Art Materials and Techniques

Types of paint: Covers the different types of paint (e.g. oil, watercolor, acrylic), their properties and how they are best used.

Brushes and brushstrokes: The different types of brushes available to an artist and their effects on creating different types of brushstrokes.

Surfaces for painting: The different surfaces that one can paint on (e.g. canvas, paper, board), and the preparation required for each.

Color theory: The study of how different colors mix and interact with each other, and how artists can create pleasing color combinations.

Composition: The art of arranging visual elements in a painting (e.g. line, shape, color) to create a visually pleasing composition.

Perspective: The study of creating a sense of depth, space and proportion in a 2-dimensional painting.

Printmaking: The process of creating prints (e.g. etching, screen printing), and the tools and techniques required.

Sculpture: The art of creating 3-dimensional forms, the different types of sculpture mediums (e.g. clay, stone), and the techniques used.

Drawing: The art of creating 2-dimensional images with pencil, pen, or charcoal; exploring techniques and materials (e.g. different paper surfaces, pencil hardness).

Encaustic: A painting technique that uses heated wax to create an image.

Mixed media: The use of different art materials and techniques (e.g. painting, drawing, sculpture) together in one artwork.

Collage: The technique of creating an artwork by assembling different materials (e.g. paper, fabric, found objects) into a layered creation.

Gilding: The art of applying gold leaf or other precious metals to an artwork.

Glazing: The process of applying thin, transparent layers of color to a painting to create depth and luminosity.

Impressionism: An art movement that focuses on capturing the effects of light and atmosphere through impressionistic brushwork and color.

Realism: An art movement that aims to represent subjects realistically, often in mundane or everyday settings.

Abstract art: Art that does not represent recognizable objects or scenes.

Expressionism: An art movement that seeks to convey emotions or inner experiences through exaggerated or stylized forms.

Surrealism: An art movement that explores the subconscious and dream world through bizarre or imaginative images.

Contemporary art: Art created in the present era, often exploring new or experimental techniques and concepts.

Painting: Using paint, typically oil or acrylic, to create an image on a surface such as canvas.

Drawing: Using pencils, charcoal, markers, or other tools to make marks on a surface to create a visual image.

Sculpture: Using various materials such as clay, stone, metal, or wood to create three-dimensional art pieces.

Printmaking: Creating a design on a surface such as a woodblock, metal plate, or stone, and then transferring the image to paper or cloth.

Photography: Capturing images using a camera or other digital device.

Mixed Media: Combining multiple art forms or materials, such as painting, collage, and sculpture, to create a unique piece.

Animation: Creating a series of images that are played in sequence to give the illusion of movement.

Collage: Creating an image by combining various materials such as paper, fabric, and found objects.

Mosaic: Creating a design by arranging small pieces of glass, stone, or other materials in a pattern.

Calligraphy: Writing in a decorative or artistic style using a pen or brush.

Engraving: Carving a design into a surface, such as metal or wood, to create a raised image.

Tapestry: Weaving a design using threads or yarn to create a wall hanging or fabric.

Batik: A textile art form where wax is applied to cloth before dyeing to create a pattern.

Quilting: Stitching together layers of fabric to create a decorative textile.

Ceramics: Creating objects from clay and other materials, either by hand or using a pottery wheel.

Glassblowing: Using a blowpipe to shape molten glass into various forms.

Fresco: Painting on wet plaster to create a permanent mural on a wall or ceiling.

Graffiti: Creating art using spray paint or markers on public surfaces such as walls or buildings.

Paper Mache: Creating objects by layering strips of paper and adhesive over a form.

Woodworking: Creating objects using wood, such as carving, joinery, or furniture making.

Textile Printing: Transferring designs onto fabric using ink, dyes, or other materials.

Digital Art: Creating art using computer software, ranging from 2D digital paintings to 3D modeling and animation.

Land Art: Creating large sculptures or installations in outdoor spaces using natural materials like rocks, sticks, and dirt.

Performance Art: Creating a visual or conceptual experience using the human body as part of the art piece.