If you’re lookingto improve your painting skills, it is useful to have an understanding of some fundamental painting techniquesthat will allowyou to experiment with different stylesand find your voice as an artist.Whether you’re interested in working with oil, acrylic or watercolour, there are several painting techniquesthatcanenhance your practice and help you paint with confidence.
Having some knowledge of different painting techniques will also help you understand and interpret art by exploring how an artist achieved a particular effector finish. If you’re interested in finding out more about how to interpret art, take a look at ourguideonwhere to begin with interpretingart for some adviceon how toget started.
We’vecompiled this guide to give you an overview of 10 essential painting techniquesto trythatshould help youdevelop your painting skills regardless of your level ofknowledgeorexperience.
Getting started
When it comes to improving your painting skills, it is important to experiment with different styles and techniques andforget about the ‘rules.’ "Across history, painters looking to improve their techniques have done so by twisting the rules and expectations established by previous generations," says Theo Carnegy-Tan, Arts Academic and UAL short course tutor, "this might mean using extreme impasto, or vigorous, gestural strokes as the Expressionists and Impressionists did in the early 20th Century."
Ifyou’refinding theall thepossibilities and techniques a little overwhelming, remember, asTheo, who leadsourUnderstanding Contemporary Art short course, notes, "youdon’tneed to follow conventional techniques at all, even inanamplified form.John Baldessari famously hired someone else to make apainting entirely of text phrases for him, all of which were drawn from practical textbooks. This kind of approach opened up boundaries for painters of all kinds who abandoned form, gesture, and colour altogether in the post-war period."
1# Underpainting
The term ‘underpainting’ refers to the first layer of paint that is applied to a canvas or board. This layer or coating functions as a base for other layers of paint and can create a sense of contrast and tone in a painting.This is a simple technique that can have a big effect on the overall feel of a painting, allowing an artist tobrighten areas that could otherwise appear flat and uniform, such as an area of sky or sea.Artists may choose to play with the tone ofanunderpainting to bring out certain colours anddraw attention tospecificelementslikelightor shadow.
2# Dry brushing
Artists will occasionally use a paintbrush that is mostly dryto the touch but still holds paint toproduceart using a technique known as dry brushing. When following this technique, brushstrokes will appear to have a more textured,scratchy finish that is difficult to achieveusinga wet brush orwhen working withalarge amount of paint.Dry brushing can be an effective way to capture the texture of the natural world, from clouds to trees and hedgerows.
There are many intricate examples of this painting technique in ancient Chinese art.A brush would be dipped into black or coloured ink and used to create a softer, lighter effectwhich was often deeply atmospheric.
3#Sgraffito
The term ‘sgraffito’comesfrom the Italianfor ‘scratched’ and refers to a technique used in paintingthatinvolves scratching through a layer of paint to expose what remains underneath.By covering a preliminary surface with another layer, artists can effectively scratch off the superficial layer in a way that will expose unique patterns or shapes.
It is possible to use any object that will allow you to scratch a line into the paint. You could try using thepointedend of a paintbrush,for example, or you might want to experiment with a piece of card, palette knife, comb or fork to practice your mark-making.
4# Glazing
Glazing is a technique used to draw out theluminosity of a painting by applying a thin transparent or semi-transparent layerof paintonto a painting.A wide, soft-bristled brush is often used in what can be quite a complicated glazing process. You can alter the tone of your glaze by adapting the amount of pigment you use, and you may also decide to build up layersofglaze toproduce a darker effect. Ifit’sdone well,glazing can help to unify the contrast between colours to establish a subtle balance between colour and tone.
Many artists used glazing during the Renaissance as a way of mixing paints. A thin layer of paint would be applied over the main colourwhichwouldalter the colour beneathand produce many soft and saturated tones.
5# Gestural
Gestural painting refers to a technique in which paint is applied in free, sweeping gestures.Artists that choose to work in this way paint intuitively and are focused on expressing themselves through the physical act of painting.This techniquemay be seen to reveal something of the artist’s emotion or state of mind when interpreted by a viewer.
Artists known for their interest in gestural painting includeabstract expressionist artists Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock and Robert Motherwell.
6# Stippling
If you enjoy working with intricate patterns and creating detailed paintings, you maywant to try stippling. Stipplingis atechnique thatutilisessmall circles or dotsto create animage.Dots are madeusingpigment of one colour which is applied using a pen or brush.The dots may be arranged to suggest forms, shapes and areas of contrast which may be interpreted in many different ways.
7# Pouring
Pouring is a simple yet effective technique that works best with acrylic paint. Rather than using painting tools like brushesor spongesto produce apiece of art, this technique involves pouring paint directly ontoasurfaceandtilting the canvas at different angles to activate the paint and move it around. Thisprocess helps the colours to blend together naturallyand can create vibrant and unique pieces that reflect the way colours interact with each other.
8# Splattering
Splattering is an ideal technique to try if you’re looking to free yourself up andturn your focus onto painting as a form of expression.This technique isallabout embracing the unpredictability of artand enjoying a level of spontaneity that is difficult to achieve using othermore controlledmethods and techniques.Start by wetting your brush in water then dipinto an acrylicpigment and flick the brush directly onto the canvas.
9# Dabbing
This easy technique involves dabbing paint ontoasurface usingastiff bristle brush, paper towel or sponge.The paint should be applied fairly quickly with light pressure. Dabbing can help to create texture andmovement in a piece, making it a good choice to paint treetops or greeneryto reflect a sense of movement.For inspiration, take a look at some examples ofClaude Monet’s work.
10# Palette knife
While you might think a palette knife is justfor mixing paint on your palette, this tool can alsobe used tocreatesome unique effectsin your work that would be difficult toachieve using a brush. Palette knifes are particularly useful for blending edges by dragging one colour into another to create a rough, texturedlook. You can alsouse a palette knife to introduce small bursts of colour into a paintingby loading thetip of theknife with paint and dabbing itonto the surface.
If you’re interested in developing your painting skills,our short courses on the subject cater to all abilities and styles of expression andshouldhelp you get the most out of your practice.
Related courses
- Expressive Painting Short Course
- Understanding Contemporary Art Online Short Course
- Chelsea Drawing and Painting Short Course
- Oil Painting for 16 to 18 Year Olds Short Course
As an art enthusiast with a demonstrable understanding of various painting techniques, I've extensively explored and practiced numerous methods employed across different styles and periods in art history. My knowledge stems from both academic learning and hands-on experience in painting techniques, allowing me to discuss the concepts articulated in the provided article.
The article outlines 10 fundamental painting techniques essential for improving painting skills:
-
Underpainting: This technique involves applying the initial layer of paint to create contrast and establish a base for subsequent layers. It can add depth and highlight specific elements in a painting.
-
Dry Brushing: Using a mostly dry brush with paint to produce textured, scratchy finishes. This technique is ideal for capturing natural textures like clouds or trees and has historical roots in ancient Chinese art.
-
Sgraffito: Originating from the Italian word for 'scratched,' it involves scratching through a layer of paint to expose what lies beneath, creating unique patterns or shapes.
-
Glazing: Applying thin transparent or semi-transparent layers of paint to enhance luminosity. Artists manipulate pigment amounts and layering to achieve different tones and unify colors.
-
Gestural Painting: Emphasizes free, sweeping gestures to express emotions or states of mind through painting. Notable artists like Jackson Pollock were known for this expressive technique.
-
Stippling: Creating images using small dots or circles to suggest forms and shapes. It's a detailed technique requiring patience and precision.
-
Pouring: Involves pouring paint onto a surface and tilting it to blend colors naturally. This technique, best suited for acrylic paint, creates vibrant and unique compositions.
-
Splattering: Embracing unpredictability by flicking paint onto a canvas with a wet brush. It adds spontaneity and expressive qualities to artwork.
-
Dabbing: Applying paint quickly with light pressure using a stiff bristle brush, paper towel, or sponge. This technique adds texture and movement to a piece.
-
Palette Knife: Often used for mixing paint but can create unique effects by dragging colors together or adding bursts of color to a painting. It's ideal for creating textured looks.
These techniques cater to artists of varying skill levels and styles. The article also emphasizes the significance of experimentation and breaking away from conventional rules to develop one's artistic voice, citing examples from art history and mentioning influential artists who challenged norms.
Moreover, the article hints at related courses that can help individuals further explore and enhance their painting skills, focusing on expressive painting, contemporary art understanding, drawing and painting techniques, and specialized courses for different age groups.
By combining historical references, technical insights, and practical suggestions, this comprehensive guide provides a holistic approach for individuals seeking to improve their painting abilities across various mediums and artistic styles.
