Painting is a visual art form used to express an idea or feeling. It is an essential part of human culture and has been practiced for centuries, with each artist developing their own style. Painting is easy to dismiss as a superficial pursuit but it has the power to communicate more than just a subject; it can convey emotion, nostalgia or even inspire debate.
The best way to learn to paint is by embracing experimentation and not stressing too much about a final product. Many ‘mistakes’ can be the foundation for a new creative breakthrough, so try not to be too hard on yourself when something doesn’t go exactly as planned.
Start with a monochromatic layer to establish values and composition before layering colors over the top. This helps to build a strong structural base for a painting that will be easier to work with as you add depth and detail in the following layers.
Use a dry brush to create scratchy, textured strokes that allow the underpainting to show through. This is an excellent technique for adding texture to a painting, especially when trying to depict hair or grass. This is also useful for creating highlights and dynamic contrasts in your paintings.
For larger areas, you can use a sea sponge or brayer to roll paint across the canvas in large flat strokes. This is a great method to use for smoothing out the appearance of your painting and can help minimize streaks. If you don’t have a rolling tool, you can try using your fingers to create a similar effect by flicking the paint onto the canvas.
Alternatively, you can try stippling which involves lightly dabbing the tip of your paintbrush into the canvas in a series of dots. The distance between each dot and the frequency of the pattern determines the intensity of the color you’re applying. This is an effective technique for creating impressionistic effects but it can be difficult to master at first so it’s best to keep practicing!
Another option is to use a damp cloth or sponge to subtract paint while it’s still wet. This allows you to create highlights and textures that wouldn’t be possible with other methods. It’s a great technique to use if you want to introduce a sense of spontaneity into your paintings and can be achieved with both oil and acrylic paints.
There are many different ways to apply varnish depending on your preference and the type of surface you’re working with. The most common is to spray the varnish on evenly over your painting in several passes until it’s covered. This is quick and easy but it’s important to follow the directions on the can as there are often room temperature considerations, drying times, etc. You can also apply a thin coat of varnish with a brush, which takes a little longer but gives you greater control over the coverage and allows you to get into the tiny corners and crevices of your painting.