A painting is a work of art in which the artist creates a visual representation of an object, event, or subject by applying pigment to a medium. Traditionally, artists used oil or water-based paints to render images on canvas. However, in an increasingly globalised and interdisciplinary art world, there are now more artists choosing to create works in other media such as ceramics, textiles, paper or even metals.
Achieving an objective of aesthetic beauty has been a goal for painters throughout history and, as a result, many people have developed a variety of techniques to achieve this. The most common technique is referred to as the “primary” technique and involves applying paint in a controlled manner to a substrate. This allows the paint to bind with the substrate and form an opaque, uniform surface, which can be easily manipulated to convey the desired effect.
Whether you’re just starting out with painting or have been doing it for a while, there are a few things that are essential to know when getting started. These will help you stay safe, ensure that your paintings are professional looking and ultimately, allow you to have fun with them!
1. Pick a Medium
There are many different mediums that can be used to create artwork, but the most common choices include oils, acrylics and watercolors. You should choose a medium that will enable you to practice the fundamentals of painting, such as color, composition and value.
2. Choose the Right Brush
The first thing you should do is to buy a brush that’s the right size and shape for the job. This will make it easier to control the flow of paint and avoid any mistakes. It also means you’ll have more control over the consistency of the paint.
3. Roll the Wall Before Cutting-In
While this advice may seem counter-intuitive, rolling the walls first can be an effective way to save time when painting a room. It also makes it much easier to get the paint into tight corners and around edges.
4. Using W- and M-Shapes to Cover the Wall
If you’re using a roller, paint the walls in overlapping W- or M-shaped strokes to cover the entire wall. This will result in a more even coverage and less paint wastage.
5. Keep the Area Clear
‘The best way to protect your furniture from paint and roller splatter is to use plastic drop cloths,’ says Lick’s Interior Design and Colour Psychologist Natasha Bradley. This type of drop cloth can be purchased from any home-improvement store and comes with a plastic face that’s bonded to a sheet of cloth that absorbs drips.
6. Apply the Paint
When painting your wall, always remember to start with a base coat. This will help to prevent any flaking, cracking or bleed-through.
You can then add a second coat, which will help to seal the walls and make them look much more smooth and finished.
You can then add any further layers as you see fit, but always keep in mind that the paint should dry completely before you start adding additional colours to it. Achieving this will result in a more professional finish and prevent your paintings from becoming soggy or patchy over time.