======Paint in the Wizarding World======
=====Object Information=====
  * **Type:** Magical Substance; Mundane Material
  * **Owners:** Various [[Wizard|wizards]], [[Witch|witches]], and [[Muggle|Muggles]]
  * **Maker:** Various magical and mundane manufacturers
=====Description and Appearance=====
Paint in the wizarding world serves both magical and mundane purposes and appears largely identical to its non-magical counterpart. It is a liquid or semi-liquid substance applied to surfaces that dries to form a solid coating. It exists in a full spectrum of colors, seen in various applications from the scarlet paint of the [[Hogwarts Express]] steam engine to the gold paint used for the lettering on the [[Knight Bus]].
In its mundane form, paint is used for simple decoration and maintenance. Its condition can be an indicator of a location's upkeep, such as the peeling paint on the walls of the derelict [[Riddle House]] or the presumably well-maintained state of the house at [[Number Four, Privet Drive]].
The most significant form of paint is that used in the creation of **magical portraits**. This paint, when combined with powerful [[Enchantment|enchantments]], is the key to creating artwork that is sentient and animated.
=====Magical Properties and Usage=====
The primary magical application of paint is in the creation of enchanted portraits. While the artist's skill is paramount, the specially treated paint and canvas are what allow for the subject's personality and movement to be captured.
  * **Sentience and Animation:** The most crucial property is the ability to imbue a portrait with a magical "imprint" of its subject. This allows the painted figure to move, speak, display emotions, and interact with living observers and the subjects of other portraits.
  * **Inter-Portrait Travel:** A subject of a magical portrait can travel to any other portrait of themselves, wherever it may be located. This allows for a unique form of rapid communication and observation across vast distances. [[Phineas Nigellus Black]] frequently demonstrated this by moving between his portraits at [[Hogwarts]] and [[Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place]].
  * **Functionality:** Magical portraits can serve practical purposes. They can act as guards for entrances, demanding passwords, as seen with [[The Fat Lady]] and [[Sir Cadogan]]. They can also serve as keepers of knowledge and advisors, as the portraits of former Headmasters and Headmistresses do in the [[Headmaster's office]].
  * **Personality Imbuement:** The personality captured in the painting reflects the subject at the time of painting. A powerful and knowledgeable wizard like [[Albus Dumbledore]] would sit for his portrait prior to his death, teaching it his memories and mannerisms to ensure it would be a useful guide for future generations (Pottermore).
Other magical uses of paint may include the gold lettering on the [[Knight Bus]], which can appear and disappear, and the hand-painted sign on the ghoul's room at [[The Burrow]], which humorously read "The Ghoul's Lair".
=====History=====
The history of paint is intrinsically linked to the history of magical art and architecture. The tradition of creating magical portraits has been established for centuries, particularly within ancient institutions like [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] and the [[Ministry of Magic]].
At [[Hogwarts]], the network of portraits has become a fundamental part of the castle's life and security. The portraits of former Headmasters form a collective of advisors, preserving the wisdom of their time for their successors. This network proved vital during the [[Second Wizarding War]], when [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s portrait was able to provide crucial guidance to [[Severus Snape]] and, later, to [[Harry Potter]].
The use of portraits for communication, particularly by [[Phineas Nigellus Black]], highlights a long-standing method of information exchange within pure-blood families and the [[Order of the Phoenix]].
=====Role in the Story=====
Paint, particularly in the form of magical portraits, plays a multi-faceted and crucial role throughout the series.
  * **Guarding and Security:** [[The Fat Lady]]'s portrait is the primary guard for [[Gryffindor Tower]], and her being attacked by [[Sirius Black]] was a major security breach. She was temporarily replaced by the eccentric [[Sir Cadogan]]. The shrieking portrait of [[Walburga Black]] at [[Grimmauld Place]] acted as an unintended, noisy alarm system.
  * **Communication and Espionage:** [[Phineas Nigellus Black]]'s ability to travel between his portraits was used by [[Albus Dumbledore]] to send messages and by [[Harry Potter]] to gain intelligence on events at [[Hogwarts]] while he was in hiding.
  * **Guidance and Information:** The portraits in the [[Headmaster's office]] provided counsel, with [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s portrait instructing [[Severus Snape]] on how to deliver the [[Sword of Gryffindor]] to [[Harry]].
  * **Concealment and Passageways:** The portrait of [[Ariana Dumbledore]] in the [[Hog's Head Inn]] concealed a secret passage to the [[Room of Requirement]], which became a vital lifeline for [[Dumbledore's Army]] and the [[Order of the Phoenix]] during the final battle.
  * **Setting and Mood:** Mundane paint helps establish the atmosphere of locations. The peeling paint of the [[Riddle House]] emphasizes its neglect, while Fred and George's use of a "FRESH PAINT" sign to block a corridor showcases their mischievous nature.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
According to the Wizarding World website (formerly Pottermore), Hogwarts portraits are created by a wizard or witch artist who paints the subject while using enchantments to capture their personality and mannerisms. For the portrait to be truly lifelike and knowledgeable, the subject must spend considerable time with the artist, teaching the painting how to act and think like them. This is why the Headmasters' portraits are such a valuable resource, as they are deliberately imbued with the wisdom of their living counterparts before their deaths.
In the film adaptations, the halls of [[Hogwarts]] are famously lined with hundreds of moving and chattering portraits, immediately establishing the magical nature of the world for the audience (film).