8 Acrylic Flat Brush Techniques Whether you’ve done one or one hundred paintings, practicing brush techniques is always a great exercise! A flat brush is the most commonly used and versatile brush for acrylic painting
Expand your creativity with painting knives!
Discover the differences and similarities between Tempera paint Vs Acrylic Paint to make a good choice for your next craft project! Do you like acrylic or tempera?
Here is a great resource for learning all about how to paint alla prima. Get started with these great tips for alla prima (wet on wet) painting techniques.
Award-winning painter and international art instructor, Johannes Vloothuis, shares 10 oil painting tips and tricks for better paintings.
Learn how to transfer your reference images onto the canvas for painting. Learn various techniques such as grid method, tracing, and projection. #transfertoacanvas #tracingoncanvas
Learn all about the elements of a good painting composition. It is important to have a clear understanding and know how to use composition in your painting.
Tonalism was an art movement which was characterized by hazy and atmospheric landscapes and muted color palettes.
Inspiration comes in many forms and can be very elusive. It can be the bane of any artist, but it can also be a treasure trove of creativity and ideas, helping you avoid the dreaded blank page syndrome. Professional artists know the importance of capturing inspiration when it comes because it is th
In this tutorial, I’ll walk through some basic brushstroke techniques for abstract acrylic painting. My signature style is to create paintings with bright and bold visible brushstrokes. Today you’ll learn my exact techniques so you can practice creating your own bold and beautiful artwork! Follow al
Learn how to transfer your reference images onto the canvas for painting. Learn various techniques such as grid method, tracing, and projection. #transfertoacanvas #tracingoncanvas
Joaquín Sorolla, Return from Fishing, the Beach in Valencia, 1907 When I ask readers what they are struggling with most in painting, one of the most common replies is a struggle to paint looser and more relaxed. This is a common problem in painting. We tend to overthink and overcomplicate things. The end result is usually
Learn how to add texture to your acrylic paintings, which helps them stand out as originals and increases the value of your art.
Looking to add some texture to your acrylics? Easy-peasy with my list of 14 methods on how to make acrylic paint thicker keeping its quality
The artist offers a "handy" way to know if they're paintings or a photograph.
Acrylic paints are a great medium for beginners looking to get into painting. They are simple to use (once you get familiar with the quick-drying times) and are much easier to clean up than oil paints. My painting days started with acrylics. They allowed me to learn all the general painting principles without having to
Basic techniques that are a good starting point for beginners. Learning to paint with acrylics is an ongoing process. #acrylicpainting #paintingtechniques #beginnerpaintingtechniques #painting #art
The blocking-in technique is used as the very first step in the painting process by many artists. Learn how to use this method to start your painting.
Understanding the relationships within the color wheel, and learning how to mix oil paints: Primary, secondary, complementary, warm and cool color mixing. Palettes of pigments for oil painting.
Thomas Schaller’s watercolor technique is highly influenced by his architectural background. You can see this in not only the many classical architectural elements he paints, but also by the technical control he has over the medium itself.
Basic techniques that are a good starting point for beginners. Learning to paint with acrylics is an ongoing process. #acrylicpainting #paintingtechniques #beginnerpaintingtechniques #painting #art
Whether you're looking to create smooth, even layers, or textured, impasto effects, there's a palette knife that can help you achieve your desired look. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different styles of palette knives available, what each shape is used for, and any additional tips. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, incorporating palette knives into your painting process can be a fun and exciting way to expand your work. Note: This blog contains affiliate links and purchasing through them supports our site at no extra cost to you. What are palette knives? Palette knives are essential tools in painting that consist of a handle and a flat, flexible blade. They are typically made of metal and come in various shapes and sizes. Artists use palette knives to mix, apply, and manipulate paint on the palette or directly on the painting's surface, allowing for different textures, impasto effects, or even precise techniques in their artwork. What types of palette knives are there? There are various types of palette knives used in painting. The most common ones include the spatula palette knife, the trowel-shaped palette knife, and the offset palette knife. These knives are typically made of flexible stainless steel and have different blade shapes and sizes, allowing artists to create a variety of effects and textures in their paintings. But, let's dive in further.. To get started, we'll go over the shapes and sizes of knives available and what they're for. One of the most commonly used palette knives is the spatula shape. This knife has a straight edge that is perfect for mixing paint on the palette and creating smooth, even layers on the canvas. The flat shape also makes it easy to spread paint over large areas, making it a great tool for background work. Another popular palette knife shape is the trowel shape. This knife has a wider, flatter blade than the spatula, and is ideal for applying thick, textured paint. The trowel shape is also great for creating impasto effects, which is when the paint is applied in a thick, layered manner. The palette knife with a pointed tip, also known as the scraper shape, is great for making fine details and lines. This shape is often used for detailed work such as creating hair, fur, or other textured effects. The fan shape is a versatile palette knife that can be used for a variety of techniques. The fan shape is great for blending and smoothing paint, as well as creating textured effects. It's also used to create a variety of brushstrokes, from wide and sweeping to fine and detailed. The next one is the curved blade which is great for creating curved lines and shapes. It's also good for creating textured effects and blending paint. The forked tip is great for creating fine details and lines. It can also be used to create a variety of brushstrokes, from wide and sweeping to fine and detailed. The comb shape is great for creating textured effects and for removing paint from the canvas. The offset shape (or angled), which has a curved handle that allows for greater control and precision when painting. The serrated edge, which is great for creating a textured effect or for removing paint from the canvas. The wave shape, that can be used for creating unique textured effects and for blending paint. The canvas scraper, that is used for scraping, lifting and removing paint from the canvas. Depending on the brand, there may be variations and new shapes that come out from time to time. Some artists even make their own custom palette knives by modifying or repurposing other tools. The possibilities are endless, and the key is to experiment and find the right tools that work for you and your style. Using Palette Knives: Tips and Advice When deciding which palette knives to purchase, it's important to consider what you'll be doing, but it's mostly a lot of trial and error to see what you like best. If you're working on large canvases and need to cover a lot of surface area quickly, a spatula or trowel shape palette knife might be a good choice. For more detailed work, a knife with a pointed tip or a fan shape can be more useful. It's also worth getting a set with a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can have options to choose from depending on the project. Here are a few basic tips for getting started with incorporating palette knives into your paintings: Practice using your palette knives on scrap paper or canvas before applying them to your work. This will help you become more familiar with the different shapes and how they handle with the paint you're using. Experiment with different techniques and see how the different shapes affect the paint and the final outcome. Don't be afraid to use your palette knives in unexpected ways. Sometimes, using a tool in a way it wasn't designed for can lead to interesting and unique effects. There's no right or wrong way to use knives in your process, so have fun with it and play around with ways they could potentially be used. Clean your palette knives after each use. Palette knives can become encrusted with paint, making them difficult to use. If you forget to clean them, use a razor blade to scrap off the dried paint. Find the right palette knife for your color mixing process and always use it for mixing rather than your paintbrush. Palette knives can save your brushes from fraying and wearing out, so use them first whenever you can. Use the right amount of pressure so that the paint doesn't become overworked. On the other hand, applying too little pressure can result in weak, uneven coverage. Finding the right amount of pressure for your technique and style will take some practice, but it's ultimately what determines how well they'll work for you. Work wet into wet If you're using a palette knife to blend colors. This will allow you to create smooth, seamless transitions between each color. This creates harmony in your painting overall. Use the right consistency of paint for the right technique you are attempting to execute. Too thick, and the paint may become difficult to spread or blend. Too thin, and the paint may run or lose its shape. Experimenting with different consistencies of paint will help you find what works best for you. Remember, as with any artistic tool, your personal preferences and practices will play an important role in which palette knives will work best for you. Palette knives are an essential tool for adding new dimensions to your paintings. With a variety of shapes and sizes to choose from, there's a palette knife for every technique and style. Painting is an individual endeavor and only you can decide what's right for you as an artist, so don't be afraid to experiment with different shapes and techniques in order to find the palette knives that provide unique and dimensional aspects to your artwork.
Join us to learn this lovely Faux Encaustic Technique! Create mysteriously beautiful misty effects for your Mixed Media art!
Richard Robinson explains how to improve your still life painting practices with an exercise on light.
101+ Free Painting Tutorials Learn how to paint with oils, acrylics, pastels and watercolors!
Learn all about acrylic pour techniques with this comprehensive guide, which includes videos and written descriptions for each technique!
Learn how to add texture to your acrylic paintings, which helps them stand out as originals and increases the value of your art.
Tools to help you simplify while painting. Simplifying is important to be able to create clear and beautiful work. These tools help to see clear and concise
Basic techniques that are a good starting point for beginners. Learning to paint with acrylics is an ongoing process. #acrylicpainting #paintingtechniques #beginnerpaintingtechniques #painting #art
