Lecture Note on Art Appreciation

R. P. Gahilomo Jr.

This course aims to provide students the opportunity to observe, participate in, or
otherwise experience works of art in order to appreciate their role and purpose in life. Students
will be exposed to various works of art, ranging from the classical art forms to modern art
installations, performance art, indie films, enhanced e-books, and multimedia aesthetics. These
works of art will be examined from an aesthetic point of view and also as reflections or critiques
of the societies that produced them. The course will thus build upon and hone the skill of
understanding, critical appreciation, and expression of one’s views.

At the end of the course, the students must be able to approach a work of art from a
perspective informed by the history and tradition of art and the social milieu in which it was
produced as well as the perspective of aesthetics. Such an approach would require a written
appraisal of the meaning and value of the works of art taken up in class and possible some within
the immediate vicinity of the student’s experience. The written essays must clearly demonstrate
not only understanding and appreciation of a specified work of art, but also a sense of the work’s
important in life, culture, and history.

At the end of the course, students must have:

1. Developed appreciation on different kinds of arts;
2. Appreciated the things around them and be able to make use of it as a subject in their
art works; 3. Manifested ability in dance, drawing, drama, music and in color harmonies;
and
4. Correlated the function of the art, as an instrument in developing the capabilities of the
students to be dynamic and nurturing to enrich human experience and the well-being of
our society.

What is Humanities? Definition, Scope, History & Importance

Humanities is a term that refers to a wide range of academic disciplines that study the
various aspects of human culture, such as literature, history, philosophy, art, religion, and
languages. Humanities subjects aim to explore the values, beliefs, ideas, and expressions that
shape and reflect the human experience. Humanities education is not focused on training students
for a specific profession, but rather on developing their critical thinking, communication,
creativity, and empathy skills that can be applied to any field of endeavor.
Meaning & Definitions- What is Humanities?
The word “humanities” comes from the Latin word “humanitas”, which means “human
nature” or “human quality”. In ancient times, humanities were the subjects that were considered
essential for a free and educated person to learn, such as grammar, rhetoric, poetry, and history.
These were contrasted with the subjects that were useful for practical purposes, such as law,
medicine, and engineering.
Today, the humanities meaning has expanded to include not only the classical subjects,
but also the modern and contemporary subjects that deal with the cultural and social aspects of
human life, such as sociology, anthropology, media studies, and gender studies. Humanities
stream is interdisciplinary, meaning that it encourages students to explore the connections and
interactions between different fields of knowledge.

History & Scope of Humanities

The origin of humanities can be traced back to the ancient civilizations of Greece and
Rome, where they were regarded as the core of a liberal arts education for the elite. The concept
of humanities was further developed by the Renaissance scholars, who revived the classical
learning and culture, and by the Enlightenment thinkers, who emphasized the rational and
humanistic values of humanity.
However, humanities degree did not remain static, but rather adapted to the changing
needs and interests of society. In the 19th and 20th centuries, humanities expanded to include the
new and emerging subjects that reflected the social and cultural transformations of the modern
world, such as psychology, sociology, linguistics, and cultural studies. Humanities also
responded to the challenges and critiques posed by the scientific and technological
developments, such as the rise of positivism, empiricism, and naturalism.

Major Humanities Subjects List

Humanities education covers a wide range of subjects that study the cultural and social
aspects of human life. Some of the major humanities subjects are:
1. Literature: Literature can help students to appreciate the beauty and power of language,
as well as to explore the themes and issues that affect humanity across time and space.
2. History: History can help students to understand the causes and consequences of
historical phenomena, as well as to appreciate the diversity and complexity of human
societies.
3. Philosophy: Philosophy can help students to develop their logical and critical thinking
skills, as well as to examine their own beliefs and values.
4. Art: Art can help students to develop their creative and expressive skills, as well as to
enjoy and evaluate the artistic works and traditions of different cultures and periods.
 5. Religion: Religion can help students to understand the origins and functions of religion,
as well as to compare and contrast the religious traditions and experiences of different
people and cultures.

Importance of Liberal Arts and Humanities

Liberal arts and humanities are important for several reasons, such as:
1. Liberal arts and humanities can help students to become well-rounded and versatile
individuals, who can integrate and apply their knowledge and skills across different
domains and contexts.
2. Liberal arts and humanities can help students to become adaptable and flexible learners,
who can cope with and thrive in the changing and uncertain world.
3. Liberal arts and humanities can help students to become innovative and original thinkers,
who can generate and implement new ideas and solutions for the challenges and
opportunities that they encounter.
4. Liberal arts and humanities can help students to become engaged and responsible
citizens, who can participate and contribute to the democratic and diverse society.

Humanities and Social Sciences

Humanities and social sciences are the academic disciplines that study the various aspects
of human culture and society, such as literature, history, philosophy, art, sociology, psychology,
economics, and more. Humanities and social sciences can help students to develop a broad and
deep knowledge base, as well as critical thinking, communication, creativity, and empathy skills
that can be applied to any field of endeavor.
Humanities provides students with the ideal preparation for a life of intellectual action,
by merging a diverse range of subjects and approaches, and by encouraging them to explore the
connections and interactions between different fields of knowledge.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the significance of humanities with skill subjects in education cannot be
overstated. As a broad spectrum of disciplines encompassing literature, history, philosophy, and
more, humanities offer students a rich understanding of human culture and society. This
interdisciplinary approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability, equipping
individuals with the skills necessary to navigate an ever-changing world. Whether it’s
appreciating the beauty of language in literature, understanding the complexities of historical
phenomena, or delving into philosophical inquiry, humanities education empowers students to
become well-rounded, versatile, and engaged citizens. Understanding the essence of humanities
stream is essential for those seeking to embrace a holistic education that transcends mere career
What is art?
Art, a visual object or experience consciously created through an expression of skill or
imagination. The term art encompasses diverse media such as painting, sculpture, printmaking,
drawing, decorative arts, photography, and installation
Art is the expression of ideas and emotions through a physical medium, like painting,
sculpture, film, dance, writing, photography, or theatre. If you love the creative process, maybe
you'll devote your life to art.
Definitions of art
noun - the creation of beautiful or significant things
“art does not need to be innovative to be good”
“I was never any good at art”
“he said that architecture is the art of wasting space beautifully”
synonyms: artistic creation, artistic production
noun - the products of human creativity; works of art collectively
“an art exhibition”
“a fine collection of art”
synonyms: fine art
noun - photographs or other visual representations in a printed publication
synonyms: artwork, graphics, nontextual matter
noun - a superior skill that you can learn by study and practice and observation
“the art of conversation”
“it's quite an art”
synonyms: artistry, prowess
DIFFERENT KINDS OF ART

Painting

Sculpture

Visual arts

Literature
Architecture

Impressionism

Performing arts

Pop art
Abstract art

Expressionism

Music

Surrealism

Cubism
Digital art

Photography

Decorative arts

Drawing
Folk art

Graphic arts

Installation art

Graffiti
Plastic arts

Realism

Cinema

The 7 Different Forms of Art: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction

Art, in its myriad forms, encapsulates human creativity, emotion, and ingenuity.

While art manifests in countless ways, seven principal forms universally represent "the

arts." Let's embark on a journey to understand and appreciate these distinctive artistic

expressions.

Understanding Art

Art transcends mere aesthetics. It embodies human creativity, offering both a

visual and sensory experience. While traditionally celebrated for its beauty and emotional

depth, contemporary art often integrates elements of political commentary and societal
critique. To genuinely appreciate the magnitude of art, one must delve into its seven

predominant forms, each offering a unique perspective on life and history.

The Magnificent Seven Forms of Art

1. Painting: Often the first form that springs to mind when one mentions art. From

the ancient cave murals to contemporary masterpieces by artists like Alec

Monopoly and David Kracov, painting has always been a profound medium of

expression. Using varied materials such as oils, acrylics, or watercolors, artists convey

their vision on canvases, narrating tales of eras, emotions, and experiences.

 2. Sculpture: This three-dimensional art has roots in prehistoric times,
evolving from stone and clay to modern materials like metal and plastic. Whether
it's Michelangelo's 'David' or Dorit Levinstein's innovative creations, sculptures are
tangible manifestations of creativity.
 3. Literature: The art of words; literature encompasses poetry, essays, plays,
and more. Through tales and narratives, authors like George Orwell and Charles
Dickens have not only entertained but also critiqued society, making literature an
art form that resonates across ages.
 4. Architecture: The art form we inhabit and experience daily. From the
grandeur of the Taj Mahal to modern marvels like the Sydney Opera House,
architecture marries functionality with artistic expression, showcasing mankind's
ingenuity over time.

5. Cinema: A relatively recent entrant, cinema is a multi-sensory experience.

By weaving together visuals, sound, and narratives, filmmakers create magic on
screen. Directors like Stanley Kubrick and George Lucas have transformed cinema
into an art form that's globally cherished.

6. Music: A universal language, music resonates with souls across cultures.

From ancestral tribal beats to contemporary genres, music has been the heartbeat of
societies, expressing emotions and narrating tales without uttering a word.

7. Theater: A harmonious blend of visuals and dramatic performance, the

theater has captivated audiences since Ancient Greece. Incorporating elements like
music, literature, and set design, the theater offers a holistic experience, bringing
stories to life on stage.

Final Thoughts
While one might debate which art form holds precedence, the truth remains that each of
these seven forms provides a unique window into human history, culture, and evolution. They are
the tapestries that chronicle our journey, reminding us of our past while inspiring visions for the
future.

ELEMENTS OF ART
 Elements of art are stylistic features that are included within an art piece to help the artist
communicate.[1] The seven most common elements include line, shape, texture, form, space,
color and value, with the additions of mark making, and materiality. When analyzing these
intentionally utilized elements, the viewer is guided towards a deeper understanding of the work.

Line
Lines are marks moving in a space between two points whereby a viewer can visualize
the stroke movement, direction, and intention based on how the line is oriented. Lines describe
an outline, capable of producing texture according to their length and curve. There are different
types of lines artists may use, including, actual, implied, vertical, horizontal, diagonal and
contour lines, which all have different functions. Lines are also situational elements, requiring
the viewer to have knowledge of the physical world in order to understand their flexibility,
rigidity, synthetic nature, or life.

Shape
A shape is a two-dimensional design encased by lines to signify its height and width
structure, and can have different values of color used within it to make it appear three-
dimensional. In animation, shapes are used to give a character a distinct personality and features,
with the animator manipulating the shapes to provide new life. There are different types of
shapes an artist can use and fall under either geometrical shape, defined by mathematics, or
organic shapes, created by an artist. Simplistic, geometrical shapes include circles, triangles and
squares, and provide a symbolic and synthetic feeling, whereas acute angled shapes with sharp
points are perceived as dangerous shapes. Rectilinear shapes are viewed as dependable and more
structurally sound, while curvilinear shapes are chaotic and adaptable.

Form
Form is a three-dimensional object with volume of height, width and depth. These objects
include cubes, spheres and cylinders. Form is often used when referring to physical works of art,
like sculptures, as form is connected most closely with those three-dimensional works.[5]

Color
 Color is an element consisting of hues, of which there are three properties: hue, chroma
or intensity, and value. Color is present when light strikes an object and is reflected back into the
eye, a reaction to a hue arising in the optic nerve. The first of the properties is hue, which is the
distinguishable color, like red, blue or yellow. The next property is value, meaning the lightness
or darkness of the hue. The last is chroma or intensity, distinguishing between strong and weak
colors. A visual representation of chromatic scale is observable through the color wheel that uses
the primary colors. Color is divided into various classes, primary color, secondary color,
complimentary color, tertiary color, analogous color and neutral color. Primary colors are
fundamental colors and can't be achieved by mixture of other colors (they are not mixable) and
they are red, yellow and blue. Secondary colors are colors produced when two primary colors (of
equal rate) are mixed together.

Space (positive and negative space)

Space refers to the perspective (distance between and around) and proportion (size)
between shapes and objects and how their relationship with the foreground or background is
perceived. There are different types of spaces an artist can achieve for different effect. Positive
space refers to the areas of the work with a subject, while negative space is the space without a
subject. Open and closed space coincides with three-dimensional art, like sculptures, where open
spaces are empty, and closed spaces contain physical sculptural elements.

Texture
Texture is used to describe the surface quality of the work, referencing the types of lines
the artist created. The surface quality can either be tactile (real) or strictly visual (implied).Tactile
surface quality is mainly seen through three-dimensional works, like sculptures, as the viewer
can see and/or feel the different textures present, while visual surface quality describes how the
eye perceives the texture based on visual cues.

Value
The scale between dark (black) and light (white) values.
Value refers to the degree of perceivable lightness of tones within an image. The element
of value is compatible with the term luminosity, and can be "measured in various units
designating electromagnetic radiation". The difference in values is often called contrast, and
references the lightest (white) and darkest (black) tones of a work of art, with an infinite number
of grey variants in between. While it is most relative to the greyscale, though, it is also
exemplified within colored images.

Art Mediums: Definition, Examples and Types

 What are art mediums? A medium refers to the physical material used to create a work of
art. This can include anything from paint and canvas to clay and charcoal. There are endless
possibilities when it comes to choosing a medium, which means that artists have a lot of freedom
when it comes to expressing themselves.

Mediums can be categorized in multiple different ways. Artists can work with 2D
mediums like paint and drawing tools, or 3D mediums like clay, stone and marble. The practice
of painting and the practice of sculpting are both art practices, albeit very different ones. The
techniques used in the art practice and the appearance of the finished piece all depend upon the
medium used to make it.

In this guide, we’ll show you some common examples of art mediums and give an
overview of how to use them.
Painting
1. Charcoal
2. Graphite
3. Soft Pastel
4. Oil Pastel
5. Colored pencils
6. Water-soluble pencils
7. Silverpoint
8. Ink
9. Oil paint
10. Acrylic paint
11. Watercolor paint
12. Gouache paint
13. Tempera paint
14. Encaustic

Sculpture
15. Clay modelling
16. Glass
17. Wood art
18. Bronze
19. Digital art
20. Collage

Which art mediums do you want to try?

 1. Charcoal
Charcoal is a popular medium for artists who enjoy working with black and white tones. It
can be used to create very detailed drawings, or more abstract pieces. Charcoal is made from
burning wood until it turns into a soft, black substance. It can be bought in sticks of various
thicknesses, or as loose powder. This is one of the oldest art mediums on the list, as humans have
been using it for thousands of years.
When working with charcoal, it’s important to use a fixative spray to prevent your drawing
from smudging. Charcoal is commonly used as a drawing medium in higher educational settings,
such as universities and ateliers.
There are various charcoal drawing supplies, that can be used to create different techniques
and effects. For example, artists can brush charcoal powder onto the paper to create smooth
blends and soft transitions. Charcoal pencils are great for detail work and tortillon work
excellently as blending tools to smooth out edges.

2. Graphite
 Graphite is the most popular and widely used of all the art mediums. It’s a medium that is
often used for more realistic drawings. Unlike charcoal, graphite is a grey color. It can be found
in pencils of various hardness levels, from very soft (8B) to very hard (8H).
The softer the pencil, the darker your drawing will be. The harder the pencil, the lighter your
drawing will be. You can also use graphite to create a range of different shades by using different
pressure levels.
When working with graphite, it’s important to keep your paper clean and free from smudges.
You can do this by using a sheet of tracing paper over your work.
The downside of graphite compared to charcoal, is that heavily shaded areas can appear
slightly reflective. If you want to create deep matte dark tones in your drawings, try drawing with
charcoal instead.
Regardless of this, graphite is a great medium of choice, that’s cheap and easy to get started
with. Plus, it’s easy to correct mistakes, get a kneaded eraser, or a regular eraser to remove
unwanted pencil marks.

3. Soft Pastel
soft pastel art mediums
Soft pastels are a great medium of choice for artists who want to create brightly colored
drawings and paintings. Pastels are made from a combination of pigment, and binder. The binder
of soft pastels includes chalk, gum arabic and some soft pastel brands add other inert fillers to the
mix. There is a high pigment to binder ratio in soft pastels, which gives them their intensely
vibrant colours and soft, crumbly texture.
Pastels come in sticks of various hardnesses. Harder pastels are better for the first layers
of a drawing, and softer pastels work perfectly for the final touches.
Brands of soft pastel that are especially soft in texture include Schmincke and Sennelier.
These are also some of the finest quality pastels you can get.
Make sure to buy a textured or toothy paper when drawing with soft pastel. This is so that the
pastel layers can adhere properly. A pastel paper that has a lot of teeth, like Pastelmat, will allow
more layers of pastel to adhere, meaning that you can build up the colours in the drawing, to
create realistic effects.
 4. Oil Pastel
Oil pastels are made from a mixture of pigment, oil and wax. When comparing oil pastels
and soft pastels, oil pastels are less messy than soft pastels, as the oil binder helps to hold the
pigment in place better. This makes them ideal for artists who want to avoid the dust that soft
pastel can create.
Many people will have used crayons before for drawing and fine artists’ oil pastels are made
from similar materials. However, fine artists’ oil pastels are made from quality, lightfast pigments
that can be used to make artwork that will stand the test of time. Quality oil pastels are often
much softer and buttery in texture than the hobbyist crayons.
Sennelier oil pastels are one of the best brands of oil pastel, they feel wonderfully soft and
luxurious to use. The pigment load is also very high, giving the pastels their intense colours.
This medium is popular with artists who want to create mixed media artworks. This is
because oil pastels can be used on top of other mediums, such as watercolor, without disturbing
the under layers.
Oil pastels come in a wide variety of colours and are relatively inexpensive. They’re easy to
use and are great for both beginner and experienced artists.

5. Colored pencils
colored pencils
Colored pencils are favored by many artists because they’re easy to control, and can be
used to produce both detailed and loose drawings. Artists can use a variety of techniques with
colored pencils, such as hatching, cross hatching, stippling and blending.
There are two main types of colored pencil art mediums, they are each made from
slightly different binders. Oil pencils and wax-colored pencils are very similar in their working
properties, but differ in that oil pencil cores are slightly harder and more durable. Wax colored
pencils, such as the Prismacolor wax pencils are soft in texture, so cover the tooth of the paper
more quickly. However, oil colored pencils, like the Polychromos pencils are less prone to
breakage.
When choosing a brand of colored pencil, it’s important to select one that has good
lightfast ratings. This means that the pigments used in the pencils won’t fade over time.
Prismacolor and Polychromous are two brands of colored pencils that have high quality, lightfast
pigments.
Colored pencils can be used on a variety of paper types, but surfaces like Pastel mat work
best, as they provide a tooth for the pencils to grip onto. With colored pencils, artists can draw on
different colored paper, like toned paper or black paper. Build layers on the surface to increase
the opacity of colors.
 6. Water-soluble pencils
How to use watercolor pencils
Watercolor pencils are made from pigments that are bound with gum arabic, just like
watercolor paints. The big difference is that watercolor paint comes in a dry form, as the core of
a pencil. This means that they need to be activated with water before they can be used.
Water-soluble pencils are a great medium for artists who want to have more control over
their watercolor paintings. This is because the artist can draw with the pencils first, before adding
water to the drawing. This means that you can plan your composition and work out the details
before painting.
When using water-soluble pencils, it’s important to use a good quality watercolor paper.
This is because the paper needs to be able to withstand a lot of moisture without warping or
buckling.
Legion Stonehenge cold pressed paper is a popular type of watercolor paper that is made
from 100% cotton rag. This gives it a strong surface that can take a lot of water without warping.
Water-soluble pencils can also be used dry, just like regular-colored pencils. This gives the
artist more control over their drawing, as they can add water at the end to produce a loose
painting.
 7. Silverpoint
Leonardo da Vinci: Head of a Girl: Silverpoint Drawing
Silverpoint is a traditional drawing medium that has been used since the Middle Ages. It’s
made by taking a thin piece of silver and drawing with it on paper. The silver leaves a pale line
on the paper that can be built up to create darker areas of shading.
Silverpoint is a very delicate medium, so it takes a lot of practice to master. It’s also quite
slow, as each line has to be drawn carefully.
Despite its challenges, silverpoint is a very rewarding medium to use. This is because it
produces a very beautiful, ethereal line that can’t be replicated with any other medium.
If you’re interested in trying silverpoint, you’ll need to invest in some good quality paper.
This is because the silver can damage cheaper papers.
Arches Hot Pressed watercolor paper is a great option for silverpoint, as it’s thick in weight.
It has a smooth surface that’s perfect for delicate lines.
 8. Ink
Ink is a liquid that’s made from pigments or dyes that are suspended in a vehicle. The vehicle
is usually water, but it can also be oil and alcohol. Ink can be used for drawing, painting and
printmaking.
There are two main types of ink: pigment-based and dye-based. Pigment-based inks are made
with finely ground pigments that are suspended in a vehicle. Dye-based inks are made with dyes
that are dissolved in a vehicle.
Ink is a very versatile medium that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be applied with a
brush, pen or airbrush. It can also be diluted with water to create different effects.
Ink is a very permanent medium, so it’s important to be careful when using it. Once it dries,
it’s very difficult to remove. To get started with ink, you’ll need some good quality paper like
Bristol Board. This is because ink can bleed through cheaper papers easily.
Marker pens are ink based, with a nib that’s filled with pigment-based or dye-based ink. The
ink is usually alcohol-based, which makes it quick drying.
Copic Markers are a popular pen amongst illustrators and graphic artists. They are oil,
alcohol and dye based, with intense and blendable colours.
If you’re also interested in watercolor painting, watercolor markers contain water soluble ink
that artists can create watercolor effects with. Draw with the marker, then wet a brush and paint
over the marks to create delicate and vibrant effects.
 9. Oil paint

Glazing Technique Oil Painting

Oil paint is a type of paint that’s made with pigments that are suspended in a drying oil. The
most common oils used are linseed oil and safflower oil. Oil paints take a long time to dry, which
gives the artist more time to work with them. They’re not water soluble, instead you will have to
change the consistency with solvent like turpentine or an added medium like linseed oil.
Oil paints have a very rich and creamy texture, which can be built up to create thick layers of
paint. Alternatively, you mix paint with solvent and linseed oil to create a more runny,
transparent effect.
This art medium is very versatile and can be applied in a multitude of ways. Apply the paint
with a brush, or with a palette knife.
You’ll also need some paint brushes, a solvent and a painting surface. A primed canvas or
wooden panel is a good option for beginners. It’s possible to paint solvent-free with oils,
however, read our guide to find out how.
 10. Acrylic paint
acrylic painting
Acrylic paint is made with pigments that are suspended in a synthetic acrylic resin binder.
Acrylics dry very quickly, which gives the artist less time to work with them. Although acrylics
are water soluble, you cannot wet them once they have dried. Dry acrylics form a waterproof
film, unlike watercolor and gouache which can be reworked
Acrylics are another versatile art medium, as they can be thinned down with water to
create a more runny consistency. They can also be thickened with a gel or paste to create a more
textured effect.
This is one of the best art mediums for beginners, if you don’t mind the fast-drying times!
The reason for this is that the effects can emulate oil paints, as the paint allows for artists to build
texture on the paper, or thin with water or a glazing medium to create transparent glazes.
However, you don’t need solvent to clean up and paints are generally cheaper compared to oil
paint.
 11. Watercolor paint
gouache vs watercolor
Watercolor paint is a delicate and transparent medium made from pigment in a gum
arabic binder. The paint is usually sold in tubes of concentrated pigment, which you then mix
with water to create the desired shade.
With watercolor, create washes of color by painting with a large brush and adding lots of
water. Or, you can create more detailed paintings by using a small brush and adding less water.
One advantage of watercolor over other mediums, is that it’s very easy to clean up.
Simply use water and soap, and any dried paint will wash away.
There is no white watercooler paint, this means that you have to paint light to dark,
leaving the white of the paper to show through for the brightest highlights. If you want to create
highlights with white paint, you can use gouache titanium white.
The watercolor supplies you need to get started are quality watercolor paper, watercolor
paints, then you’ll also need some good quality brushes, as well as a palette to mix your colors
on. Plastic or porcelain palettes are a good option, as it doesn’t absorb moisture like paper
palettes.
One technique that can be used to add precision to watercolor paintings, is the line and wash
technique. Draw the details of your artwork with waterproof ink, then paint vivid washes over
the top.
 12. Gouache paint
gouache painting
Gouache is an opaque watercolor paint, made from pigment and gum arabic. The medium
dries to a matte finish, which makes it ideal for illustrations.
The ingredients of gouache are almost the same as watercolor, but the opacity of gouache
comes from a higher proportion of pigment. Some brands of gouache add extra inert fillers like
chalk, or white pigment.
Gouache is very easy to control, as the opaque nature of the paint allows you to cover up
mistakes easily. You can use the medium in a similar way to watercolor, by creating washes of
color. Or, you can create thicker, more opaque paintings by painting with colors straight from the
tube.
Compared to all the other art mediums on the list, this one is perhaps the easiest to learn. It
has the advantages of watercolor, in that it’s cheap and easy to clean. Gouache is water soluble
and soluble once dry, so artists can lift color from paper, unlike with acrylic paint which is
waterproof once dry. It’s fast drying and layers are buildable, meaning that artists can choose to
add highlights in the final layers, if they mix colors with opaque white.
 13. Tempera paint
Tempera paint is a fast-drying paint made from pigment that has been mixed with a
water-soluble binder. The binder is usually an egg yolk, which gives the paint a yellowish hue.
The advantage of tempera paint is that it’s very inexpensive and it dries very quickly.
However, the paint is not very versatile, as it can only be used in a few ways.
Because tempera paint dries so quickly, it’s not ideal for blending or for creating washes of
color. It’s better suited for creating small, detailed paintings.

14. Encaustic
Encaustic types of painting
Encaustic paint is a wax paint. It’s made from pigment that has been suspended in a
beeswax and Damar resin medium. Encaustic paint is heated so that the wax melts, and then
applied to a surface.
It’s one of the best art mediums for creating abstract pieces, as you can achieve painterly
effects with ease.
This art medium isn’t as easy to control as some of the others on the list. Artists can apply
the hot wax with a brush, or palette knife.
 Once the wax has cooled and hardened, it can be reheated and manipulated. This allows
artists to create textured surfaces, or to build up layers of color.
Encaustic paint dries very quickly, so it’s not ideal for blending, but the effects that artists can
achieve are really striking!

15. Clay modelling

This is a type of 3D art medium. With clay, artists can create sculptures or vessels. The
advantage of clay is that it’s very easy to manipulate and fun to experiment with.
Artists can use their hands to sculpt the clay, or they can use tools such as knives, wire
brushes and needles. Once the sculpture is complete, it needs to be fired in a kiln so that the clay
hardens. Kilns get really hot and stoneware needs to be fired twice, the second firing goes up to
around 1200°C. If you’ve glazed the sculpture, the glaze will fuse to the clay, strengthening the
piece. You can create some wonderful and interesting effects with clay, for example, melting
glass to create interesting decorations and textures on the surface.
Modelling clay is a great art medium for beginners who have the time to invest in learning, as
it’s enjoyable and therapeutic to mould.
If you’re interested in sculpting, then clay is a great medium to start with. Enquire in your
local area to find classes, as you will need access to a kiln and to follow the right process to build
and fire the sculptures correctly.
 16. Glass
Glass is a medium commonly used in stained glass windows, but it can also be used to create
3D sculptures, ornaments, jewellery and more.
It is a difficult material to work with, as it’s fragile and can break easily. It’s also a very
unforgiving medium, so any mistakes made whilst working with glass are permanent.
Despite these challenges, glass is a really beautiful medium to work with and the results can
be stunning. If you’re interested in working with glass, then it’s definitely worth taking some
classes so that you can learn from an expert.
 17. Wood art
wood art
Wood is another really versatile art medium that can be used to create all sorts of things,
from sculptures to carvings. Woodworking is a skill that takes years to perfect, and it’s important
to have access to the right tools and equipment.
One of the great things about woodworking is that there are no rules! You can be as creative
as you like, and there are endless possibilities.
 18. Bronze
Bronze is a metal that’s made by combining copper and tin. It was first used over 4000 years
ago, and it’s still one of the most popular materials for creating sculptures.
The advantage of bronze is that it’s very strong and durable. To create a sculpture with bronze,
artists first make a series of moulds, then cast the metal.
Bronze sculptures can be finished in a variety of ways, including patination (a chemical
process that changes the color of the bronze) and gilding (covering the sculpture in gold leaf).
 19. Digital art
Digital art is a relatively new art form that’s created using computer software. It can be used
to create 2D and 3D art, as well as animation and video.
Digital art is becoming increasingly popular, as it offers artists a lot of freedom and
flexibility. It’s also easy to share digital art online, which has helped to increase its popularity.
There are a number of different softwares for digital art and digital painting. The most
popular software that can be considered the industry standard is Photoshop. Photoshop is a
versatile program, as it was originally designed as an image manipulation software, but it’s now
used for graphic design, illustration and digital painting.
There are lots of different Photoshop brushes that you can download that emulate the effects
of traditional painting media, like watercolor and oil paint. Digital painting with Photoshop
brushes is easy, simply open a new document, select your favorite brushes and start making
beautiful art!
One tool that makes the process feel much more intuitive, however, is a graphics tablet. With
a graphics tablet you can draw on the tablet with a pen, which, if you use a HUION or Wacom
tablet, will have thousands of levels of pressure sensitivity, so you can control line width and
opacity by the pressure you apply to the pen. There are also plenty of 2 in 1 tablet laptops for
artists, that allow you to draw on the display with a stylus.
Despite the fact that Photoshop is the most popular program, there are plenty of other digital
art software programs that offer a range of features. For example, Corel Painter simulates a
traditional painting experience. Clip Studio Paint is a great program for artists interested in
creating cartoons, anime or manga art.

20. Collage
Collage is a technique where you create a picture by combining different materials, such as
paper, fabric, photographs and more.
It is a great way to create unique and interesting artwork. It’s also a good way to recycle old
materials that you might otherwise throw away.
 To create a collage, you’ll need to gather your materials. Once you have your materials, you
can start arranging them on a surface, such as a piece of paper or canvas. Once you’re happy
with the arrangement, you can glue the pieces in place.

Which art mediums do you want to try?

When it comes to art, the sky’s the limit! There are so many mediums to choose from,
and each one has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
The best way to find out which medium is right for you is to experiment, read and watch
some tutorials to find which one of these art mediums will be best for you. And most
importantly, have fun with the process!