Painting is much more than applying paint on canvas to create a picture. Early paintings, including cave paintings, were often used as a form of communication. As mankind evolved, so did artists. Today painting is a mode of creative expression, and the forms are numerous. Drawing, composition or abstraction and other aesthetics may serve to manifest the expressive and conceptual intention of the practitioner. Paintings can be naturalistic and representational, photographic, abstract, be loaded with narrative content, symbolism, emotion or be political in nature. Some artists prefer to paint scenes, for instance, while others may prefer to paint portraits.
What do they do?
Talented painters have their finished works displayed in art galleries or museums. Some modern painters, on the other hand, may use entire buildings as canvases. These individuals are known as mural painters, and they are often commissioned by individuals, companies, or municipalities to create large painted scenes on interior or exterior walls.
Skills Needed
Creative bent of mind An eye for beauty and composition Confidence to try new ideas Technical skills — drawing, painting and sculpting Observe your subject and ‘see’ the details.
How do I get there?
As with many fine arts careers, there are no strict education requirements to become a painter. In order to hone your painting skills and learn new techniques, however, you can choose to attend a school of fine arts at a traditional university or an art school. Besides the skills mentioned above, craftsmanship is also required to increase the range of medium and styles.
You should be able to represent your thoughts by different mediums like pen, pencil, colours, etc. Also, practice, practice, practice — improve your drawing skills, keep a sketchbook and draw every day. Visiting exhibitions and studying well known artists’ work and style helps you gain maturity in this field.