Elena Rossi
The thing you put paint on is called a palette. Palettes are a universal symbol of painting and art, and they are used to hold paint and mix colours. Palettes can be made from various materials, including MDF, masonite, and perspex, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, MDF is light and cheap but porous and absorbent, while masonite is heavier and harder to shape. Artists must also consider the size of the palette, as a large palette provides a greater working area but can be cumbersome when painting outdoors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Artist palette, board, panel, canvas |
| Purpose | Holds paint, protects the workspace |
| Materials | Wood, MDF, masonite, perspex, hardboard, plywood, canvas |
| Size | Large palettes allow for more paint and complex colour mixing; small palettes are easier for painting outdoors |
| Shape | Can be cut into various shapes; some have a hole for the thumb |
| Weight | Varies with material; masonite is heavier than MDF |
| Absorbency | MDF is very absorbent, masonite requires a sealer, perspex is not absorbent |
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What You'll Learn
Palettes are used to hold paint and mix colours
Palettes are a universal symbol of painting and art. They are used by artists to hold paint and mix colours. Palettes are usually made of wood, such as MDF, or other materials like masonite or perspex. The choice of material is important as it determines the weight of the palette, its shape, and how it interacts with the paint. For example, MDF is light and cheap but very porous and absorbent, while perspex is not porous and old paint will slide off and form lumps.
The size of the palette is also a key consideration for artists. A large palette allows for more paint and a larger working area, which is useful for complicated gradations of colour and quick mixing. However, a larger palette can also be cumbersome and lead to paint wastage. Smaller palettes are more portable but may not provide enough space for intricate work.
Palettes are an essential tool for artists, even though they may not seem important at first glance. They can help artists mix colours effectively and provide room to organise their colours. Artists can also use alternative surfaces such as ice cream container lids or margarine container lids, but these are not ideal due to their size and shape. Ultimately, the choice of palette depends on the artist's preferences and the type of work they intend to create.
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Easels are stands that hold the surface being painted on
The use of easels provides several advantages for artists. Firstly, they offer a stable and elevated platform for the canvas, enabling artists to paint with ease and precision. The elevated position also allows artists to take a step back and view their work from a distance, facilitating a better perspective and helping them make necessary adjustments.
Additionally, easels often come with adjustable features, allowing artists to tilt or angle the canvas as needed. This flexibility is particularly useful when working with different mediums, such as oil paints or watercolours, as the angle can be adjusted to suit the technique and style of the artist.
Another benefit of easels is their portability. Many easels are designed to be collapsible or foldable, making them easy to transport and set up outdoors or in different locations. This portability encourages artists to paint en plein air, capturing landscapes and natural light, or to easily participate in exhibitions or art demonstrations.
Furthermore, easels can accommodate various canvas sizes. Whether working on a small-scale sketch or a large-scale painting, easels provide a versatile workspace. Artists can adjust the height and width of the easel to suit their canvas size, ensuring a comfortable and ergonomic painting experience.
In conclusion, easels play a crucial role in the painting process by securely holding the surface being painted on. They offer stability, flexibility, and portability, enhancing the overall artistic experience and enabling artists to focus on their creativity without worrying about the logistics of supporting their canvas.
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Varnish is a protective layer that preserves paint colour
When it comes to painting, there are various tools and surfaces that artists use to create their work. One common surface is a board or panel, often made of wood, such as MDF or plywood, which provides a smooth and reusable base for painting. Artists may also use a canvas, which is stretched and mounted on a frame, offering a flexible yet durable surface. Additionally, some artists prefer to paint directly on walls, whether it be on traditional cave walls or modern surfaces.
Now, let's delve into the topic of varnish and its role in preserving paint colour. Varnish is a transparent and protective layer that is applied over a finished painting. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the artwork from external factors and maintain its appearance over time. Here are some key points to consider:
Protection from External Factors
Varnish acts as a defensive barrier, protecting the paint from dirt, dust, moisture, and light. It prevents these elements from directly coming into contact with the paint, ensuring that the original artwork remains intact. Any dirt or dust will settle on the varnish, which can be easily wiped off without damaging the paint.
Preservation of Colour
Varnish helps to prevent colour alteration and maintains the richness and vibrancy of the paint. Traditional varnishes, made from natural tree resins like dammar or mastic, add a glossy sheen to the painting, enhancing the appearance of pigments through light refraction, known as "saturation." However, some varnishes may yellow or darken over time, which was a concern for Impressionist painters who preferred to avoid this final layer of gloss.
Types of Varnish
There are various types of varnishes available, including gloss, matte, and satin finishes. Gloss varnishes provide a shiny and reflective surface, intensifying the colours of the painting. Matte varnishes, on the other hand, offer a non-blooming and non-yellowing finish, giving the artwork a more subdued and elegant appearance. Exhibition varnishes are also available for temporary protection of touch-dry paintings before the application of a permanent varnish.
Application Techniques
The application of varnish requires skill and precision. It can be applied by brush or spray, ensuring an even and smooth layer without lumps or bubbles. An isolating layer may also be used, especially for absorbent surfaces, to prevent cloudiness and maintain the clarity of the varnish. It is crucial to allow the artwork to dry completely before applying varnish to avoid smudging.
Varnish Considerations
While varnish provides protection and enhances colour, it is important to consider the type of paint used. For instance, acrylic paintings may require special consideration due to the solubility of acrylic resin varnishes. Additionally, natural varnishes tend to discolour and darken over time, requiring skilled removal and replacement by trained conservators.
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Brushes are made from animal hair or synthetic fibres
Painting tools and techniques have evolved over the centuries, with artists today having a wide range of options to choose from. One of the most important tools for any painter is the brush, and the quality of a brush is determined by its bristles. Brushes are made from animal hair or synthetic fibres, with the natural colour of the wood sometimes influencing the later painting.
Animal hair bristles can be sourced from a variety of animals, including sable tail hair, weasel tail hair, fitch tail hair, mongoose hair, and badger hair for pointy bristles; sabeline (imitation sable), ox hair, or synthetic nylon fibres for blunt bristles; and hog hair from China for flagged bristles. These bristles are bundled, tied, and glued into the ferrule, the metal joint that connects them to the handle. The handles themselves are typically made of wood and come in various colours, with oil brushes featuring longer handles to accommodate the painter standing at an easel.
Synthetic brushes, on the other hand, are made from man-made materials, such as nylon or polyester. These brushes are often more affordable and versatile, suitable for use with a variety of paint types, including water-based and oil-based paints. They are also easier to clean and tend to be more durable, making them a popular choice for artists, particularly beginners or those working on a budget.
The choice between animal hair and synthetic brushes depends on personal preference, the desired effect, and the type of paint being used. Animal hair brushes are known for their ability to hold and apply paint smoothly, making them ideal for oil painting. Synthetic brushes, on the other hand, excel at absorbing and releasing water, making them a common choice for watercolour painting.
In addition to the brushes themselves, artists also require a palette to hold and mix their paint. Palettes can be made from various materials, including MDF, masonite, or perspex, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, MDF is lightweight and easy to shape, but it is also porous and absorbent, affecting the moisture of the paint. Masonite is heavier and harder to shape, while perspex is challenging to work with and non-porous, creating issues when layering paint.
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Surfaces include wood panels, MDF, and canvas
When it comes to painting, there are various surfaces that can be used as a base for your artwork. Each surface has its own unique characteristics and qualities that can influence the overall outcome of the painting. Here, we will explore three popular options: wood panels, MDF, and canvas.
Wood panels have been used as a painting surface for centuries and offer a smooth and rigid base for your creation. They provide a durable and long-lasting option, often made from hardwoods such as birch or mahogany. Wood panels offer a natural texture that can enhance the overall aesthetic of the painting. They are also known for their ability to withstand the test of time, making them a popular choice for artists who want their work to endure.
MDF, or Medium-Density Fibreboard, is a versatile and affordable option for artists. It is made from wood fibres that are compressed together with a wax and resin binder, resulting in a smooth and consistent surface. MDF is known for its stability and resistance to warping, making it a popular choice for artists who want a flat and even surface to work on. It is also relatively lightweight, making it easy to handle and transport.
Canvas, a classic and beloved surface for painters, offers a unique texture and feel that is difficult to replicate. It is typically made from cotton or linen and stretched over a wooden frame. Canvas provides a flexible and forgiving surface that many artists prefer over the unyielding nature of wood panels or MDF. The fabric's natural give allows for a range of painting techniques and can add a sense of depth to the final piece.
Each of these surfaces has its own dedicated following among artists. While some prefer the traditional and timeless feel of wood panels, others opt for the practicality and affordability of MDF. Canvas, with its distinctive texture and flexibility, holds a special place in the hearts of many artists. Ultimately, the choice of surface comes down to personal preference, the desired effect, and the practical considerations of each artist's unique practice.
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Frequently asked questions
The thing you put paint on is called a palette. Palettes are usually made of wood, such as MDF, or other materials like masonite or perspex. If you are painting on paper or canvas, you can place a thin piece of wood, such as plywood or MDF, underneath to protect your workspace.
You can buy palettes and wooden boards at most art supply stores. Some specific store suggestions include Home Depot, Dick Blick, and Jerry's Artarama.
A large palette provides a spacious working area, which is ideal for mixing colours without accidentally mixing them with other shades.
