Painting is the art of arranging elements–shapes, lines, colors, and textures–in a two-dimensional visual language. These elements produce optical sensations of volume, space, movement, and light on a flat surface; they are also used to interpret or suggest a narrative theme.
Paintings are often intended to evoke certain moods or emotions in the viewer, such as those of nature, history, or myth. Some painters, however, choose to paint in a manner that communicates no specific message but instead explores a range of expressive possibilities.
In addition to its role as an expression of ideas and feelings, painting is a form of compositional art that involves a systematic arrangement of shapes, lines, colors, and textures in order to produce a design. It is the formal organization of these elements that gives a work its sense of inevitability and self-sufficiency.
A good painting is the product of a great deal of thought and careful planning. It is therefore important to be clear about what you are trying to say before you start painting.
If you are not sure what you want to communicate with your paintings, it is best to first sketch them out to gain some perspective on the subject and its size. This will help you to focus on the main aspects of your painting.
Draw a rough outline of your painting’s main features using a soft pencil, charcoal, or acrylics, before you paint them. This will ensure that you do not get your paints onto parts of the picture you don’t want them to.
Make sure you have enough materials for the project at hand, including brushes, canvas, and an easel. It’s not necessary to have every painting supply out there, but having these basics will give you a good foundation for starting your first paint job.
When you’re ready to begin painting, prepare your canvas and brushes with a thin coat of primer (this will prevent the paint from sticking to the surface). This will also protect the surface from scratching and staining during the painting process.
Before painting, clear the area of any furniture so you have ample working space. This is especially important if you plan to paint a large canvas or an entire room, as it can be hard to move and store the furniture when you’re not finished.
Next, clean your walls thoroughly with sugar soap and water, which will remove any dust or other debris that may have accumulated over time. This will also help your painting to look as fresh and beautiful as possible.
If you have any divots or small holes in your wall, fill them with a patching compound for plaster and joint compound for drywall. Once these patches are cured, sand them smooth with 120-grit sandpaper.
Alternatively, you can use a sanding sponge or paper towel to fill the divots and holes and to remove any sanding dust. This will also leave your wall looking as beautiful as possible and prevent the sanding dust from ruining your paint job.