Has the idea of being able to paint excited you? Well, we understand, which is why here’s a blog curated to provide you with 7 painting techniques for beginners which will give you the skills to create loads of different artworks.

Let’s begin by listing the materials you would need to follow the techniques explained in this blog.

a. Paints (acrylic or watercolour)
b. Paint Brushes (different shapes and sizes)
c. Canvas (any size)
d. Palette Knife or a Plastic Card
e. Toothbrush

 

Technique #1

Drybrush

In this technique, as the name suggests, the brush used is relatively dry but can still hold paint. The load is applied to a dry medium such as primed canvas or paper giving strokes that lack the smoothness and appear more scratchy. The colour in this technique comes out more vibrant as you do not dilute the paint. 

 

 

Technique #2

Washing

Washing is a technique where you dilute the colour by adding water for semi-transparent layers of colour. The diluted ink or paint is evenly spread with a brush on a broad surface to get a smooth finish with no visible brush marks.

 

 

Technique #3

Stippling

When a number of dots of the same colour are used to create areas of light and shadow which from a distance appear to be a complete picture, but as you step closer, individual dots are more recognizable. To create a stippling effect, apply paint to a brush (preferably a flat head) and then pat it up and down. Add more dots to the darker areas while the lighter sides will have lesser loosely packed dots.

 

 

Technique #4

Impasto with a Palette Knife

Impasto is a technique where the paint is applied in very thick layers making the strokes clearly visible. Using a palette knife for this technique is very similar to the process of adding frosting to a cake, scrape paint up directly to the knife and apply it to your medium by moving back and forth.

Tip: You can substitute the palette knife with a regular plastic card too.

 

 

Technique #5

Underpainting

The process of building the first layer of paint on canvas using a single colour which then acts as a base for other layers of paint. This first layer will act as a foundation for your painting as it will have existing contrast and tonal values that later provides depth and richness to your final artwork.

 

 

Technique #6

Dabbing

Dabbing is a very simple technique where one dips a piece of sponge in paint and then dabs it up and down across the canvas creating an appealing texture. This technique is well used to provide the illusion of movement in an art piece. For instance, you can use dabbing to make treetops that appear as if they are swaying in the wind.

 

 

Technique #7

Splattering

Splattering is a commonly used technique by artists to create the effect of a starry night. This technique can be followed using a toothbrush or brushes by dipping it in paint and then flicking the media and throwing paint to the canvas. 

Hope these 7 techniques have motivated you to pick up paints, brushes, a canvas and just start painting!