7 Essential Painting Techniques Every Artist Should Know

Published on 20 June 2023 6 min read

Every artist, whether a beginner or an experienced one, can benefit from learning new painting techniques. In this blog, we'll explore seven key painting techniques that can help you enhance your artwork and develop your skills. By understanding and applying these techniques, you'll be able to create stunning pieces and make your art stand out. So, let's dive right in and learn about these amazing painting techniques!

1. Underpainting

Underpainting is a foundational painting technique where you create a base layer of color before adding more layers. It's a great way to start your artwork and set the tone for your painting. Here's what you need to know about underpainting:

Establishes the overall color scheme: Underpainting helps you plan out the colors you'll use in your painting and can make it easier for you to visualize the final piece.
Improves color vibrancy: By layering colors on top of the underpainting, you can create more vibrant and dynamic colors in your artwork.
Speeds up the painting process: Since you already have a base layer of color, you'll spend less time filling in large areas of your painting.
Enhances the sense of depth: Underpainting can create a sense of depth and dimension in your artwork, making your painting more visually appealing.

Next time you start a new painting, give underpainting a try! It's a simple yet effective technique that can truly elevate your artwork and open up new possibilities for your creative expression.

2. Alla Prima

Alla Prima, also known as "wet-on-wet" or "direct painting," is a painting technique where you apply fresh paint on top of still-wet paint. This approach allows you to blend colors directly on the canvas and create smooth transitions. Here are some key points about Alla Prima painting:

Perfect for spontaneous artists: If you love working quickly and capturing the essence of a scene or subject, Alla Prima is the technique for you.
Mixing colors on the canvas: Instead of mixing colors on your palette, you can mix them directly on the canvas. This can lead to unique color combinations and interesting visual effects.
Create soft edges: When you apply wet paint over wet paint, the colors can blend together seamlessly, resulting in smooth, soft edges.
Requires quick work: Since the paint dries as you work, you'll need to be fast and decisive with your brushstrokes. This can be challenging but also very rewarding.

Ready to try Alla Prima? Remember, practice makes perfect! As you become more comfortable with this technique, you'll discover new ways to express yourself and create truly captivating paintings.

3. Glazing

Glazing is a painting technique that involves applying a thin, transparent layer of paint over a dry, opaque base layer. This process creates a unique depth and luminosity in your artwork. Let's explore some key aspects of glazing:

Enhance depth and richness: Glazing can make colors appear more vibrant and create the illusion of depth in your painting. This is particularly useful for portraying realistic subjects like landscapes or portraits.
Control opacity: By adjusting the thickness of the glaze, you can control how much of the underlying layer is visible. This allows you to create subtle shifts in color and tone.
Blend colors gradually: Glazing helps you to create smooth transitions between colors, as the transparent layers blend together seamlessly.
Requires patience: Since the glaze needs to be applied over a completely dry base layer, this technique may take longer to complete than other painting techniques. However, the stunning results are well worth the wait!

When you're ready to experiment with glazing, take your time and enjoy the process. With practice, you'll be able to harness the power of this technique to create visually stunning and dynamic paintings.

4. Dry Brush

The dry brush technique is a fantastic way to add interesting textures and details to your artwork. As the name suggests, this painting technique involves using a brush with little to no paint and minimal moisture. Here's what you should know about dry brushing:

Create texture: Dry brushing is perfect for adding texture to your artwork, such as the roughness of tree bark or the delicate wisps of hair. The minimal paint on the brush allows the bristles to create distinctive marks on the canvas.
Highlight details: You can use the dry brush technique to emphasize certain areas of your painting, like the edges of objects or the creases in fabric. The light touch of the brush helps to create a subtle yet effective contrast.
Experiment with brushes: Different brushes will produce different effects when dry brushing. Try using a variety of brushes—from stiff bristles to soft, rounded tips—to see which works best for your desired outcome.
Take it slow: Remember that less is more when it comes to dry brushing. Start with a small amount of paint and build up gradually to avoid overwhelming your artwork.

As you explore the world of painting techniques, don't be afraid to give dry brushing a try. With a little practice, you'll be able to create captivating textures and details that will bring your artwork to life.

5. Scumbling

Scumbling is another fantastic painting technique that can add depth and richness to your artwork. This technique involves applying a thin, semi-transparent layer of paint over a dried layer, allowing the colors underneath to show through. Here are some key points to remember when using the scumbling technique:

Choose the right paint: Scumbling works best with acrylic or oil paints, as these mediums offer the necessary opacity and blending properties. Watercolors may not be as effective for this technique.
Work with a dry base: Before you begin scumbling, make sure the layer of paint beneath is completely dry. This ensures that the colors don't mix together and become muddy.
Use a light touch: When applying the paint, use a gentle touch and a soft brush to create a semi-transparent layer. This allows the layers underneath to show through, creating a sense of depth and complexity in your artwork.
Experiment with color: Scumbling offers a unique opportunity to play with color. By layering different shades and hues, you can create a range of intriguing effects, from subtle changes in tone to bold contrasts.

As you develop your painting techniques, don't be afraid to experiment with scumbling. It's a versatile and effective way to add depth and interest to your artwork, making it an essential tool for any artist's repertoire.

6. Impasto

Impasto is a painting technique that can add an exciting sense of texture and dimension to your artwork. This method involves applying thick layers of paint to the canvas, creating a raised, three-dimensional effect. Here are some helpful tips for mastering the impasto technique:

Choose the right paint: Oil and acrylic paints are ideal for impasto, as they have a thick consistency and dry slowly, allowing you to build up layers without the paint becoming too runny or difficult to work with.
Use appropriate tools: Palette knives and large, stiff brushes are perfect for applying thick layers of paint in the impasto technique. These tools help you spread the paint evenly and create interesting textures on the canvas.
Build up layers gradually: To achieve a successful impasto effect, it's essential to build up your layers of paint gradually. Start with a thin layer, allowing it to dry slightly before adding more paint. This will help create a solid foundation for your thicker layers.
Experiment with texture: The impasto technique is all about creating captivating textures. Don't be afraid to play around with different brush strokes, palette knife techniques, and even using unconventional tools like sponges or your fingers to create unique effects.

Impasto is a fantastic way to add depth, dimension, and a tactile quality to your artwork. By incorporating this painting technique into your artistic toolbox, you'll be able to create eye-catching, textured pieces that truly stand out.

7. Sgraffito

Sgraffito is a painting technique that involves scratching or scraping away layers of paint to reveal the underlying surface or a different color beneath. This method can create striking contrasts and intriguing patterns in your artwork. Here are some tips to help you master the sgraffito technique:

Prepare your layers: To achieve the desired effect, you'll need at least two layers of paint on your canvas. Start by applying a base layer in a contrasting color to the top layer you plan to scratch away. Make sure the base layer is completely dry before adding the next layer.
Choose the right tools: You can use a wide variety of tools to create the sgraffito effect, such as palette knives, toothpicks, or even the edge of a credit card. Experiment with different tools to find the one that works best for your desired effect.
Work quickly: Sgraffito works best when the top layer of paint is still wet, so it's important to work quickly once you've applied the second layer. This will ensure that you can easily scratch away the paint to reveal the contrasting color beneath.
Experiment with patterns and designs: Sgraffito offers endless possibilities for creating unique patterns and designs in your artwork. Try out different shapes, lines, and textures to see what works best for your piece.

By incorporating the sgraffito technique into your painting repertoire, you'll be able to create dynamic, visually striking pieces that are sure to impress. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and refine your skills with this captivating painting technique.

If you're looking to enhance your acrylic painting abilities, don't miss the workshop 'Improve Your Acrylic Painting Skills' by Rachel Christopoulos. This workshop will provide you with valuable techniques and tips to take your acrylic paintings to the next level and help you create stunning artwork.