Lesson 6.1: Surfaces, Grounds and Materials

Introduction

Painting is a foundational component of artistic expression, serving as a bridge between the artist's vision and the physical world. This lesson will explore the various painting surfaces and grounds available to artists, how to prepare these surfaces properly, and the tools needed for effective paint application. By the end of this lesson, students will have a thorough understanding of the materials involved in preparing surfaces for painting and the importance of using the right tools and techniques in the painting process.

Learning Objectives

• Identify common painting surfaces and how to prepare them.
• Understand the concept of priming and grounds and their significance in painting.
• Familiarize with application tools such as brushes and palette knives.
• Learn how to set out and manage a palette effectively.
• Gain knowledge in caring for materials and equipment after use.

Common Painting Surfaces

When it comes to painting, the surface upon which an artist works can greatly influence the outcome of the artwork. The choice of surface depends on the medium used and the desired finish of the artwork. Here are some common painting surfaces:

1. Canvas

Canvas is one of the most commonly used surfaces for painting, especially in oil and acrylic mediums. It is usually made of cotton or linen and is stretched over a wooden frame.

Properties:

• Strong and durable, which allows for a range of techniques.
• Textured surface can enhance the physicality of paint application.
• Available in various sizes and pre-stretched or un-stretched formats.

Preparation:

To prepare a canvas for painting, artists typically apply a primer such as gesso. Gesso serves as a barrier between the canvas and paint, preventing absorption and ensuring better paint adherence. The steps to prepare a canvas are:

1. Clean the canvas if necessary, especially if it is pre-owned.
2. Apply gesso using a large brush. It can be thinned with water for smoother application.
3. Allow it to dry completely before applying an additional layer if needed.

Worked Example:

Suppose students has a raw canvas measuring 16x20 inches. To prepare it:

1. Clean the surface with a lint-free cloth.
2. Prepare a mixture of gesso as per instructions (usually three parts gesso and one part water).
3. Using a large flat brush, apply a thin, even coat of gesso over the entire canvas.
4. Let it dry completely. For more texture, students may apply a second coat after a light sanding once the first layer is dry.

2. Wood Panels

Wood panels are another popular choice, especially for oil painting. They provide a smooth, rigid surface.

Properties:

• Very stable, less prone to warping than other surfaces.
• Can be sanded to achieve a very smooth finish.
• Excellent for fine detail work.

Preparation:

To prepare a wooden panel, it is essential to seal the wood to prevent moisture absorption.

1. Sand the surface until smooth using fine-grit sandpaper.
2. Apply a wood primer or gesso to seal the wood and allow it to dry.

Worked Example:

For an unfinished wooden panel of size 12x16 inches:

1. Use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the entire surface until smooth.
2. Clean off the dust with a cloth.
3. Apply a coat of gesso to seal the surface. Once dried, students can begin painting directly on this smooth and ready-to-use panel.

3. Paper

Watercolor paper is ideal for water-based mediums such as watercolor and gouache. It comes in various weights and textures.

Properties:

• Absorbent and designed specifically for wet mediums.
• Typically heavier and more durable than standard paper.
• Available in different textures (cold-pressed, hot-pressed).

Preparation:

Pre-stretching watercolor paper is common to prevent buckling during painting.

1. Tape the edges of the paper to a flat board.
2. Wet the paper completely on both sides and allow it to adhere to the board as it dries.

Worked Example:

Suppose students has a sheet of cold-pressed watercolor paper:

1. Cut the paper to the desired size, leave a bit of an edge.
2. Tape the edges onto a board or stretch it as outlined above.
3. Once the paper dries taut, students is free to start painting.

Priming and Grounds

Priming is a crucial process in preparing a painting surface. It involves applying a layer that affects the paint's interaction with the surface.

Importance of Priming

Priming helps:

• Create a uniform surface that ensures even paint application.
• Prevent paint from absorbing into the substrate (like raw canvas or wood), which could lead to discoloration and a dull finish.
• Enhance vibrancy, allowing colors to remain true and bold.

Common Types of Primers

• Gesso: The most common primer, it can be used for various surfaces and comes in acrylic, oil-based, or clear formulations.
• Oil Primers: Designed for oil paints, they provide better adhesion and a smooth finish.

Application Techniques

When applying primer, it’s important to:

1. Work in thin layers.
2. Allow appropriate drying time between layers (as per instructions).
3. Sand between coats for a smoother finish if the surface texture isn’t desired.

Common Misconception

A frequent misconception is that a surface doesn’t require priming if it is already canvassed or panelled. While it is tempting to skip this step, even pre-gessoed surfaces benefit from an additional layer suited to the specific medium being used.

Brushes and Application Tools

Choosing the right tool for applying paint is as important as selecting the paint itself.

Types of Brushes

1. Flat Brushes: Ideal for broad strokes and filling, providing even coverage.
2. Round Brushes: Suitable for detailed work and lines.
3. Filbert Brushes: Combines the qualities of flat and round brushes, great for blending.
4. Fan Brushes: Useful for texture and foliage.

Palette Knives

Palette knives are not just for mixing colors; they can also be used for applying paint in an impasto technique, adding a unique texture to the artwork.

Palette Management

Having an organized palette is vital for effective painting. A simple approach is:

1. Divide the palette into sections for primary colors, secondary colors, and mixtures.
2. Keep the palette tidy to avoid color contamination.

Example of Setting a Palette

Suppose students prepares a palette with primary colors (red, blue, yellow) and a few secondary colors (green, orange). students creates divisions on the palette:

1. Place blue and yellow together for mixing green.
2. Use the area above to mix varying shades to keep mixtures separate.

Caring for Materials and Equipment

Maintaining a clean workspace and properly caring for painting materials is essential for longevity and performance.

Brush Care

1. Rinse brushes immediately after use to prevent paint from drying on the bristles.
2. Soak in appropriate cleaning solution (water for watercolor, solvents for oil) and reshape the bristles before storing.

Palette Maintenance

1. Clean palettes after each use to avoid cross-contamination of colors.
2. Store tools in a dry environment to increase longevity and prevent rust for metals.

Conclusion

In summary, knowledge of surfaces, grounds, and application tools plays a vital role in the painting process. Each surface requires careful preparation to ensure the best results. Priming and using the right tools enhances the painting experience and quality. By mastering these practical skills, students can approach painting with confidence and creativity.

Study Notes

• Canvas is commonly used for painting, requiring gesso for priming.
• Wood panels provide a stable and smooth surface for detailed work.
• Watercolor paper is essential for wet painting techniques and should be pre-stretched if necessary.
• Priming ensures even paint application and maintains color vibrancy.
• Various brushes and palette knives offer different applications and textures.
• Proper care for brushes and palettes enhances their longevity and performance.