Leaving
Negative Spaces
Notice most artists that paint trees do not paint the whole
tree. They leave some spaces that will give the painting a more realistic look
to it. In most cases, novice artist or those who are new to painting tend to
fill up all the spaces in between. Most painters who teach painting have to
hold the hand of their students because it is hard to control the color if you
are new to painting. But after the time the artwork is finished, they will have
that “ahaa” moment, to see that leaving spaces unpainted will make their
painted tree as realistic as it can be.
Medium
The term medium relates to the artist’s choice of art material. There are different art materials that an artist can use as a medium
for his choice of art. An artist can use one or more medium to create a unique
work of art. There are many mediums for an artist to choose from. For example,
some artists use charcoal, oil pastel, water color, and others. Some might even
use coffee and bread as a medium for their art. The term “medium” simply is the
material chosen by an artist to create a piece of art.
Highlighting
This technique can be achieved when you wipe the brush and
add a lighter color then dab it on your piece of work. Such technique can be
used on highlighting a part of an object on your painting that is hit by
sunlight. Everything has colors in it. So, if you create your work, take note
that the as you proceed with your work, put a lighter sense to it.
Dabbing
Dabbing is a technique used by some painters to create a
painting. Dabbing involves the use of a flat bristle brush dipped in paint and
touch the tip of the brush to the canvas or paper. To have a bolder or darker
look of the color to the canvas, you can press harder the brush and to have the
opposite effect to the canvas, you can press it lightly. When using dabbing in
oil painting, take note not to muddy continuously different colors.
As an example, when creating bushes, you can put a darker
color on the canvas then after, add a lighter color to highlight some areas of
the bush to have a shadow effect on the bush. Before adding the lighter color,
see to it that the darker color must not be wet before you add the lighter
color. But still, you can add it if that is how you create your own piece of
art. If you have intentions of creating a painting in just a few minutes, you
can use acrylic paint because it dries up in just a small amount of time.
Shadows
Shadows represent the realism and solidity of an object.
Most objects hit by light produce shadows. In your painting, you can have the
shadows bring more drama to the painted scene. You can create shadows through adding
darker colors to some areas such as putting shadows on the ground for the
effect of falling leaves. The color used will only be the more darkened color
of the main object. The shadow is darker
near the object then loses it as it is farther away. Using the dry-brush
technique is best for the edges of shadows.
Dry
Brushing
Oftentimes, this technique is used on acrylic paint. Putting
a small amount of paint on the brush and brushing it to the canvas with
exceptionally light strokes. Dry brushing is applied mostly on subjects that
can be seen through such as sunlight, mist or fog. Thus, it needs to be done
with the very lightest hand. The technique also can give an object a more
withered or old look. Trying out this technique on a piece of paper is a nice
idea before going into a bigger project such as trying it on a canvas. When you
have mastered the technique, you can put effects on your paintings and more
adding more natural elements such as sunrays, mists or fogs. Dry brushing will
give new effects to your plain, simple paintings.
Making
an Accurate Drawing
Most artists use grids to create an accurate image. For some
instances, this method is more preferable. If you are still a newcomer to art,
I wouldn't worry too much on having accuracy in your works.
If drawing landscapes, every detail must not be taken too
seriously but instead take more concentration on the proportions. The setting must be proportionate with your drawn picture. Some trees might not even fit to the canvas because it is
proportionate as it is to the scene.
Gesso
Is a material used as a primer to seal the surfaces of the
canvas before painting the canvas with acrylics. It is mostly used to “wet” the
canvas before drawing the water and sky background of the painting. A Gesso is
a must have for starters and even master artists. It can be bought on art
supply stores and is a great material to enhance your painting.
Scrubbing
This technique is used through adding layers or what we call
layering of colors. Scrubbing brings more reality to your work. From darker
colors to lighter ones, this gives the effect that your work has depth and more
realistic pictures can be produced. In
order to “scrub”, dry the brush and rub the paint to soften it. This is done
with bristle brush accompanied with acrylic paint.
Wash
Wash is a technique that can be used to add mist to the top
of your dry paint. To produce a wash, you can just add a small amount of water
to paint. Water color artist use washes effectively to their works. Layering
using the technique will give good results and will add certain effects to your
work. An example of this is using wash to produce mist and for the color
orange, it can be used as the background of a scene such as a sunset.
Scumbling
Is done to make foliage and make the growth of plants more
realistic. In order to achieve this, you must layer the paint in many
directions and in an unorganized manner. It will then create dense, thick, and
interesting foliage. Take note that when you scumble you don’t fill up all the
spaces to have some negative spaces.
It is not simple to put all techniques and terms in only one
article. The terms and techniques mentioned above are some of the most basic
parts and should know on painting. More interesting techniques and terms will
be discovered by you as you venture yourself in the ever growing world of art.
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