Elena Rossi
Artists use a variety of tools and surfaces to apply paint to. Paint can be applied directly onto a canvas, which is typically made of fabric stretched over a wooden frame. Alternatively, artists may use a board, such as an artist's drawing board or clipboard, which can be made of wood, MDF, masonite, or perspex. These boards are often used to support a canvas or paper, which the artist then paints on. Artists may also use an easel to support their canvas or board while painting. In addition, artists use a palette, typically made of wood, MDF, masonite, or perspex, to hold and mix their paint before applying it to the canvas or other surface.
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What You'll Learn
Painting surfaces: canvas, paper, wood, or walls
Painting is an excellent way to express your creativity and experiment with colours and textures. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, it's essential to understand the different surfaces you can paint on and how to prepare them. Here's a guide to help you navigate the world of painting on canvas, paper, wood, or walls:
Canvas
Canvas is a popular surface for painting and is commonly made from cotton or linen. It's stretched over a wooden frame and provides a durable and textured base for your artwork. Before starting, you may want to prime the canvas with a suitable primer or gesso to create a smoother surface and enhance the adhesion of the paint. This step is especially important if you plan to use thin washes of paint or want to ensure the paint colours appear true-to-form.
Paper
Paper is a versatile and accessible surface for painting. When using paper, it's important to choose a suitable type that can withstand the application of paint without warping or tearing. Heavier papers, such as mixed media paper, watercolour paper, or even cardboard, are ideal for painting with acrylics or oils. Taping the paper down to a board can help keep it flat while you work. Additionally, you can prime the paper with a product like gesso to prevent the paper from absorbing too much water and to provide a better painting surface.
Wood
Painting on wood requires some preparation to ensure the best results. Start by sanding down the wood with sandpaper or a sanding sponge to create a smooth surface. Then, apply a thin layer of wood primer, which will seal the wood and enhance the vibrancy of your paint colours. Once the primer is dry, you can begin painting with acrylics or other types of paint. Finally, consider applying a sealant to protect your artwork from peeling or chipping over time.
Walls
Painting walls is a great way to transform a space and make a significant impact with colour. Before painting a wall, it's important to identify the type of paint already on the surface. You can do this by using denatured alcohol, which will react differently to latex and oil-based paints. Alternatively, you may be able to tell by feeling the paint—latex paint often has a slightly rubbery feel, while oil-based paint is usually smooth. Knowing the existing paint type will help you choose the right new paint or primer to ensure proper adhesion. Latex paints are generally preferred for wall painting due to their ease of use and water clean-up.
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Painting tools: brushes, palette knives, and easels
Painting tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with a specific purpose and offering unique effects.
Paintbrushes, for example, are available in various sizes and bristle types, allowing artists to create different textures and details in their work. Smaller brushes are ideal for intricate details, while larger brushes can hold more paint and are perfect for covering larger areas. Brushes with synthetic bristles are often used for acrylic paints, while natural bristles are preferred for oil paints.
Palette knives are another essential tool for artists. They are usually made of metal or plastic and are used for mixing paints directly on the palette. Artists can create unique colour combinations and achieve specific consistencies by using palette knives. They can also be used for applying paint to the canvas, creating unique textures and effects not possible with brushes.
An easel is a valuable tool for any artist, providing a stable and adjustable surface to rest their canvas or board while painting. It allows artists to work at various angles and heights, ensuring comfort during extended painting sessions. Easels also provide a portable workspace, enabling artists to paint outdoors or in different locations.
Additionally, artists often use boards or panels to protect their workspaces and provide a stable surface for their canvas. These boards can be made of MDF, plywood, or hardboard, offering a flat and sturdy surface for painting. Artists can also choose to paint directly on these boards, providing a different texture and feel than a traditional canvas.
By utilising these tools and understanding their unique purposes and effects, artists can create a wide range of artistic expressions and explore different techniques to bring their creative visions to life.
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Paint types: oil, acrylic, or watercolour
Painting is a popular art form that involves the use of various tools and techniques. One important consideration when painting is the surface used to hold and mix paint. This surface, known as a palette, can be made from different materials such as MDF, masonite, or perspex. While MDF is lightweight and easy to shape, it is also porous and absorbent, affecting paint consistency. Masonite is heavier and harder to shape, while perspex is challenging to work with and non-porous, making it difficult to mix colours. Artists should choose a palette that suits their needs and preferences.
Another critical aspect of painting is the choice of paint type, including oil, acrylic, or watercolour. Oil paints have a unique richness and depth of colour due to the use of drying oils like linseed, safflower, or walnut oil. They are slow to dry, allowing artists to blend colours directly on the canvas and create intricate textures. Oil paints are ideal for artists who want to take their time and work on details, as they remain wet for extended periods. Additionally, oil paints are easier to mix than acrylics, offering artists a broader colour range.
Acrylic paints, on the other hand, are known for their flexibility. Artists can apply acrylics thickly or thinly, and the paint will dry without cracking the surface. Acrylics dry much faster than oils, making them a preferred choice for artists who want their paintings to dry quickly. They are also water-resistant, reducing the likelihood of damage. However, one of the downsides of acrylics is the limited ability to mix colours effectively.
Watercolour paint is the most affordable option and is created by suspending pigment in water. It dries quickly and is easy to re-wet, making it a popular choice for beginners. Watercolour paints are available in solid pans and tubes, making them convenient for transport. However, they are less saturated in colour and offer less mark-making variety than oils or acrylics. Watercolour is known for its vibrant transparency, creating unique images that stand out from oil or acrylic paintings.
Each paint type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and artists can choose the one that best suits their style, technique, and desired outcome. Whether it's the richness of oil paints, the flexibility of acrylics, or the vibrant transparency of watercolours, each type offers a unique artistic expression.
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Paint application: techniques and processes
Painting tools and techniques have been around for centuries, with artists constantly innovating and experimenting with new methods and tools to express their ideas and images. The selection of tools and techniques depends on the materials available to the artist, their skill level, and the specific requirements of the project. Here is an overview of some common and unique paint application techniques and processes:
Brush Painting
One of the most traditional and common methods of paint application is the use of brushes. Brushes come in various shapes and sizes, with bristles made from animal hair or synthetic materials. The type of brush chosen depends on the paint consistency and the desired effect. For instance, wide, soft-bristled brushes are often used for a complicated glazing process, where layers of glaze are built up to produce darker and more subtle tones.
Spray Painting
Spray painting is a prevalent paint application technique, especially among industrial manufacturers due to its versatility and economic viability. There are several types of spray methods, including air-atomized applications and electrostatic applications. Electrostatic applications are a modern innovation that uses high voltage to charge paint particles, attracting them to the surface and reducing waste.
Pouring
Pouring is a unique and effective technique often used with acrylic paint. This method involves pouring paint directly onto a surface and then tilting the canvas at different angles to activate the paint and create movement. This process results in vibrant and unpredictable blends of colour, reflecting the natural interaction of colours.
Varnishing
Varnishing is a process of applying a protective layer over a finished painting. Varnish, made from natural tree resins, gives a glossy finish and restores richness to the colours. It was a point of contention between artistic movements, with Tonalists embracing it and Impressionists avoiding it due to the potential for the varnish to yellow over time.
Palettes
While not a direct application technique, the choice of palette is an important consideration in the paint application process. Palettes hold the paint and allow artists to mix colours effectively. Palettes can be made from various materials, each with its advantages and disadvantages. For instance, MDF palettes are lightweight and easy to shape, but they are also very absorbent and can dry out paint. Perspex palettes, on the other hand, are non-porous, which can create issues when mixing colours.
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Paint preparation: priming, varnishing, and sealing
Preparing the surface before painting is essential for a flawless finish. This preparation includes priming, varnishing, and sealing.
Priming is the process of applying a base layer of paint, known as a primer, to create a smooth and uniform surface for the finish coat. It improves the adhesion of the paint to the surface, ensuring it lasts longer and does not chip or crack easily. Primers are especially important when painting porous materials such as concrete and wood, as they seal the surface and improve waterproofing. Some metals, like untreated aluminium, also require a primer to prevent oxidation. There are different types of primers available, including oil-based, shellac-based, and water-based, each with its own advantages and specialty. For example, an oil-based primer is ideal for raw interior wood due to its surface penetration properties, while a latex primer is more flexible and suitable for exterior use.
Varnishing is the process of applying a protective layer over a finished painting. Varnish is typically made from natural tree resins, such as dammar or mastic, mixed with a solvent like turpentine. As the solvent evaporates, a thin layer of glossy resin remains, locking in the colours and adding a protective sheen. Varnishing was a common practice among the Old Masters, but the Impressionists avoided it due to the potential yellowing of the varnish over time.
Sealing is a term often used interchangeably with varnishing, as both techniques involve applying a protective layer. Sealing is particularly important for painted miniatures and models, especially if they are to be used for gaming, to prevent chipping and damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Something you put paint on is called a "canvas". Canvases are typically made of fabric stretched over a wooden frame.
Before applying paint to a canvas, it is common to apply a ground, such as gesso, to create a suitable surface texture and an opaque colour.
An artist palette is used to mix and hold paint. Palettes can be made from various materials, including MDF, masonite, or perspex.
A final coat of varnish can be applied to a finished painting to lock in colours, provide protection, and create a glossy effect.
