Whether you've never used a painting brush before or you’re an experienced artist, we’re sure we can teach you something new about all types of painting techniques. Mastering different painting techniques can help elevate your creativity to new heights. In this blog, we'll dive deeper into the fascinating world of painting techniques. Among other things, we cover:

• Which painting techniques there are
• Painting techniques based on paint type
• Painting techniques based on application
• Basic painting supplies you need
• How to choose a technique
• Painting tips for beginners

Let's explore the versatile and colourful world of painting together!

What painting techniques are there?

There are countless painting techniques you can use to achieve various effects and styles in your artwork. Here are some of the most popular techniques you can explore:

• Acrylic paint
• Watercolour paint
• Fresco
• Gouache
• Oil paint
• Tempera
• Wet-on-wet painting
• Alla prima
• Drip painting
• Mixed media
• Glazing technique
• Impasto
• Marbling
• Dabbing

Let's take a closer look at each technique.

Painting techniques based on paint type

Acrylic paint

Acrylic paint is a versatile medium that dries quickly and can be mixed with water or various mediums to achieve different effects. This paint is popular for its durability and vibrant colours. Acrylic paint can be used on canvas, paper, as well as other surfaces. Learn more about this fascinating medium and its uses in our blog on painting with acrylic paint.

Watercolour paint

Watercolour paint, also known as water paint, is renowned for its transparency and light effects. By adding water to the paint, you can create beautiful, soft transitions and delicate details. Watercolour painting requires a particular technique, often working in layers to achieve depth and texture. Want to know more about this type of paint and the techniques involved? Read more about watercolours on our extensive hobby page.

Fresco

Fresco is an ancient painting technique where pigments are applied to wet lime plaster. This ensures that the colours are deeply absorbed into the wall, leading to a durable and vibrant artwork. Frescoes are often found in historical buildings and churches.

Gouache

Gouache is similar to watercolour paint but is thicker and more opaque. It offers rich, bright colours and can be used for both detailed work as well as large areas. Gouache dries matte and can be reactivated with water, making it a flexible choice for artists.

Oil paint

Oil paint is a classic medium that artists have used for centuries. It dries slowly, allowing you to work leisurely and blend colours directly on the canvas. Oil paint offers rich, deep colours and can be used for both smooth, detailed works and thick, textured paintings. Interested in painting with oil paint? You can find more information about this fascinating medium here!

Tempera

Tempera is a type of paint made by mixing pigments with a binder, such as egg yolk. This paint dries quickly and has a matte finish. The technique is known for its durability and is often used for detailed and refined painting, such as icons and miniatures.

Painting techniques based on application

Wet-on-wet painting

Wet-on-wet painting is a technique in which wet paint is applied directly onto a wet surface. This allows you to mix and blend colours directly on the canvas, creating soft, smooth transitions. Due to its freedom and expressiveness, this technique is popular among both beginners and experienced painters.

Alla prima

Alla prima, also known as "direct painting," is a technique in which a painting is completed in one session. Instead of working in layers, the paint is applied directly and thickly, resulting in a lively and spontaneous work of art.

Drip painting

Drip painting is a technique in which paint is dripped or poured onto the canvas, creating abstract patterns and spontaneous effects. This technique became popular through artists like Jackson Pollock and is perfect for those who enjoy an expressive and unpredictable style.

Mixed media

Mixed media refers to using different materials and techniques in a single work of art. This can include combining acrylic paint with collage elements or adding ink and pastel to an oil painting. With this technique, You can let your creativity run wild and do whatever you want. The result is a rich and layered piece.

Glazing technique

The glazing technique involves applying thin, transparent layers of paint over a dry underlayer. This adds depth and shine to a painting. This technique is often used in oil paintings to create subtle colour variations and light effects. But it’s also used with other types of paint. Read our blog for tips on glazing with acrylic paint.

Impasto

Impasto is a technique in which paint is applied thickly onto the canvas, often with a palette knife. This creates a tangible texture and leaves brushstrokes clearly visible. The technique is used to add vibrancy, dynamism, and a sense of movement to a painting.

Marbling

Marbling is a technique in which paint or ink is mixed on the surface of water and then transferred to paper or another surface. This creates beautiful, unique patterns reminiscent of marble.

Dabbing

Dabbing is a technique in which paint is applied to the surface with a stiff brush, a sponge or cloth. This gives a soft, stippled texture and can be used to create interesting effects and backgrounds. This technique is also used to decorate walls and furniture.

Basic supplies for painting

To start painting, you will need some basic supplies.

• Paint: Choose the type of paint that best suits the technique you want to use.
• Brushes: Various sizes and shapes of brushes for different effects.
• Canvas or paper: The surface you will paint on.
• Palette: For mixing paint.
• Easel: To support your canvas.
• Apron: To protect your clothes.

How to choose a technique

Choosing a painting technique depends on your personal preference and the effect you want to achieve. Consider the following factors:

• Type of paint: Do you want to work quickly or prefer slow and detailed? Acrylic paint dries quickly, while oil paint gives you more time.
• Style: Are you looking for a clean, smooth finish or a textured, expressive look?
• Subject: Some techniques are better suited for certain subjects. Watercolour is perfect for landscapes, while impasto is great for abstract work.

Painting tips for beginners

As a beginner, painting can sometimes seem overwhelming. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Start simple: Choose simple subjects to begin with.
• Practice regularly: The more you paint, the better you’ll get.
• Be patient: Learning to paint and completing a painting takes time and practice.
• Experiment: Try different techniques and types of paint to discover what you prefer.
• Follow tutorials: There are countless online tutorials that guide you step by step for all the different painting techniques.

Painting is a wonderful way to express your creativity and develop your artistic skills. By exploring different painting techniques, you can discover which style and materials suit you best. So grab your brushes, try the various techniques, and find out which one is right for you!