Course detail

Applied Technology of Painting

FaVU-ATP3Acad. year: 2025/2026

In this course, students will acquire knowledge and skills in painting techniques, with a strong emphasis on their applicability to individual creative practice. The course is designed with the understanding that students come with varying levels of prior knowledge and experience. The teaching combines lectures—introducing selected materials and techniques—with practical exercises focused on applying these materials and technologies in painting projects grounded in each student’s creative practice. 

During the lectures, students will explore the theoretical background of selected painting techniques and gain insight into the basic technological trends in contemporary art, as well as materials currently available on the market. The practical sessions emphasize hands-on application, aiming to identify optimal technological approaches for the professional and high-quality technical execution of painting work. 

Course topics include: 

  • Painting tools 

  • Selection and preparation of painting surfaces 

  • Pigments 

  • Binders 

  • Solvents 

  • Choice of painting technique 

  • Final treatment of surfaces 

  • Archiving the artwork 

 

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

MgA. Břetislav Malý

Department

Department of Traditional Media (KTM)

Offered to foreign students

The home faculty only

Entry knowledge

The initial prerequisite is an intense interest in painting technology, and painting practice.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Credit is awarded on the basis of active participation in teaching and fulfilment of partial tasks.
Attendance is mandatory (80%). Missed classes can be replaced by an individually assigned task in agreement with the teacher.

Aims

The aim of the course is to provide knowledge and develop students' competencies in the field of painting materials and techniques. Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired skills and knowledge in painting technology that they can apply in their own artistic practice. They will gain the ability to make informed choices regarding materials and technical approaches, enabling them to professionally execute their painting projects. Additionally, they will become familiar with the basic technological trends in contemporary painting and with the range of materials currently available on the market.  

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

LEARNER, Thomas J. S.; SMITHEN, P.; KRUEGER J. W.; SCHILLING, M. R. (eds.). Modern Paints Uncovered: Proceedings from the Modern Paints Uncovered Symposium. Los Angeles: Getty Conservation Institute, 2007. (EN)

Recommended reading

GOETHE, J. W. von. Theory of Colours. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/50572/50572-h/50572-h.htm (EN)
LEARNER, Thomas J. S. Analysis of modern paints. Los Angeles: Getty Conservation Institute, 2004. (EN)
TITMARSCH, Mark. Expanded painting: ontological aesthetics and the essence of colour. London ; New York: Bloomsbury Academic, 2017. (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme FAAD Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, summer semester, elective
  • Programme ZST-BX Bachelor's 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
  • Programme ZST-NX Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
  • Programme ZST-NBIP Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

8 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

MgA. Břetislav Malý

Syllabus

Below are the basic topics covered during the semester. Each topic will be given an introductory lecture, followed with briefing and a series of exercises focused on measuring and analysing various parameters of painterly materials. The specific choice of materials will always to some extent reflect the specific technological needs of individual students resulting from their current work.
1. Introduction to measuring techniques and basics of measuring procedures: microscopy, refractometry, spectrometry, PH measurement, spreadability measurement, etc. Preparation of relevant samples for measurement, methods of recording measurements and observations.
2. Pigments: measurement of wavelengths, observation of structures, measurement of light refraction, lightfastness, and reactions to acidic and basic environments, etc. Analysis of special effect pigments and consideration of their use for artistic purposes.
3. Binders: gloss measurement, viscosity measurement, light refractive index measurement, PH measurement, pigment-substrate binder relationship analysis.
4. Backgrounds: analysis of the structure of the background and its significance for the visual impression of the resulting painting.