Wood Painting

Wood Panel Painting - The Technique

A piece of wood was plastered with chalk powder to create a smooth even surface.

Then images were drawn on it using a charcoal and once the images were perfected, colors were applied with tin brushes. These colors were all egg yolk based and were known as tempera. The brush strokes were generally small and delicate. Since the colors dried quickly there was very little chance of correction, so the attempt was to make perfect strokes each time. This made the painting style a very painstaking one.

Monalisa -oil on wood

This 16 th century oil painting on poplar wood by Da Vinci is probably the most celebrated painting of all times. it has for centuries inspired reproduction, caused controversies and was stolen and recovered miraculously. However more than anything else it is a celebration of the art form, because the Mastery of the painter has found form in the most suitable medium in this painting.

Decorative Paintings on Wood

Today, wood has found favor with many experimental artists. Furniture such as coffee tables, cabinets and cupboard are ideal canvas for such paintings. Although there are definitive techniques, such as sponging, graining, and stenciling, one can also follow ones whims and make ones own technique.

This new development has ensured that this ancient art form does not die.