Part 4:  What Type of Painter and Artist Are You

We are going to cover painting styles and painting techniques in this chapter. You need to understand the different forms of painting. You may find yourself drawn to one form or another. This often happens when you start painting. As you become more familiar with techniques, you will generate your own style.

There have been many different art periods. Here is a list of the periods along with some of the artists which made it famous.

1) Baroque - Caravaggio, Carracci
2) Classicism - Mengs, Ingres
3) Cubism - Picasso, Braque
4) Expressionism - Beckmann. Dix, Munch, Kandinsky
5) Fauvism - Matisse
6) Impressionism - Renoir, Monet, Pissarro, Morisot, Bazille
7) Realism - Caravaggio, Velazquez, Zurbaran
8) Renaissance - Michelangelo
9) Romanticism - Gericault, Delacroix
10) Surrealism - Arp, Ernst, Masson,Tanguy, Dali

Each one has it's own unique style. Some are more of an impression than an actual picture, like a representation of what the artist feels about an issue or subject. At times this is referred to as abstract art. You can recognize the Romanticism type of artwork by the attention to detail. The background is left in shadow while the image is bold and clear. Human bodies are painted to represent each curve and muscle. The strength comes through without any doubt as to what the artist is trying to instill in the viewer's mind.

By choosing a style or form of artwork, you can have a reference to what your paintings will be representing. You can show the images you want. Your likes and dislikes will show when you put them on a canvas. Whether you are a romantic or an impressionist, people who study your work will be able to tell at a glance.

You do not have to limit yourself to one style. There may be times you feel like painting just for the sheer joy of painting. When this happens, there is no telling what you will put on the canvas. As long as your feelings and desires come through in the artwork, it is just fine.

You may find it easier to express yourself when you put paint to canvas. There may be times you are depressed. You may find yourself in a state of joy and happiness. You will see these emotions come out in the artwork you are creating. This is what painting is all about. Creating a picture of what is going on in your mind, allowing others to see what you are feeling, these are the real reasons for painting. The fact that you enjoy watching a blank, white surface turn into something spectacular is a benefit as well.

No matter what style you choose, there is one which is right for you. You will decide this when you are more familiar with how you like to paint.

Choosing A Painting Subject

For everything in this world there is someone who has painted it. Whether it is a person, place, or thing somewhere someone has put it to paint. It does not matter what you choose as your subject, as long as you feel comfortable painting a picuture.

Some of the better subjects are ones that will offer color and contrast. For instance, a bowl full of bananas with an apple in the center. A vase full of blooming flowers is the perfect still life because of the colors and shapes.

You should look for many things when choosing a subject. If it is a landscape, you want some texture. What I mean is there should be different buildings, trees, or animals to add interest to the picture. You do not want to saturate the painting with activity but you do want to keep it interesting.

You may choose to do portraits. Do not underestimate the subject. There is a term, “photogenic”, which means that someone's beauty shows through the lens. You may see someone as plain and uninteresting. Under the eye of the camera, this person can transform into a vision of beauty.

The camera is the perfect tool to choose a subject. By taking pictures of what you want to paint, you can determine the contrast, lighting, and textures. You will be able to see what the view will look like framed. This can give you a better understanding of what you are really looking at. Taking a picture will show you the true view.

Another reason an artist may take a picture of their subject is timing. If you are doing a portrait, you may not be able to finish before the person has to leave. Even a boat in the harbor will put out to sea sometime, leaving you with an empty pier. The lighting changes every minute of every day. By taking a picture of the subject, you can preserve the moment so the painting can be done at your leisure. Even if you are using artificial lighting, there could be other circumstances which do not allow you to finish your work. The camera can become your new best friend when it comes to painting.

It can actually be fun taking pictures of different painting subject matter. Then you get to go home and choose which angle will make the best painting. You can experiment with lighting in this manner as well. By shooting from all angles, you can get many different views. There may be something the camera saw that you missed. Accidents can sometimes make the best artwork.

Never overlook anything when it comes to choosing a subject. One of the most intriguing art subjects I ever saw was a dandelion which had gone to seed. The artist had shot a closeup of the puffy seed head. He then painted it in shades of blue. It took several people almost three days to determine exactly what the subject was. Yet the painting fascinated all of us for quite some time.

Setting Up Your Painting Studio

There are certain things you will need for your studio. The first thing is a place to paint. Every beginning artist seems to think they can bring out everything and scatter it onto the kitchen table, set up an easel, and start painting. This is great for a day or two. If you want to continue pursuing an art career or painting hobby, you need a place to keep everything up and ready to go. This way, any time you feel inspired all you need to do is pick up a brush and start painting .

There are some basic things you will need for your studio or work area. The first of which is a table. Many times it is actually nice to have this be a desk with drawers. You can store extra supplies in the drawers for easy access.

You will also want an easel. There are some artists who are comfortable with painting on a flat surface. Most prefer the canvas at eye level. This means supporting it somehow. An easel is the easiest way to accomplish this. I have found that two or more easels are necessary. This makes it more accommodating to work on more than one piece at a time. You can choose from a table easel or a full standing easel. The table easel is good for someone who is limited in their ability to stand. It allows them to sit with the canvas at a comfortable level. Both types of easels are adjustable so the canvas can be raised or lowered accordingly.

Some artists have a set of shelves or shelving unit to store extra canvases, brushes, and other paint supplies. You can also keep completed paintings vertical and free from damage with an adjustable storage unit which allows the paintings to stand. One word of advice, never store turpentine, linseed oil, or other mediums of this type on the same shelves you store your completed work. Accidents have been known to happen. Should one of these bottles spill onto your work it could be ruined for good.

Beside your work easel, you will want to have a small table or cart. This will allow you to keep the items you need to complete the art work. You never know when you may need another dab of paint on your palette. You will also be able to set the palette down on a surface which will not be damaged if paint gets on it. Believe me when I say the paint does not only go on the canvas.

You will need a good supply of clean rags. Also necessary is a bucket or coffee can for clean up. You will most likely need many more than one, just to let you know. Jars work too, but can create a big mess when one falls and breaks. Metal cans are actually safer in the studio. Many an artist has gotten lost in their creation and backed right into a shelf or table, knocking everything down.

One of the most important things is a good lighting system. You will want to be able to see your painting in full light. This will allow you to see how the paint is going on the canvas. It will also make it possible to see the true colors you are using. The brighter lights should be set up by the easel. The more conventional lighting should be placed by the subject.

Once you have this all set up you are ready for the supplies.

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