The relationship between painting and design of Thoughts Abstract: This paper analyzes the painting and design of the mission, characteristics, similarities and differences and development, objective and profound, scientifically described the relationship between the two. Key words: graphic design mission relations Artists and designers will sometimes cause some controversy. Some believe that painting and design belong to art, as long as martial art, engaging in design is not a problem; while another view is: just by painting the foundation to engage in the design is not enough. Therefore, it is necessary to seriously consider the mission of both painting and design, clarify the various relationships between them, this is art and design education and practice of such constructive. First, painting and design characteristics, mission, distinguish Although the painting and design are both creative activities, but have their own characteristics and mission. Specifically, the painting has been watching the feature, reflecting the ideological, spiritual, emotional catharsis and aesthetic expression, etc., so, drawing a non-material, non-utilitarian, non-pragmatic. Innovation is the art of life, and achieved through personalization reflects, at all times and each have a distinguished painter had a very personalized creative works, showing his typical style and features. Painters (especially modernist painter), in order to demonstrate the vitality of work, according to their wishes, in the skills, materials and tools, applications as they please without considering his work can not be understood by, enjoy, accept or endorse . In this regard, Van Gogh is a typical master as he created a lot of great, but at the time could not be widely accepted. The design has a distinct practical value, the production design, development and commercial activity has accompanied it, along with the commodity economy, intense competition occurs. Multi-level design is embodied in the rational thinking is reflected in the design and function of the first question, through science and technology, materials, technology, machinery, comprehensive level of industrial production, production of various products and ultimately satisfy the consumer society essential for survival of the material needs and spiritual needs. Therefore, the design is the material, utilitarian and practical, is not fully seat of your pants to complete, but more needs to accept and obey the general consumer's needs, culture, taste and lifestyle. For example, various types of electrical appliances from design to production, from market to consumer use, the whole design process reflects the need to consider various factors such as design, planning, marketing, consumption, production, cost, corporate culture, brand, design ideas, design styles and trends and other issues, to find the best expression, the designer's vision into a consumer to accept and adopt the reality. Second, similarities and differences between art and design Painting and design are two major branches of art, they share a common, belong to the creative activity, but there are essential differences, the relationship between the two belong to two different types of relationships between industry, specifically in the following aspects. First of all, painting and design making and implementation in process there is different way. Although the painting is an art, but the whole painting