This study introduces a new classification system for painting techniques that transcends traditional categories such as Japanese-style and oil painting. Since these techniques had been developed by each type of painting, it was difficult to grasp the overview of these techniques beyond the type of painting. We classified the 152 techniques listed in the literature based on the similarity of their 32 characteristic elements which was extracted by examined actual samples with an artist. The results showed that the dry brush technique in oil painting and a similar but differently named technique in Japanese-style painting belong to the same cluster. Painting techniques with similar characteristics were placed in the same cluster, while those with dissimilar characteristics were placed farther away, giving an overall picture of painting techniques by characteristics.