Painting is the process and technique of applying pigment (a dry powder mixed with a binding agent) to a surface. Pigments such as oil paint, tempera paint; watercolour paint and acrylic paint can be applied in a single layer or built up in multiple layers of colour.

Brushes, palette knives or the artist's fingers can be used to apply various paints. Surfaces such as paper, canvas, wood or plaster are used to paint on.