Film 1: Paint / History

According to the film, paint is defined as a pigmented liquid that dries to form a protective film over a surface. Paint is composed of three main components: Binder/Resins, Solvent, and Pigment. Binders or resins are glue like substances such as linseed oil or acrylic polymers. Pigment is the color causing agent that is often made using ground minerals found in nature. Solvents are used to smooth the surface of the paint while drying and is most often water.

It is my opinion that modern chemistry has had the most significant impact on the evolution of paint. For example, artists who use textiles apply chemistry when dying them. Some may use sodium carbonate to set the dye. Another great tool that chemistry gave the art industry is the restoration aspect. The use of chemicals in the restoration process allow the undo-ing of oxidation and other types of damages that occur to painting over time.

A painting is some sort of work of art, usually created on a flat surfaces, primary using paint. A painting can depict several things such as a historical event, a story, an emotion. I feel that is it important that painting can be preserved for thousands of years because of the historical importance. For example, the painting found in ancient Egypt gave us enormous insight into the life of Egyptians, or the cave drawings left behind by Indians gave us information on the type of animals that roamed the earth during those times. Without these visual representations I feel that we would be lacking important insights into human and earth history.

Discussion Question

What colors stand out to you the most?