What Methods Are Used When Painting?

There are innumerable painting techniques for producing eye-catching masterpieces, ranging from realistic portraiture to abstract florals. However, all the discussion about glazing, scumbling, and alla prima can be intimidating to someone who has never held a brush before. Every artist can start building abilities to experience by learning the fundamental painting techniques.

The materials of the surface, or ground; the pigments utilized; the binder, or medium, in which the color is blended; and its diluting agent are among the methods used when painting. Artists work in a variety of media, including gouache, tempera, oil, watercolor, fresco, and distemper.

Painting techniques, or procedures, are just means of applying paint on a surface. Important elements include color blending, brushwork, painting in layers, and even using different mediums. Gaining an understanding of the fundamental methods enables you to emulate compositions you like while establishing your own style. Fearful novices, discover the essential techniques for painting with ease!

Brushwork

The most essential technique, brushwork, consists of moving and handling the bristles to transfer paint from palette to surface. Master basic strokes like dabbing, dragging, dotting, and pulling before expanding your repertoire:
Dabbing – Quick up/down taps blend or lightly mix colors.
Dragging – Pull bristles steadily over an area to spread wide swaths of paint.
Dotting – Create patterns and textures via repeated poking motions.
Pulling – For fine lines, pull bristles by their ends steadily along the path.
Practice brush control by rehearsing strokes on scrap paper before attempting outlines and details.

Layering

Unlike drawing a continuous line, painting involves building up colors through layers using thinner dilutions first, then opaque coverage:
Underpainting – Block in overall composition thinly to plot main shapes and shading.
Blocking – Fill in areas with main hue/value to indicate color themes
Overpainting – Refine, blend and reinforce previous layers once dry for cohesion and realism, adding fine details last.
Layering allows depth and luminosity perfect for realist still lifes and landscapes.

Wet-On-Wet Blending

While layering utilizes dry phases between applications, wet-on-wet blending requires working quickly. Pigments seamlessly fuse for smooth transitions of tone or color:
Apply generous wet paint to area
Use brush or palette knife to sweep second hue into first wet layer
Work quickly before drying to lift, soften edges for atmospheric effects
Great for loose florals, soft backgrounds, and color unity in impressionist scenes.

Dry Brushing

The opposite of wet blending, dry brushing only uses paint residue clinging to nearly dry bristles dragged lightly over the surface. The broken color catches edges leaving lighter center areas visible:
Load brush then wipe on paper towel to remove excess
Just dust surface lightly, letting bristles skip over unevenly
Build layers gradually for natural texture and weathering effects
Useful for rustic, impressionist or weathered finishes.

Mixed Media

For extra composition depth, add other elements using adhesive, wire, transfers or textures:
Collage with cut or torn paper shapes
Affix photos using gel medium
Outline key contours with fine markers or ink pens
Attach leaves, seeds, rice paper for organic intrigue
Mixed media painting breaks rules encouraging boundless creativity.
The painting method possibilities are endless once these basic techniques are cemented. Don’t restrict yourself to one “correct” way but remain open to integrating methods as inspiration strikes. With a grounding in core methods, even novice painters can progress quickly from simple beginnings to multifaceted, engaging works brimming with personalized flair.