One of the first painters I loved as an art student was John Singer Sargent. However, upon reflection, I loved him so much primarily because of his use of texture in painting. There was an incredible sense of aliveness to his work in how he applied the paint with his brush!
Though my tastes in artists have grown since my early days as an art student… There is a lot to be learned from texture in painting and how to incorporate it into your own work. Here we will look at the different kinds of texture in painting and how you can apply them.
But First – What is Texture in Painting?
Texture in painting refers to the perceived surface quality of a piece of art. It’s the result of how paint is applied to the canvas, whether intentionally or not. Different applications can lead to smooth or rough surfaces, adding depth and interest to your paintings.
The Role of Texture
Textures can range from silky smooth finishes to thick, tactile surfaces. Some artists prefer the subtlety of a smooth finish, while others love the bold statement of a heavily textured piece. Understanding these differences and how to manipulate them is essential for any artist looking to enhance their work.
2 dimensional texture in painting
Texture in painting is not meant to create a 3 dimensional sense of space that is reliant on the texture of the paint. It is the role of the fundamentals of painting to create that sense of space. The role of texture is to add to the diverse surface quality of the applied paint. It is important to have some passages that are rougher or smoother than others.
Why Texture Matters
So, in a nutshell texture isn’t about adding physical depth; it’s about creating visual interest. The variations in surface quality can draw the viewer’s eye and add to your overall composition, making your artwork more engaging and impactful.
How to Create Texture in Paintings with Brushes
The type of brush you use can significantly impact the texture of your painting. Natural hog bristle brushes, for example, create rough, visible strokes, while synthetic brushes generally offer a smoother finish. So, the shape and type of brush you choose will really influence the kind of texture you can create .
Choosing the Right Paint Brush
Notice in the image above how the two top brushes (both bristle brushes) create more texture than the synthetic brushes below them. The difference is subtle, but it is there. You can also adjust the amount of texture left behind by a brush by simply increasing or decreasing the amount of paint you use. More paint will of course leave behind more texture while less paint will leave less.
The synthetic sable brush at the bottom creates the smoothest texture of all. So, this type of brush won’t leave behind as much texture as the others.
Recommendation for brushes: You can visit my list recommended art supplies for the brushes that I like to use.
Techniques for Brushstrokes
Experimenting with different techniques can help you discover new ways to add texture. Try varying your pressure, direction, and speed to see how these factors affect the texture. As you become a more proficient painter you will naturally start to experiment with this as your hand will become more relaxed and work in a more intuitive way.
Palette Knife Techniques for Texture in Painting
Palette knives can add texture as well as take away from it. For example, a palette knife is a terrific tool if you wish to flatten a textured area. Sometimes it is helpful to do this just to be able to see a color properly. The texture left in paint by a brush can make light reflect off of it from different directions making it hard for you to see its true color.
Palette knives for color studies
You can also lay down paint with a palette knife. This practice can be a good learning tool for making color spot painting studies. As it allows one to remove the distraction of brushes and simply focus on the color of the paint.
Personally, I do not use a palette knife to apply paint to my paintings as it tends to create a singular type of texture that is not helpful overall. Brushes on the other hand allow you to create a much richer surface texture.
That said, many artists do paint with a palette knife. You might enjoy it as well. There is a lot you can gain an learn from using it – especially if you use it like Charles Hawthorne describes in Hawthorne on Painting. The palette knife is also an indispensable tool for many other things – such as smoothing out paint, creating edges, scraping out etc.
Using Your Fingers to Add Variation in Texture
Yes, you can finger paint as an adult! Using your fingers allows you to vary the texture of your painting substantially. It offers a more tactile and intuitive way to interact with your canvas. It is important to be safe when doing it though. If you are using heavy metal oil paints, be sure to wear gloves.
The Benefits of Finger Painting
Using your fingers lets you feel the paint and the canvas, giving you far more control over the texture. This method can create unique, organic textures that are hard to achieve with brushes or knives. I have used my fingers many times to create soft smooth edges in places that would have been very difficult to make with brushes.
3-Dimensional Texture in Painting
Creating 3-dimensional texture involves building up large quantities of paint on a canvas. This technique can make your painting behave more like a relief sculpture, adding a new dimension to your work. In the work above by Colin Davidson we see a 3 dimensional relief like sculpture that is a painting at the same time. The sculptural nature of the work highlights the rich texture of the surface even more.
The Importance of 3-Dimensional Texture
3-dimensional texture can significantly enhance the visual and tactile experience of a painting. By applying thick layers of paint, artists can create edges that catch the light in fascinating ways, providing a dynamic interplay of shadows and highlights. This technique invites viewers to engage with the artwork on a more physical level, encouraging them to see the piece from various angles and perspectives.
Applying Texture in Your Own Work
Texture in painting is very important, though at the same time it is more important to have the foundational elements in place first. So, don’t concern yourself too much with the surface quality of your painting before you have a solid foundation in value, color and edges. If you become too tied up with what your brushstrokes look like instead of the fundamentals, you will only hold yourself back from advancing further.
Texture in Painting is an Advanced Technique
Once you feel confident in the fundamentals you will be able to balance yourself well with focusing on texture as well as all the other elements in painting. You can also experiment with different techniques and tools to see what works best for you. Remember, the goal is to create a balanced, engaging piece that captures the viewer’s attention and is in line with your own artistic vision.
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6 thoughts on “How to Create Texture in Painting: Advanced Techniques for Artists”
This morning’s read after altering 2 wedding skirts for a dear friend, grandmother to an only granddaughter.
You answered some questions I’ve had about
“proper” ways. Glad to know it is acceptable to experiment to get the effect wanted.
Also, “interchangeable brushes, finger etc “tools”.
How very sweet and dear that you altered 2 wedding skirts for your friend – am sure it means a great deal for your dear friend. How very special.
Oh yes, definitely, it is always good to experiment and really use any means necessary to get the kind of effect you are looking for. You can have fun with it!
Glass powder is also ideal
Thanks for the tip!
My Mother was a professional artist. She painted in oils a huge Gladiator scene. She mixed marble dust into the paint, an inert item so as not to alter the oils. It’s effect was fantastic because you could not only “feel” the dust and grit one would find in an ancient arena, but the texture of the net a gladiator used, but the sweat and grit on the men’s bodies as they fought for their very lives! She studied the Old Masters, so I bet there was an artist of long ago, Da Vinci? (Who would have access to marble and the dust?)
Thanks for sharing that Terri – that must be an extraordinary painting. How wonderful to have those memories of it. I have used marble dust before as it does create a certain kind of effect without affecting the color. Am sure the old masters would use marble dust – perhaps it would be gifted to them by their sculptor friends!