An overview of major painting techniques including oil painting, watercolor, tempera, fresco, and printmaking.
Overview
Painting Techniques
Painting techniques enable diverse expressions depending on materials, supports, and application methods. Each technique has its unique history and characteristics: the rich colors of oil painting, the transparency of watercolor, the precise detail of tempera, the monumental mural expressions of fresco, and the reproducibility of printmaking. These techniques have been essential elements supporting artists' creativity from ancient times to the present day.
painting
oil painting
watercolor
tempera
fresco
printmaking
art
fine art
techniques
| code | slug | name | description | dryingSpeed | durability | medium | support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | oil-painting | Oil Painting | A technique using pigments mixed with drying oils. | Slow | Very high | Drying oils (linseed oil, etc.) | Canvas, wood panel, paper |
| 02 | watercolor | Watercolor | A transparent technique using water-soluble pigments on paper. | Fast | Low (vulnerable to water) | Gum arabic and water | Paper |
| 03 | tempera | Tempera Painting | A technique using pigments mixed with egg yolk or other binders. | Very fast | High | Egg yolk and water | Wood panel, cloth, paper |
| 04 | fresco | Fresco | A mural technique applying pigments to wet plaster walls. | Fast (plaster drying) | Very high | Lime plaster | Wall surface |
| 05 | printmaking | Printmaking | A reproductive technique transferring carved images from a plate to paper. | Depends on ink | Medium to high | Ink (oil-based or water-based) | Paper |
- Comprehensive Guide to 13 Painting Techniques including Oil and Watercolor article
- Types of Paintings Classified by Technique article
- Secrets of Painting Types and Techniques article
- Painting - Techniques, Methods, Media (Britannica) article
- Tempera Painting - History, Techniques and Examples (Britannica) article