What are some important things to keep in mind of when painting?

Answer 1

The typical things to keep in mind may not always be the most obvious, but they are key to keeping you painting the way you want it. Firstly, before you start painting, understand your composition. Whether it be abstract or realistic, as this will affect the way the painting is presented or how items like tone, texture and shade come into play. This is also a major factor in using and preparing your chosen media such as oil, acrylic, or even Tempera as these are key so you can start painting and focus on the art.

Secondly, think about items such as color theory while painting. Even though painting can represent reality it is still the representation the artist choses, and that is factored in with color, shape and form. this can be reflected in underpaintings or in the layers that you place on the canvas.

Thirdly, make mistakes. Even though this is a cliche in art, it has some truth to it, the more mistake we make the more we learn and grow as painters. That mistake more than often will force us to take a step back and examine our painting, see how its forming and coming along. If we can accept the mistake then accept it, keep with the idea of perseverance, as this is key in painting since it is a truly expression filled process.

**Note painting is not drawing, it has in it brush strokes and blending. It is its' own are form and should be treated as such, look at color, line, shape, balance, and other principles and elements of design. **

Answer 2

Things to keep in mind when creating a painting are:

1. Get an accurate drawing of your subject on the canvas.
2. Check that your composition is working well.
3. Establish your values (lights and darks).
4. When applying paint, get your colors to harmonize throughout the painting.