Renaissance and Baroque paintings have a smooth surface without any visible trace of work. It’s not until Rembrandt that brushstrokes were manifested. Oils are dense and retain the marks left by brushes and tools, thus allowing an artist to create textures and opening a new world of modern art. There are several ways of creating textures, here are few
- Pressing and twisting spoon, fork, slotted spoons, saw blade, comb, bubble wrap, knife, or even a credit card onto a wet painting creates exciting textures.
- Stencil or crumpled aluminum foil can be used to create an impression.
- Using a sponge to apply paint creates a subtle effect.
- Thick impasto can be made by applying paint directly from the tube.
- Cling wrap can be placed on wet paint until it leaves a mark and can be removed before drying completely.
- Lifting colors using rag leaves a rugged look.
- Things like paper, sand, a piece of wood or pebble can be glued onto the painting surface. The wet paint itself serves as an adhesive.
- Substances like glass bead, powdered marble, powdered gypsum, saw dust, texture gels, sand, plaster or PVA can be added to paint.
- Masking tape can be used to protect a defined painting surface while the rest is textured. It can be removed later to give a contrast in the surface.
- Splattering turpentine or mineral spirit on the wet paint gives an antique look.
