Painting Textures: Easy Ways to Add Depth and Interest

Ever wonder why some paintings feel like you could reach out and touch them? The secret is texture. Adding texture doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – a few simple tricks can make flat surfaces pop and give your work that extra wow factor.

Common Texture Techniques

One of the fastest ways to create texture is the dry‑brush method. Load a brush with a tiny amount of paint, wipe most of it off on a paper towel, then drag it lightly over dry canvas. The result is a broken‑color, gritty look that works great for trees, rocks, or weathered walls.

Another go‑to technique is impasto. Mix a stiff medium into oil or acrylic paint and apply it with a palette knife or a stiff brush. The thick strokes stay raised as the paint dries, letting light cast shadows and giving a three‑dimensional feel. You don’t need fancy knives – a regular kitchen spatula works fine for beginners.

If you prefer a smoother texture, try glazing. Dilute transparent paint with a glazing medium and layer it over a dry base. Each thin layer builds depth without adding bulk, perfect for subtle skin tones or atmospheric skies.

Tools and Materials for Texture

Besides brushes, a few household items can become texture tools. A piece of sandpaper rubbed lightly over wet paint creates a scratchy surface ideal for aged wood. Crumpled aluminum foil pressed into paint makes a metallic, rippled effect that looks great on water or reflective surfaces.

For more controlled patterns, consider texture plates or stamps. Press a textured plate into paint, then onto the canvas for repeatable designs like leaf veins or fabric weaves. You can even make your own plates by carving foam sheets with a craft knife.

When you’re working with watercolor, you can add texture by sprinkling salt onto wet paint. As the salt absorbs water, it leaves a speckled, crystalline pattern that mimics dry ground or frost.

Don’t forget the importance of surface preparation. Rougher canvases naturally hold more paint, while smooth panels let you build fine details. Choose the right ground for the texture you want to achieve.

Finally, experiment with mixed media. A thin layer of modeling paste under acrylic paint lets you sculpt peaks and valleys before you add color. Once the paste dries, you can sand it down for softer transitions.

Adding texture is all about trial and error. Start with one technique, see how it feels, then layer another method on top. Over time you’ll develop a personal toolbox of textures that make your paintings stand out.

Ready to give your next piece some tactile life? Grab a brush, a palette knife, or even a piece of cardboard, and start playing. You’ll be surprised how a little texture can turn a flat picture into a work that truly grabs attention.

6 Jul, 2025

Scrubbing Technique in Painting: A Step-by-Step Guide to Art's Textural Secret

by Alaric Westcombe | Jul, 6 2025 | | 0 Comments

Learn what the scrubbing technique in art really means, how artists use it for texture, and tips for mastering this simple but powerful tool in your paintings.