Old wood surfaces should be sanded and cleaned before painting scenes on them.
Painting scenes on wood panels is a practice dating back to the Byzantine era. One of the most famous paintings done on a wood panel is Leonardo Da Vinci's "The Mona Lisa." Today it's common for artists to paint on wood panels, chairs and coffee tables, or to paint murals on wooden buildings. Wood surfaces should be primed before painting, and suitable paints should be used. Acrylic and oil-based paints work well for vivid scenes, while water colors can be used for soft, muted paintings.
Instructions
1. Sand the wood surface and thoroughly clean it, unless you want the painting to have a textured look and feel.
2. Prime the wood surface if you would like to start with a clean backdrop. Make sure the type of primer you use is compatible with the type of paint you want to use. You can use white primer, although some artists prefer to prime with a light background color that will be a dominant hue in the scene they're painting.
3. Draw a rough sketch of the scene on the piece of wood, using pencil, charcoal or chalk. You may wish to refer to a photo for inspiration, or sketch the scenery around you.
4. Paint the scene, using large brushes to do the broad strokes and fill in large areas of color, and smaller brushes to complete the details.
5. Cover the painting with a clear sealant, if the wood will be exposed to weather or repeated use.
