You have learnt how to draw a range of topics, assembled all of the essential tools, set up your workspace and you are ready to begin your artistic journey in paint. But until you do, it’s well worth understanding some simple painting methods and styles that will assist you on the way.
Understanding some of brushwork, texture, color, tone, and makeup call take you to create your own art.
Here are five basic painting methods which will have you painting like a specialist immediately.
And if you would like to find out more about art language, then see our piece on common art terms.
1. Underpainting
I don’t work out of white when using oils or acrylics. Make an underpainting in burnt umber or a mixture of burnt sienna and phthalo blues to set shadows and worth. Acrylics are most likely the best medium to use at this point since they’re quick-drying and permanent.
Work paint upward from thin to thick, especially when utilizing slow-drying paints. It’s not possible to operate on top of thick, wet paint. In precisely the exact same manner, work up to highlights, including the brightest (and generally heavier) paint in the end. Take a roll of kitchen towel to wash brushes and remove any extra paint.
2. Blocking in
Brushes come in a great deal of shapes and with different fiber types, all that give very different results.But until you do, it’s well worth understanding some simple painting methods. The secret is to try all of them as you paint.
The most versatile are a synthetic/sable combination — those brushes can be used with the majority of the different paint types. Brushes come in round and flat types and it is worth it to have a collection of both. Check out our guide to choosing the proper brush to find out more.
For the majority of the early work I use bigger, flatter and wider brushes. A filbert is a excellent general brush for obstructing in paint and form. It has a double nature, combining aspects of round and flat brushes so that it can cover detail in addition to larger areas. I often use smaller brushes only at the end of the painting procedure.
3. Building up texture
Have a dry, flat brush which you can use to combine your paint and make smooth transitions. I tend to like plenty of feel and like to see brush marks in my own work. Virtually anything can be used to add texture to your paint. There are ready made feel media accessible, but I have seen items like egg shell and sand used to add interest to a painting.
One suggestion is to use an old toothbrush to spatter your picture with paint. This can be remarkably good at indicating noise and grain.
4. Dry brushing
This is a way of applying color that only partially covers a previously dried coating of paint. Add very small paint to your own brush and apply it using very fast, directional strokes.
This system will work best when employing light paint over dark areas/dried paint and is helpful for depicting grass and rock textures.
5. Sgraffito
Removing paint is often as important as applying it. Sgraffito is the term used when you scrape paint away while it is wet to expose the underpainting.It is especially helpful when depicting scratches, hair, grasses and such.
You can use just about any pointed object for this — try rubber shaping tools or the end of a brush.
