Painting Media (Practice)

Name the artist who painted this painting. What medium did the artist choose for this painting? What advantages and disadvantages might the artist have considered before using this medium?

This painting is by Mary Cassat. She chose to use oil paints. When Cassat chose to use oil paints, she most likely considered that oil paints are slow drying which can make them difficult to work with, but can also allow got mixing and blending of colors to created various affects. She also would have considered that oil paints are long-lasting and retain their vibrancy over time.

Explain how oil paint is made. What is the vehicle?

Oil painting is a medium in which pigments are held together using oils, usually linseed oil. The vehicle is the oil used.

Explain how fresco paintings are created. What are advantages and/or disadvantages of fresco?

Fresco paintings are created by combining color pigments with water and then applying the substance to a plaster support, usually a wall or a ceiling. There are many beautiful examples of fresco art, however they are difficult to plan and create because the plaster dries quickly.

Explain how gouache is created. How does the paint used for gouache usually come and what must be added to it before it is used?

Gouache is a type of watercolor in which white pigment is added, creating a duller effect and a tinted feel with a smooth finish. The paint usually comes in tubes, with which the artist must add the vehicle (water).

Why is painting more often associated with art than any other media? What type of painting do you find most interesting? Why?

Painting is one of the oldest forms of art. It is long lasting, and often very eye-catching with the artists' usage of color and details. We also tend to see painting in museums and other public centers, more than any other type of art. Opinions and reasons will vary for preference on painting.

Determine from the lesson which painting media was used to create each image above. What vehicle and binder were used for each?

Picture 1: It is an example of tempera. The vehicle used is water and the binder is egg yolk. Picture 2: It is an example of gouache. The vehicle is water and the binder is gum arabic.

Define the following terms: - pigment - vehicle - binder

Pigment: Ground up solids that contain color the color in paint. Vehicle: A substance that is added to color pigments that adjusts the viscosity (ability to move) of the paint. Binder: A liquid ingredient in a media's vehicle that binds particles of pigment together.

How is tempera paint made? Why are there many examples of tempera throughout history?

Tempera is a water-based painting medium made by blending egg yolks with water, or sometimes other materials such as glue. It is often used to paint frescos and panels, and is popular because it is relatively inexpensive and dries quickly.

Name the painting above and its artist. What media was used to create this piece? Why do you think the artist chose to use this media for this piece?

The painting is by Winslow Homer, and is entitled, The Adirondak Guide. It was created using watercolors. Opinion on the artist choice of media (watercolor) will vary, but should be backed with at least one reason for their answer.

How is watercolor made? How is it applied? What makes watercolor unique?

Watercolor is a mixture of water with gum arabic, which are usually applied to paper. Watercolor is applied in layers, applying the lightest colors first, and then adding the darker colors. Watercolor is unique because it cannot be painted over, such as an artist could if he/she was using oil, tempera, or acrylic.