Isabella Flores
The act of painting on a surface other than canvas is a common practice in the art world. Artists often experiment with various materials and textures, such as paper, cardboard, wood panels, metal, and even unconventional items like feathers and twigs. This technique of using different mediums and supports is known as mixed media in the art world. The choice of surface, or support, is crucial as it serves as the foundation for the artwork. These surfaces are often treated to neutralize acidity and protect the artwork from deterioration. Artists also consider the durability and affordability of these surfaces, with options like hardwood panels, MDF, and masonite gaining popularity alongside the traditional canvas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surface/support | Canvas, paper, cardboard, wood panel, metal, aluminium sheet, primed canvas, watercolour paper, inkjet paper, etc. |
| Medium | Acrylics, oils, watercolours, tempera, egg tempera, oil paint, enamel, fresco, etc. |
| Binder | Acrylic polymers, egg yolk, glue, oil, etc. |
| Technique | Wet-on-wet, blending, dry brush, glazing, varnishing, etc. |
| Other | Weight, tooth, value, gloss, hue, palette, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Painting mediums: acrylics, oils, watercolours, egg tempera, ink
Painting is a broad term that encompasses various mediums, each offering unique qualities and effects. The choice of medium influences the artwork's final aesthetic and feel. Here is an overview of some common painting mediums: acrylics, oils, watercolours, egg tempera, and ink.
Acrylics
Acrylic paint is a unique medium that combines the properties of both water and oil colours. It was first used in the 1940s and is known for its versatility and quick-drying ability. Acrylics contain acrylic polymers as a binder to hold the paint together. They can be thinned with water, but excessive thinning can weaken the paint film, leading to peeling and chipping. Acrylics are also used in mixed media works, allowing for the use of other materials like pastels, oil, and charcoal on top of the dried acrylic surface.
Oils
Oil paint involves using pigments bound with drying oils, such as linseed oil or poppy seed oil. Oil paints have a rich, intense colour and varied textures. They stay wet for extended periods, allowing artists to mix colours for subtle variations. Oil paint eventually became the principal medium for creating artworks due to its advantages, including its ability to create a glossy finish when combined with resins.
Watercolours
Watercolour is an ancient painting technique where pigments are suspended in a water-based solution. Water is an active element, requiring artists to understand its behaviour. Watercolours are translucent and lustrous, with colours laid down in pure form. They are known for their soothing glow and luminous appearance.
Egg Tempera
Egg tempera, also known as tempera, is a permanent and fast-drying medium consisting of coloured pigment mixed with a water-soluble binder, typically egg yolk. Tempera paintings are long-lasting, with examples surviving from the first centuries CE. This medium was primary until oil painting superseded it after 1500. Tempera produces a flat" look, as described by some, and is known for its bright colours.
Ink
Ink paintings use a liquid containing pigments or dyes to colour a surface and create images, text, or designs. Ink can be complex, composed of solvents, pigments, dyes, resins, and other materials. It is a versatile medium, used for drawing, sketching, and finished illustrations. Ink paintings can be done on various surfaces, including paper, and can be combined with other media like acrylic colours.
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Painting surfaces: canvas, paper, cardboard, wood panel
Painting is a creative process that involves applying pigments to a surface to produce an image, text, or design. Various surfaces can be used for painting, each offering unique advantages and considerations. Here are some commonly used painting surfaces:
Canvas
Canvas is a popular surface for painting, offering a versatile and durable option. It is typically made from woven fabric, such as linen or cotton, and stretched over a wooden frame. Canvas is commonly used with oil paints and acrylics, providing a textured surface that can add depth and dimension to the artwork. Canvas is also relatively affordable and accessible.
Paper
Paper is another commonly used surface for painting. It is lightweight, portable, and available in various textures and weights. Paper is particularly suitable for water-based media, such as watercolour and ink paintings. It is also a cost-effective option for practising techniques or experimenting with different painting styles. However, when using paper, it is essential to consider the absorbency and thickness of the paper to ensure it can withstand the chosen painting technique.
Cardboard
Cardboard may not be the first choice for a serious project, but it is a valid surface for painting. Its unique texture and absorbency can be appealing to artists. Cardboard is particularly suitable for practising or experimenting since it provides a different painting experience from traditional canvases. However, when using oil paints on cardboard, it is important to note that the oils can break down the material over time, affecting the longevity of the artwork.
Wood Panel
Wood panels offer a sturdy and durable surface for painting. They are commonly used for indoor fine art paintings and can be sealed and primed to protect the wood and enhance paint adhesion. Wood panels provide a natural texture that can be visible through the paint, adding a unique dimension to the artwork. However, commercially available wood panels often come in standard sizes, limiting the options for artists who prefer larger or non-standard dimensions.
Each painting surface has its own characteristics and properties that can influence the final artwork. Artists can experiment with different surfaces to find the ones that best suit their creative vision, style, and desired longevity of the piece.
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Painting techniques: blending, dry brush, glazing, varnishing
Painting is a broad term for colouring a surface to produce an image, text, or design. Various painting techniques can be employed, such as blending, dry brush, glazing, and varnishing.
Blending
Blending is the process of fusing two colours together to create a transition from one colour to another or to form a new colour. A classic example of blending is a sunset, with its soft transition from deep red to orange to yellow. There are several blending techniques, including wet-on-wet blending, circular blending, double-load blending, and wet-on-dry blending. With horizontal wet-on-wet blending, you use a flat, round, or filbert brush to apply the first colour in left-to-right strokes, followed by the second colour, which is then gently blended into the first. Circular blending involves moving the brush in a circular motion, working from the lightest colours at the centre to the darkest on the outside.
Dry Brush
Dry brushing is a technique where you dip just the tip of the brush into the paint and then work it onto a paper towel or palette in a circular or elliptical motion until only a faint amount of paint remains. It is suitable for naturally textured materials like stone or hammered metal but less so for smooth surfaces or flesh.
Glazing
Glazing is a technique used to add depth and dimension to paintings by applying transparent layers of paint over existing layers. You can create a transparent layer by mixing a glazing medium with your paint and then spreading it evenly over the base layer with smooth brushstrokes. Multiple layers of glaze can be built up for added depth, ensuring that each layer dries completely before applying the next.
Varnishing
Varnishing is the process of applying a varnish solution to a painting. Varnish can be used to change the surface finish, increase colour saturation, and protect the underlying paint. The choice of varnish and application technique depends on various factors, including the desired appearance, underlying media, surface texture, and interior or exterior conditions. For brush varnishing, a shallow volume of varnish is prepared in a wide-mouth vessel so that only the tip of the brush is wetted. The varnish is then applied in sections, either in a grid of overlapping regions or free-form following the composition.
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Painting preparation: priming, sealing, sizing, ground
Painting preparation is an important step in the painting process, especially when working with wood panels, canvas, or paper. The preparation typically involves priming, sealing, sizing, and grounding the surface to create an optimal base for the paint application. Here is a detailed guide to each of these steps:
Priming: Priming refers to the application of a primer, which is a substance that acts like a glue, bonding strongly to the surface. It creates a base layer that helps the paint adhere better and protects the surface from the paint. Primers can be acrylic-based, such as acrylic gesso, or oil-based, like alkyd primers. When priming wood panels, it is essential to seal the wood first to prevent the paint from drawing up colour, acids, and glues from the wood into the primer. This can be done using a sizing agent, such as a thin solution of weak glue, applied directly to the surface.
Sealing: Sealing is the process of applying a sealing agent, such as a size or glue, to the surface before priming. This step is crucial for raw wood panels to isolate the wood from the ground, creating an acid-free painting surface and mitigating potential warping. Sealing also helps prevent moisture from drawing up unwanted substances from the wood into the paint layers. For plywood panels, sealing should be done on both the front and back, while high-density panels may only require sealing on the front.
Sizing: Sizing refers to the application of a sizing agent, which is a thin solution, often made of weak glue, acrylic polymer, PVA, or rabbit skin glue. It is brushed directly onto the support to seal and reduce the absorption of the surface. Sizing helps the paint sit brightly on the surface, especially with watercolour and acrylic paint, instead of being absorbed into the fibres. It is an essential step when preparing canvas or paper for oil paint to ensure the paint does not seep through.
Grounding: Grounding is the process of applying a ground, which can be made of various materials such as oil, acrylic, or clear gesso. The ground provides a final layer on top of the primer, creating an optimal surface for the paint to adhere to. Grounds can be customised to the artist's preference, such as adding an absorbent ground or pastel primer for a desired texture. When using oil paint, it is essential to ensure the surface is well-sealed and primed before applying the ground.
By following these preparation steps of priming, sealing, sizing, and grounding, artists can ensure that their painting surface is optimally prepared, resulting in a smoother painting process and a longer-lasting artwork. These steps may vary depending on the specific materials and surfaces used, so it is always important to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines.
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Paint composition: pigment, binder, gloss, hue
Painting is a broad term that covers a variety of mediums and techniques. The process of painting involves applying pigment to a surface, and this can be done in many ways. When examining the composition of paint, we can break it down into its key components: pigment, binder, gloss, and hue.
Pigment
Pigments are the natural chemicals in paint that give it colour. They are the raw materials from which paints are made. The oldest pigments used by humans include charcoal, ochre, lime, and ground bone, found in ancient cave paintings. Natural organic pigments are sourced from plants or animals, while inorganic pigments are derived from the earth or minerals. For example, the popular yellow ochre is made from extracted earth, and Indian Yellow was traditionally made from the urine of Indian cows fed on mango leaves. Inorganic pigments include iron oxides, zinc oxide, and carbon black.
Binder
The binder is the substance that holds the paint together and is often referred to as the vehicle. It is a film-forming component that holds the pigment in place. Binders can be dissolved as a solution or carried as a dispersion of particles in a liquid. Common binders include egg tempera, glue, and oil. In the sixteenth century, artists began to experiment with different pigments and binders to create a variety of colours and textures.
Gloss
Gloss refers to the sheen of the paint or varnish. Some paints have a glossy surface when dry, while others are matte. Titanium dioxide is a common pigment that provides a gloss finish to paint.
Hue
Hue is the colour of the paint, such as orange or blue. The choice of hue is influenced by the pigments used, and the combination of pigments can create different hues and colour tones.
The composition of paint involves the careful combination of these elements to create a desired colour, finish, and durability. Each component plays a crucial role in the final product, and understanding their properties is essential for artists and painters alike.
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Frequently asked questions
The term for the surface on which an artist paints is “support". This is because the surface “supports” the medium the image is painted with. Supports can include canvas, panels, paper, wood, metal, and many others.
Alternatives to canvas include hardwood panels, hardboard panels (also known as masonite), MDF, paper, and metal.
The term for the application of paint to a surface to create a thick, textured appearance is “impasto”.
