Expert tips for artists- acrylic painting techniques
Any artist who uses acrylic paints can appreciate the fact that it can be used on a variety of surfaces. Acrylic paints dry very fast, but if used with different techniques might give very unique content. The techniques depend on a few factors; it might be the brush strokes, to the surface used for painting in order to bring out a unique style. Below are different acrylic painting techniques that can be used by experts:-
1) Stippling — Stippling can be defined as the creation of very many tiny dots on a canvas. The use of stippling has been dated back to the 1500’s where artists used this technique for engraving. An artist can play around with different shades of colors when using this technique; this will bring out a different kind of boldness to the painting.
2) Dry Brush — The use of the dry brush technique requires an artist to use a brush that is very dry without dipping it in water. The dry brush creates a scratchy texture which is quite unique. Acrylic on canvas with the use of dry brush creates distinct strokes from the bristles.
3) Splattering — Splattering is the very opposite of dry brush. It requires the artist to dip a wet paint brush into the pigment and goes on to flicker on the canvas. Splattering can be quite unpredictable and will depend on various factors such as the energy used and how far the paint will go once splattered. Using a stencil to control how far you would like the paint to go is a good way of controlling the splatter.
4) Sponging — Sponging is a technique highly recommended for beginners, it is not easy to mess up and gives a very good texture with acrylic paint. It involves using a cellulose sponge to apply paint in a spring like manner.
5) Washing — Adding water to acrylic paint and using it to make light strokes on the canvas is called washing. This method gives the acrylic paint a translucent hue when used, but of course dries up very fast. It resembles the texture of a watercolor, but gives a magnificent end result.
6) Dabbing — This is a technique liked by many where the artist uses a stifled brush or a paper towel. Apply the paint on either of these items and with light pressure press it down on the canvas. As the name suggests, dab slightly on the canvas. This technique gives a rough like texture and is commonly used to illustrate bushes or some sort of greenery on a painting.
7) Palette Knife — The palette knife technique is mostly used when trying to achieve flat or sweeping layers on the canvas. This is achieved by applying a thick layer of paint on a palette knife and spreading it across the canvas much like frosting a cake. It offers a great thickness and texture on the painting.
Acrylic paint techniques can either be used solely or together depending on what you are hoping to achieve. The use of different techniques brings out so much more in a painting helping the artist to tell his/her story better.
