Painting is one of the oldest of all art forms and it still plays a significant role in modern society. It is a complex medium that can be used to express a variety of emotions, ideas and moods through the use of color, brushstrokes and other techniques. Painting has evolved over the years but the fundamentals remain the same. The art form has evolved from cave paintings, through the walls of temples and buildings, to paper, wood and cloth including canvas. The range of pigments has also expanded through earth minerals, plant extracts and even modern synthetic ones that rely on a chemical reaction.
Many people have a desire to paint but are not sure where to start or what they should learn first. It is important for an aspiring artist to determine why they want to paint and what they want to achieve through the process of painting. This will help them to focus their learning efforts and set realistic goals.
The first step in painting is to decide what kind of paint to use. There are three major choices: oils, acrylics and watercolors. Oils are most popular among beginning painters as they allow for slower, more controlled working and can be mixed with different mediums. However, they are difficult to work with if you’re not familiar with the medium and can be toxic to your body, so it is important to understand what chemicals are in your paints before using them.
A second step is to select a subject for your painting. The subject matter is what will guide the rest of your painting, from the size and composition to the amount of detail you include. It is also a good idea to do some studies (small versions) of your subject before starting the actual painting. Whether you choose to work in layers or alla prima (all at once) is up to you; both methods have their advantages and disadvantages.
Lastly, prepare your workspace before you begin painting. You should clear a path that is at least 3 feet wide and cover furniture and flooring with plastic sheeting or drop cloths to protect them from splashes of paint. It is also a good idea to cover hardware on doors and windows with small plastic sandwich bags secured with tape.
It is a good idea to spend some time painting still-lifes to learn the basics of how to paint. This will give you the opportunity to try out various approaches and see which feel most comfortable to you. It will also help you to discover any biases you may have towards certain colors, like hot reds and oranges or cool greens and blues.
It is a good idea to watch how professional artists approach the process of creating their paintings. This will give you a better understanding of the techniques and tools they use to create their masterpieces. Many artists also use a photo-reference to help them with their compositions.