Paintings have been around for a long time. During prehistoric times, nomadic humans used paintings to mark caves they lived in with their stories. These paintings are our only proof of how they lived and where. The oldest paintings can be dated back to 42,000 years ago.
How did it start?
The motivation or inspiration of the nomadic people to start painting remains unclear. Some think that the markings can be a way of protection because of the life-size, realistic paintings of large animals. It could just simply be a way for them to mark ownership. Or to document things for reference of their unit members. Regardless of the reason, these rock paintings are the core foundations of art and history.
Evolution of painting
Painting, as we know it today, developed alongside the sophistication and urbanization of society. This is when mural paintings started emerging and became well-known in Greece. The paintings from this era introduced complex scenes shown through depth and development of visual perspective. Even when they still mostly portrayed stories and encounters. More art styles were discovered as more colors and techniques became accessible. One of which is finger painting.
Finger Painting as an Education Medium
Finger painting was introduced by Ruth Faison Shaw as an art education medium. The idea came to Shaw when she found a student of hers painting iodine on the bathroom walls.
In finger painting, the technique is to apply paint on paper using the fingers, hands, and lower arms. Shaw figured that this could be a good way to introduce kids to painting.
Some painters have been known to paint entirely with their hands in order to become more personal with the technique. While others are more open to experimenting with sponges, fabric, and other items to get a certain texture.
To ensure that this medium would be safe for children, Shaw also developed her techniques and patented non-toxic paint in 1931. Finger painting was instituted in America in April of 1936. Shaw, then, devoted herself to developing the techniques to cater to the therapeutic benefits of finger painting. It has since evolved into a vehicle for artistic self-expression and emotional healing for people of all ages and abilities.
