What we see when we look at a painting—the image and our belief in it—is the result of choices in painting media, physical components, and methods made by the painter prior to and during the painting process. To a great extent, the number of choices, the way they are made, and the sequence in which they are used are influenced by the environment of the artist. Availability of materials, training, common practice, the demand of imagery, scale, and placement of the completed painting all influence these choices. We certainly cannot discount skill and invention as contributing factors in the making of the object for they guide the use of materials, and when the artist is truly inspired, allow us to be transported into the life of the painting.