Painting

Painting is the process of creating a two-dimensional visual artwork by applying mixed pigment on a flat surface such as paper or canvas. The pigment can be paste-like (e.g. oil paint, acrylic paint) or a dispersion of powdered pigment in water, as in watercolors. A painting is also the resulting work.

In contrast to drawing, the colors are individually mixed by the artist before they are used. An artist who paints is known as a painter.

A painting can be realistic or abstract.