Painting

Support

The surface onto which a painter applies paint, such as canvas, wood, paper, or plaster.

Encaustic

A medium created by mixing pigment with a hot wax binder, historically used in Classical Greece, Rome, and Egypt.

Fresco

Pigment mixed with lime water and applied to a lime plaster wall.

Buon Fresco

A technique where pigment is applied to wet plaster, making the painting part of the wall.

Fresco Secco

A technique where pigment is applied to dry plaster, allowing more working time but may flake off over time.

Tempera

A medium made by combining pigment with water and egg yolk, primarily used by early Italian Renaissance artists.

Oil Paint

Pigment mixed with linseed oil, allowing artists to work at a slower pace and blend colors effectively.

Watercolor

Pigments suspended in a solution of water and gum arabic applied to dampened paper, ranging from transparent to opaque finishes.

Gouache

A type of watercolor mixed with Chinese white chalk to create an opaque finish, known for its brilliance and difficulty in blending.

Acrylic

A fast-drying, water-based paint with pigment suspended in a synthetic polymer emulsion that becomes water-resistant once dry.