Stylish and sophisticated paintings are a beautiful way to show off your personal style and taste in art. But adding texture to your paintings can go beyond simple coloring or painting over imperfections. A well-designed texture can help break up a flat painting and add dimension to your work. Below, Chicago-based artist David Berkowitz offers a few simple techniques that you can use to add texture to your paintings.
Layering
One of the easiest ways to add texture to your paintings is to layer textures. When you layer textures, you can create a variety of different colors and shades. You can also use different textures to create a more realistic result. For example, if you want your painting to have a more natural look, you can use a texture that is earthy or vegetal. This will give your painting a more realistic, earthy feel. If you want your painting to be more flashy and show off your skills as an artist, you can layer a bright color over the earthy texture. You can also mix different textures together to create a more eclectic or unique look.
Shading
One of the easiest ways to add texture to your paintings is to shade them using a light and dark color. This will give your paintings a more realistic look. You can also use gradients to create different effects, such as adding shadows or reflections. Shaded surfaces are smooth, so if you want to display a smooth surface, shading is your best option, advises David Berkowitz Chicago.
Splatter
One way to add texture to your paintings is to use the splatter technique. Spattered paint is excellent for enhancing a plain surface. By adding water droplets and other splatters to your painting, you can create a more realistic and life-like look. You can also use this technique to add color to your paintings. By using different colors of water droplets, you can create realistic colors that will help break up the monotony of a flat painting.
Sponged textures
The versatility of synthetic sponges makes them ideal for applying acrylic paint, as they can produce a multitude of effects. Whatever their original purpose, almost all can be successfully repurposed for art, whether with acrylics, watercolors, gouache or ink. If your sponge has a very fine texture, naive artist David Berkowitz Chicago recommends pinching out small pieces to make a more open texture. Also, you can pinch out and straight edges to prevent sharp lines in your work.
Texture Gel
One of the best ways to add texture to your paintings is with a texture gel. Texture gels are small, applicable cubes that you place on top of your paintings. They come in many different colors and styles, so you can find one that perfectly suits your painting. You simply apply it to the area that you want to add texture, and then wait until it sets. Once it does, you can start coloring your painting as usual.
Conclusion
Without texture your painting looks bland and less interesting than it might be. Texture is an important part of any painting, and it can be used to give a realistic look to your work.
