffiti artists and mural artists. It is water-resistant and dries very fast. Spray paint usually contains toxic substances. That's why is recommended for outdoor use, and artist should wear protection, like a mask.
Other painting techniques include panel painting, velvet painting, underpainting, enamel paintings, sand paintings, miniature painting, etc.
