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Over the course of history, the way artists have paintedand the mediums they usehas evolved.
New technology and changing tastes mean that the paints used by artists have continued to diversify.
But how do you know which is the right key in of paint for you?
“Night in Venice” by Leonid Afremov. Oil on canvas. (Photo:Leonid Afremov)
For instance, a renewed interest inhand letteringand sign painting has made enamel paint trendier than ever.
As an artist, how can you decide on the right jot down of paint for your artwork?
Learn more about different kinds of paint to see what works best for you.
“Diamela” by Alice Pasquini. 2018. Acrylic on canvas. (Photo:Alice Pasquini)
You just might be inspired to try a new bang out of painting.
Discover more about 11 different types of painting mediums that help artists express their creativity.
Oil Painting
Night in Venice by Leonid Afremov.
“White Ships” by John Singer Sargent. Circa 1908. Watercolor. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
(Photo:Leonid Afremov)
For centuries, artists have been usingoil paintto create their masterpieces.
This slow-drying medium is made from color pigments suspended in oil.
Due to its long drying time, artists can take their time producing work.
Jacques Joseph Tissot, “Young Woman in a Rocking Chair, study for the painting ‘The Last Evening',” ca. 1873, brush with gouache and watercolor, over graphite (Photo:Getty Museum, Public domain)
Oil paint is often used to create wonderful textured effects thanks to its thick consistency.
So, it should come as no surprise that it’s one of the most popular types of painting.
Acrylic Painting
Diamela by Alice Pasquini.
Mary Cassatt, “Sleepy Baby,” 1910, pastel (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
(Photo:Alice Pasquini)
There are a wide array ofacrylic paintsin terms of texture and drying time.
Over time it holds up better than oil paint, as it’s not prone to cracking or yellowing.
Watercolor Painting
White Ships by John Singer Sargent.
Portrait of a woman from Al-Faiyum, Egypt, ca. 100–150 C.E., encaustic (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Known for the transparent layers they create, watercolor paint remains soluble even when dry.
There are manywatercolor techniquesthat artists use to create different works of art, from realistic portraits to washed-out landscapes.
Gouache also has characteristics similar to acrylic in that it’s an opaque paint.
Michelangelo, detail of the Sistine Chapel ceiling 1505–1508 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Their stick form and lack of drying time make them an easy and portable solution for artists.
Encaustic Painting
Portrait of a woman from Al-Faiyum, Egypt, ca.
The resulting paste is then typically applied to prepared wood, though canvas can also be used.
Work in progress by Brus, 2013 (Photo:Jessica Stewart)
Special tools are then used to shape and sculpt the liquid prior to cooling.
Contemporary artists often use heat guns to extend the workability of the paint.
Buon frescoortrue frescorequires artists to work quickly, as the surface is no longer paintable once the plaster dries.
Hasegawa Tōhaku, “Pine Trees,” 16th century, ink on paper (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
This method works better on a rougher surface but is less durable.
Spray paint dries quickly and is fairly weather resistant, making it a durable choice for urban artists.
Today, there are many spray paint brands specifically for artists, such asMTN,Ironlak, andBelton.
Sandro Botticelli, “The Birth of Venus,” ca. 1486, tempera (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
As spray paint does contain toxic substances, its always recommended for outdoor use with amask.
Several companies have also createdwater-based spray paintmore suitable for working indoors and on canvases.
The use of black ink incalligraphyled to the popularity of brush painting using the same ink.
Brushstrokes are carefully studied, with calligraphy masters spending years perfecting their strokes.
Though today colored inks are widely available, black is still the most common ink used.
Tempera Painting
Sandro Botticelli, The Birth of Venus, ca.
Tempera was quite popular until oil paint came into wide use in the 16th century.
Today, it is still used in the Greek and Russian Orthodox church for religious icon paintings.
In the US, poster paint is sometimes called tempera, though the binders are not the same.
Due to its toxicity, it’s always suggested to work in a well-ventilated area with a mask on.
There are also water-based enamels that can be used on heavier papers like cardstock.
Aside from decorative work and sign painting, many fine artists have incorporated enamels into their work.
Picasso and Jackson Pollack were both known to use commercial enamel paints in their work.
