Isabella Flores
Painting is a fun and rewarding hobby that anyone can try. Before you begin painting, it's important to gather the right supplies. You'll need a palette, paintbrushes, paint, and a surface to paint on. You can use various tools for painting, including soft pastels, drawing pencils, charcoal, pens, markers, paint pens, and more. The type of paint you use will determine the quality of your painting, so it's worth investing in good-quality paint if you can. Artist-quality paints, for example, contain more pigment and less binder, resulting in more vivid colours and better coverage. You can paint on various surfaces, such as stretched canvas, paper, or unstretched canvas. If you're using paper or unstretched canvas, it's a good idea to attach it to a board to keep it secure. Once you have your supplies, you can start experimenting with different brush strokes and techniques to create your masterpiece!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting surface | Canvas, wood panels, masonite, thick paper, walls, ceilings |
| Canvas preparation | Apply primer, tone, or gesso to the canvas before painting |
| Paint | Oil paints, acrylic paints |
| Paint preparation | Grind pigment source mineral into a powder, mix with oil or varnish to achieve the desired consistency |
| Paintbrushes | Wide variety available, including affordable options |
| Paintbrush preparation | Wash thoroughly with soap and water after painting |
| Paint application | Use edging technique for uniform sheen, apply thick coats to edges with an angled brush |
| Paint protection | Varnish, traditional or modern |
| Workspace protection | Reusable wooden board, tray, or hardboard |
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What You'll Learn
Surfaces: canvas, paper, wood, foam board, or hardboard panels
When it comes to painting, the surface you choose to work on is an important consideration. While the choice of surface is largely a matter of personal preference, each option has its own unique characteristics and advantages. Here is an overview of some of the most commonly used surfaces for painting: canvas, paper, wood, foam board, and hardboard panels.
Canvas is a popular surface for painting, especially when using acrylic paints. It is available in various sizes and weights, making it versatile and suitable for a range of projects. Canvas is known for its textured surface, which can add depth and dimension to a painting. To prepare a canvas for painting, it is recommended to apply a primer or gesso to create a smooth and even surface. This step is particularly important if you plan to create detailed paintings, such as portraits, as it helps to reduce the texture of the canvas.
Paper is another versatile surface for painting. It is important to select a high-quality paper that is thick enough to prevent warping when paint is applied. For watercolour paper, a weight of at least 140 lb is recommended, while for acrylic painting, 300 lb paper is suggested. Using tape to secure the paper to a board can help keep it flat and prevent buckling during the painting process. Paper is a cost-effective option and is easy to frame, making it a convenient choice for artists.
Wood panels, including masonite, provide a smooth and rigid surface for painting. They are increasingly popular due to the availability of high-quality wood panels designed specifically for art. The smooth surface of wood panels preserves the textures created by the brush, resulting in crisp and defined brushstrokes. Wood panels offer a different painting experience compared to canvas due to their unyielding and rigid nature.
Foam board and hardboard panels are additional options for painting surfaces. These boards can be purchased from art supply stores or home improvement stores and cut to the desired size. They provide a reusable surface to place paper on while painting, protecting the workspace from paint spills and messes. These boards are thin, lightweight, and easy to store, making them a convenient choice for artists.
Each surface has its own unique characteristics and advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on the artist's personal preference, the desired effect, and the type of paint being used. It is worth experimenting with different surfaces to find the ones that best suit your artistic needs and style.
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Equipment: easels, paintbrushes, paint palettes, paint storage boxes
When it comes to painting equipment, there are several options to choose from, each catering to different needs and preferences. Here is a detailed guide to help you select the right equipment for your painting endeavours:
Easels
Easels are essential for holding your canvas or painting surface and come in various types. The French easel, made of wood or aluminium, is sturdy and offers ample storage for paints, brushes, and other tools. However, it can be heavy to carry for long distances. If you prioritise portability, consider the lightweight and compact pochade box, which can fit into a backpack and has interior compartments for paint tubes, cups, and small tools. It can be held on your lap, placed on a tabletop, or mounted on a tripod. Another option is the field easel, which is lightweight, inexpensive, and holds your canvas, but lacks built-in storage. You can add accessories like clip-on brush and palette holders or a small folding table to hold your tools. For outdoor painting, the Plein Air Pro easel is lightweight, easy to set up, and comes with a duffle bag to carry your supplies.
Paintbrushes
Properly storing and maintaining paintbrushes is crucial. When travelling, ensure your brushes are dry before packing them away, and consider using paper towels to wipe off excess water. Allow brushes to air dry after painting by removing them from their roll, box, or case. You can store brushes upright in a jar, vase, or cup, but be aware that dust may collect in the bristles over time. To prevent this, store them horizontally in a drawer or on a rack, or use a canvas or leather roll for compact and dust-free storage. For studio storage, consider a studio cabinet with drawers, shelves, and space for a mixing palette, or a solid wood rack to keep brushes organised and within reach during painting.
Paint palettes
A spacious palette is ideal for mixing paints and accommodating large paintings. The Sienna Palette Box offers a wide palette area and features adjustable blocks to attach to an easel, with trays for brush storage. For outdoor painting, consider using a small plastic caddy to carry your palette and paints, or a simple wooden palette for mixing.
Paint storage boxes
Properly storing your paint is crucial to keep it organised and accessible. Sort your paints by colour into shallow plastic containers or shelves, discarding the lids to save space. You can also use plastic storage containers, jars, or cardboard boxes to store paint tubes. For heavy body paint, use shallow plastic containers to separate colours, and for fluid acrylics, simply store the bottles on a shelf.
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Paint types: acrylic, watercolour, or oil-based
When it comes to painting, the type of paint you use will determine the type of surface or substrate you can use. The most common paint types are acrylic, watercolour, and oil-based paints.
Acrylic Paints
Acrylic paints are known for their versatility, and they can be used on various surfaces, as long as they are not oily or shiny. The most common surface for acrylic painting is a pre-primed stretched canvas, which is lightweight, easy to use, and available in various sizes. Canvas panels, which are panels covered with canvas, are also a good option for acrylics, especially for painting outside, as they are lightweight, durable, easy to store, and inexpensive.
Other surfaces for acrylics include hardwood panels, acrylic paper, watercolour paper, and impermanent materials. Hardboard panels, also known as masonite, are a good choice for beginners as they are cheap but durable, although they may warp over time. MDF is another manufactured wood option, which is more rigid than masonite but requires preparation with acrylic gesso.
Watercolour Paints
When painting with watercolours, the surface you use is crucial, especially if you want to paint in fine detail. Hot press illustration board or watercolour paper is recommended as it provides a smooth surface with just enough tooth to allow the paint to grip slightly without disrupting the fine lines. Watercolour paper is available in various weights and sizes, and a heavier weight is recommended to prevent warping if using fluid paint.
Oil-Based Paints
Canvas, wood boards, and paper are commonly used for oil-based paints. Ready-prepared canvas boards are suitable for minor works intended to be framed, and they are available in a range of surfaces and prices. Wood boards, such as hardwood, plywood, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF), offer strength and lightness, although they may need to be primed before painting.
Paper is another option for oil-based paints, especially for sketches, and the right kind of absorbent paper can allow the paint to dry rapidly. Other surfaces that can be used for oil-based paints include enamel for woods and metals, and aerosol cans of spray paint for street art.
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Paint quality: artist vs. student quality
When painting, you can put paint on a variety of surfaces, including canvas, wood panels, thick paper, and palettes. Canvas is the most popular surface for painting with acrylics, but wood panels are also a good option, as they provide a smooth surface that preserves brush textures. Wood panels can be made from materials such as plywood or MDF, and some artists choose to prime them with white paint before use. Palettes are used for mixing paints and are available in various types.
Now, when it comes to paint quality, there are generally two grades: artist quality and student quality. However, it's important to note that these labels are simply marketing terms, and there is no industry standard for paint quality. The difference between the two grades lies in the pigment content, with artist-quality paints containing a higher pigment load, resulting in richer, more saturated colours. The higher pigment content also affects the handling and drying characteristics of the paint, giving each colour unique properties. Artist-quality paints also tend to have higher-quality ingredients and are manufactured with more care.
Student-quality paints, on the other hand, often contain fillers and additives to reduce costs. These fillers can affect the tinting strength, transparency, and staining effect of the paint, resulting in weaker colours. The fillers may also cause a colour shift as the paint dries, making it challenging for beginners to mix accurate colours. Student-quality paints typically use less refined oils and lower-quality binders, which can affect the texture and feel of the paint.
While artist-quality paints offer superior quality, student-quality paints have their advantages. Student-grade paints are ideal for beginners who want to experiment with colours and techniques without a significant investment. They are also suitable for those who paint for therapeutic or meditative reasons and do not require long-term preservation of their work.
When choosing between artist and student-quality paints, it's important to consider your needs and budget. Artist-quality paints may be preferable if you're seeking superior colour saturation, unique handling characteristics, and long-term preservation of your artwork. However, student-quality paints can be a more affordable option for beginners or those who don't require the highest quality.
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Drawing tools: pencils, charcoal, pens, markers, paint pens, and ruling pens
When it comes to drawing tools, there are various options available, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. Here is an overview of some common drawing tools:
Pencils
Drawing pencils are versatile and can be used at any stage of the painting process. They are permanent, meaning the marks won't fade or fall away. However, due to the oil within the graphite, pencil marks can resist water-based media and can be challenging to paint over completely. It is advisable to seal the finished work to protect the pencil marks from smearing. Mechanical pencils offer a precise and consistent drawing experience.
Charcoal
Charcoal sticks and pencils provide a unique drawing experience, allowing artists to create bold, expressive marks and soft, blended effects. Charcoal is often used for preliminary sketches and under-drawings, as it can be easily smudged and manipulated. Charcoal pencils offer more control and precision compared to sticks.
Pens
Fountain pens and other types of pens can be used for drawing and adding fine details to a painting. They are suitable for creating precise lines and intricate designs. Gel pens, for instance, offer a smooth finish and a wide range of colour options.
Markers
Markers are versatile drawing tools that come in various types, such as simple acrylic or alcohol markers. They offer rich colours and different tip sizes, allowing artists to create looping lines and colourful details. Brush markers mimic the painting experience of a paintbrush, making them a unique tool for drawing. Markers can be used on various surfaces and are often favoured for their convenience and ease of use.
Paint Pens
Paint pens are drawing tools that combine the precision of a pen with the appearance of paint. They are commonly used in mixed media paintings and can be used to create unique marks and lines. Refillable paint pens are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.
Ruling Pens
A ruling pen is a traditional tool used for drawing straight lines with ink or paint. It takes some practice to master, and the consistency of the paint used is crucial. Ruling pens were originally used in drafting and are now being used in creative ways in mixed media paintings. They are particularly useful for creating geometric designs and saving time when drawing straight lines.
The choice of drawing tools depends on the artist's preferences, the desired effect, and the specific requirements of the artwork. Each tool has its own set of advantages and potential limitations, contributing to the overall creative process and outcome of the artwork.
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Frequently asked questions
When starting out, a mixed media pad is a great option as it allows you to practice brush strokes without the pressure of creating a finished piece.
There are a few options for paint palettes, including plastic, glass, metal, and paper. Plastic palettes are popular because dried paint can be peeled off, but some people find them difficult to clean.
Brush sets can be affordable, and synthetic bristles are recommended for acrylic paint. Avoid brushes with natural hair bristles as they don't hold paint well.
Painter's tape can be used to cover areas you don't want paint to get on, such as baseboards and light fixtures. Drop cloths are also useful for protecting floors and furniture.
