Painting techniques and mediums

Oil painting: Known for its depth and richness of colour, oil painting allows for great detail and blending.
Acrylic painting: Faster drying than oil paints, acrylics are versatile and water-resistant.
Watercolour painting: Transparent and light, watercolour techniques often incorporate the paper itself into the work.
Pastel painting: Soft and hard pastels offer a wide range of colour and can be used to sketch or fill with solid colour.
Encaustic painting: Use of beeswax mixed with colour pigments creates a unique texture.

Glazing: Layering thin, transparent coats of oil or acrylic paint to achieve depth and complexity of colour.
Impasto: Use of thick, textural paint to add dimension to the surface of the painting.
Dry brush: Running a nearly dry, paint-loaded brush across the canvas to create a textured effect.
Scumbling: A layering technique whereby opaque, lighter colours are gently spread over darker ones.
Stippling: Technique of painting small, distinct dots of colour.

Water-based mediums: Such as watercolour and acrylics, can be diluted with water and are easy to clean up.
Oil-based mediums: Oil paints, for example, provide a rich, deep colour and longer drying time.
Dry mediums: Like pastels, pencil, or charcoal, allow for precise lines and detail.
Mixed media: Combining various traditional and non-traditional mediums to create a multidimensional effect.

Mediums: Material mixed in with the pigment to change the texture, finish (matte or glossy) or longevity of the paint.
Gesso: Allows for better adhesion of the paint to the surface, provides protective coat to the canvas.
Varnish: Provides a protective finish coat to maintain the painting’s integrity over time.
Impasto medium: Added to oil or acrylic paints to create a 3-dimensional effect.

Canvas: Most common, used for oil and acrylic painting.
Wood: Requires sealing to prevent sap or oils from seeping into the painting.
Paper: A versatile choice for a variety of mediums, including watercolour, pastel, and acrylic.
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard): Ideal for larger works, provides a solid, sturdy surface.