Creating Textures in Oil Paint

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Underpainting: Start with a thin wash to lay out your composition and values.
2. Brush Technique: Use stiff bristle brushes for rough textures and softer brushes for smoother transitions.
3. Dry Brush: Load very little paint and skim the canvas to emphasize the surface tooth.
4. Impasto: Apply thick paint directly onto the canvas to create peaks and ridges.
5. Palette Knife: Use a palette knife to spread, scrape, or press paint for bold effects and unexpected edges.
6. Scumbling: Rub lighter opaque colors over dried darker layers for a broken-texture look.
7. Glazing + Texture: Combine transparent glazes with textured areas underneath to add depth and luminosity.