10 Texture Painting Techniques for Artists

🎨 TL;DR – Texture Is the Secret Sauce

Texture adds soul to your paintings—it brings depth, energy, and that irresistible “come closer” effect. Whether you’re glazing like a Renaissance master, splashing paint with wild abandon, or adding layers of collage and fake writing, there are so many ways to level up your art with texture.

Mastering these 10 texture techniques (like palette knife work, mark-making, acrylic washes, and more) lets you express emotion, movement, and mystery—all while making your canvas totally come alive.

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Your next masterpiece is waiting to be textured!

Texture is a powerful tool in painting—it adds depth, interest, and emotion, turning a flat canvas into a dynamic, engaging experience. As you develop your personal style, experimenting with texture techniques can help your work stand out and feel more expressive.

In this guide, you’ll discover 10 creative ways to add texture to your art, whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your skills. From layering paint to using unconventional tools, these methods will inspire you to explore, play, and bring new life to your canvas.

Ready to elevate your artwork? Let’s dive into the world of texture painting techniques.

Technique 1 - Acrylic Paint Wash

Description: Diluting acrylic paint with water to create translucent layers.

Benefit: Adds depth and movement, creating a luminous effect.

Step-by-step process:

• Choose your acrylic colors and pour a small amount onto your palette or cup.
• Mix each color with water to achieve a wash consistency.
• Apply the wash to your canvas using broad, even strokes.
• Allow each layer to dry before applying the next to build up translucency or blend as desired.

Tips for best results: Use a light hand and build up layers gradually. Experiment with different levels of dilution to find the effect you like best.

For more tips on acrylic painting, visit our blog for acrylic painting tips.

Historical Context: The technique of using washes dates back to ancient watercolor practices. It gained popularity in the 20th century as acrylic paints became widely available, offering artists a versatile medium that dries quickly and allows for extensive experimentation with translucency.

Technique 2 - Oil Painting Glaze

Description: Applying thin, transparent layers of oil paint over dry layers.

Benefit: Enhances color richness, creating a glowing finish.

Step-by-step process:

• Ensure the underlying layer of paint is completely dry.
• Mix your chosen oil paint color with a glazing medium; use transparent colors so the underpainting can show through your layering
• Apply the glaze with a soft brush in smooth, even strokes.
• Allow each glaze layer to dry before applying additional layers.

Tips for achieving a smooth glaze: Use a soft, high-quality brush and mix the glaze thoroughly to avoid streaks.

Historical Context: Oil glazing has been a staple technique since the Renaissance, used by masters like Jan van Eyck and Leonardo da Vinci. It allows for the buildup of luminous color and subtle transitions, contributing to the depth and realism in classical paintings.

Technique 3 - Mark-Making

Description: Using various lines and marks to add texture.

Benefit: Conveys emotion, rhythm, and energy.

Tools and materials: Brushes, acrylic markers, palette knives, oil sticks, fingers, etc.

Step-by-step process:

• Experiment with different tools to create various marks, like metal or plastic pallet knives for acrylic paint. 
• Use quick, spontaneous movements to add energy to your marks.
• Layer marks to build up texture and complexity.

Examples of different mark-making styles: To create unique textures, try using a palette knife, the edge of a credit card, or even your fingers.

Importance: Mark-making is fundamental in art, capturing the artist's gesture and personal touch. It bridges the gap between drawing and painting, allowing for a direct and expressive approach to texture and form.

Technique 4 - Fake Writing

Description: Creating the appearance of text without forming actual words.

Benefit: Adds mystery and complexity.

Step-by-step process:

• Mimic handwriting, calligraphy, or graffiti.
• Use a variety of tools such as pens, brushes, or markers.
• Layer your fake writing over other textures for added depth.

Use varying pressures and speeds to create a natural look and combine with other textural elements for a cohesive composition.

Historical Context: Fake writing has roots in ancient scripts and symbols used for their aesthetic value rather than legibility. This technique gained traction in modern art, emphasizing the visual impact of text as an abstract element.

Technique 5 - Stencil and Masking

Photo by shraga kopstein on Unsplash

Description: Creating defined shapes and patterns within layers using stencils and masking.

Benefit: Adds precision and structure.

Step-by-step process:

• Choose your stencil or masking shapes.
• Secure the stencil, tape, or masking medium on your canvas.
• Apply paint or molding paste over the surface using a sponge or brush.
• Remove the stencil, tape, or masking medium carefully to reveal the pattern.

Tips for best results: Use a light touch to avoid paint bleeding under the stencil. Combine different shapes for more intricate designs.

Historical Context: Stenciling has been used for centuries in art and design, from ancient cave paintings to modern street art. It allows for the replication of patterns and precise application of shapes, making it a versatile tool for artists.

Technique 6 - Drip Paint

Description: Allowing paint to drip or pour onto the canvas.

Benefit: Creates spontaneous, unpredictable patterns and color variants.

Step-by-step process:

• Thin your paint to a pourable consistency or use high-flow acrylic paint products.
• Use squeeze bottles or brushes to apply the paint.
• Tilt the canvas to direct the drips and control the flow or work flat and use a water spray mister to redirect the flow.

Tips for controlling and directing drips: Experiment with different paint consistencies and application methods to achieve desired effects.

Historical Context: Drip painting became iconic through the work of Jackson Pollock, a leading figure in Abstract Expressionism. His innovative technique emphasized the physical act of painting, creating dynamic and fluid compositions.

Technique 7 - Spray-Paint and Splash-Paint

Description: Apply paint with spray cans or by splashing.

Benefit: Introduces elements of chance and spontaneity.

Step-by-step process:

• Choose your spray paint colors.
• Use short bursts for a fine mist or long sprays for bold marks. Hold down in one place or area to get more drips.
• For splashing, load a brush with paint and flick it onto the canvas.

Safety tips for using spray paint: Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask to avoid inhaling fumes or use water-based spray paint.

Importance: Spray and splash painting techniques are pivotal in street art and contemporary abstract art. They allow artists to work quickly and intuitively, creating energetic and unexpected results.

Technique 8 - Palette Knife Work

Description: Use a palette knife to apply paint thickly, just like the Impressionist artists did.

Benefit: Adds ridges, grooves, and depth.

Step-by-step process:

• Apply the paint to the canvas in thick, sweeping motions.
• Experiment with different angles and pressures to create varied textures.

Use the edge of the knife for fine lines and the flat side for broader strokes.

Historical Context: The palette knife technique became prominent in the 19th century, used by artists like Vincent van Gogh and Henri Matisse. It allows for bold, expressive applications of paint, adding physical texture and a sense of immediacy.

Technique 9 - Gesture Marks

Description: Expressive strokes made with quick, spontaneous movements.

Benefit: Captures physical action and emotional state.

Step-by-step process:

• Choose your tool: brushes, fingers, or other tools for varying marks.
• Make quick, confident strokes to capture the movement.
• Layer marks to build up energy and emotion.

Tips for practicing and refining gesture marks: Work quickly and don’t overthink. Focus on the movement and feeling rather than precision.

Importance: Gesture marks are essential in capturing the dynamism and immediacy of a subject. This technique is widely used in figure drawing and action painting, emphasizing the artist's spontaneous response to their subject.

Technique 10 - Collage

Description: Incorporating materials like fabric, poems, and sheet music into paintings.

Benefit: Adds texture and depth, enhancing visual interest.

Step-by-step process:

• Gather collage materials such as fabric, paper, or found objects.
• Arrange your materials on the canvas to create the desired composition.
• Adhere to the materials using glue, gel medium, or molding paste.
• Integrate the collage elements with paint and other textures.

Blend the edges of the materials with paint to create a seamless transition between the collage and the painted surface.

Historical Context: Collage emerged as a groundbreaking technique in the early 20th century, popularized by artists like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. It challenged traditional notions of painting by integrating everyday materials and found objects, broadening the scope of artistic expression.

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We’ve explored ten distinct texture painting techniques, each offering a unique way to enhance your artwork's depth and visual interest. These techniques provide a broad spectrum of options to experiment with and incorporate into your creative process. If you are struggling to find creative inspiration, we encourage you to experiment and combine these techniques, discovering new ways to express your artistic vision.

Eager to dive deeper? In our revolutionary online art program, we help students become professional artists in one year, or at their own pace. During the Mastery Program, you master diverse mediums and find your unique voice, including experimenting with texture painting techniques. To learn more about the program, join our Pre-Enrollment today and get free exclusive lesson previews straight to your inbox.

The world is waiting for your artistic voice!