Painting Technique Guide – Simple Tips for Better Art

If you’re stuck on a canvas or just want to paint more confidently, you need a handful of solid techniques. They work for oil, acrylic, watercolor, and even mixed media. Below you’ll find the basics you can start using today, plus easy ways to keep improving.

Core Techniques for Different Mediums

Oil painters rely on the "slow over fast" rule. Lay down thin, fast‑drying layers first, then add thicker, slower‑drying paint on top. This stops cracking and keeps colors vibrant. When you need extra flow, add a medium like linseed oil or mineral spirits – they activate the paint without making it too runny.

Acrylic users love the quick‑dry advantage. To blend smoothly, mist the surface with water or a retarder before you paint. For texture, try the scrubbing technique: drag a dry, stiff brush across wet paint. It creates a gritty look that works great for rocks, bark, or stormy skies.

Watercolor requires a gentle touch. Start with a light wash, then build color back in while the paper is still damp. If you need to fix a mistake, lift pigment with a clean, damp brush instead of scraping the paper. Rolling a watercolor sheet is only safe when the paper is thick and fully dry – otherwise you’ll end up with creases.

Across all mediums, the dry‑brush method adds highlight and depth. Load a brush with a tiny amount of paint, wipe most off on a rag, then sweep it over the dry surface. You’ll see texture appear instantly, whether you’re painting a weathered fence or a cloudy sky.

How to Practice and Improve Your Technique

Pick one technique and work on it for a week. For example, spend five minutes each day practicing the scrubbing brush on a sketchpad. Notice how pressure changes the effect and adjust accordingly.

Use reference photos or real objects. Copying a simple object – a fruit, a cup, a leaf – forces you to think about light, shadow, and brushwork. When you copy, pause after each layer and ask if the texture feels right.

Mix small batches of paint instead of loading the whole palette. This helps you see how colors interact and prevents waste. Try mixing complementary colors to thin out harshness – a bit of blue in orange can tone it down without losing vibrancy.

Ask for quick feedback. Show a friend or post a photo in a forum. A fresh eye often spots a flat spot or a missed highlight that you missed.

Finally, keep a short journal. Write down what you tried, what worked, and what didn’t. Over time you’ll build a personal cheat‑sheet of go‑to techniques that fit your style.

With these basics and a habit of focused practice, your painting will start to look more confident. You don’t need expensive supplies – just a few brushes, some paint, and the willingness to try, fail, and try again.

30 May, 2025

What Oil Paint Did Van Gogh Use? Unpacking His Artistic Tools

by Alaric Westcombe | May, 30 2025 | | 0 Comments

Curious about the exact oil paints Van Gogh used? This article digs into the real brands, pigments, and quirky choices behind his bold masterpieces. Learn why the paint mattered, how it shaped his technique, and what makes his materials so fascinating to artists today. You'll pick up practical tips on choosing modern equivalents if you want to paint like Van Gogh. Get the facts and stories that bring his art supplies to life.