4 Painting Techniques

Key Concepts

• Blending
• Layering
• Dry Brushing
• Stippling

Blending

Blending is a technique where you mix colors on your painting surface to create smooth transitions between them. This technique is often used to create soft gradients and seamless color changes.

Example: Imagine you are painting a sunset. You start with a bright red at the horizon and gradually blend it into a lighter orange and then a soft yellow. This creates a natural-looking sky without harsh lines between colors.

Layering

Layering involves applying multiple thin coats of paint one over the other to build up depth and richness. This technique is useful for creating detailed textures and adding complexity to your artwork.

Example: Think of layering like building a sandcastle. Each layer of wet sand adds to the structure, making it stronger and more detailed. In painting, each layer of paint adds to the final image, making it more vibrant and detailed.

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing is a technique where you use a nearly dry brush to apply paint. This leaves visible brushstrokes and is often used to create texture and highlight details.

Example: Imagine you are painting a rocky landscape. Using dry brushing, you can add texture to the rocks, making them look rough and weathered. The visible brushstrokes give the rocks a more realistic appearance.

Stippling

Stippling is a technique where you apply paint in small, distinct dots. This creates a textured effect and can be used to build up colors gradually without blending them.

Example: Think of stippling like a pointillist painting. By placing small dots of different colors next to each other, you create a larger image. This technique is often used in nature scenes to add texture to leaves or grass.