Canvas Painting 101

What type of painter are you?
We are going to cover styles and 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.
Chapter 7 – Choosing A 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 it.
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.
A scene which is full of busy people can be good as long as the activity stays in one
place on the canvas. Making the background as busy as the foreground can over
stimulate the senses. By adding the activity to a tranquil background, the painting takes
on a sense of order.
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...