I want to add texture to my canvas paintings, what products to I use?

Question

How do I get the effect of bulking up the paint and add texture to a flat painted canvas?

Answer 1

YO Adilly,
Texture in a painting can be implied or expressed on canvas two dimensionally like patternation-as well as physically adding relief.

However, if you are bent on this track try layers or GLAZES of paint. IMPASTO is the technique to add bulk in brush or PALLETE KNIFE strokes are found in OIL or newer ACRYLIC mediums. See Art Suppliers CATALOGS.
ENCAUSTIC is the painting technique & thickening of paint with RESINS or liquid WAX etc.
Other ingredients might be sand, glue or adhesives PLASTERCINE
UNDERPAINTING with GESSO stiffened with PLASTER D' PARIS or WHITING could be effectively done and PAPIER MACHE'
could raise your painting into the realms of BAS RELIEF.
See Roman or Greek architecture.
Water based paints like acrylics need a MEDIUM to bulk up.
Oil or ENAMELS tend to 'skin over' and dry in firmer blobs of paint.
STAND OIL LINSEED will thicken oil paint but do not thin with turps.
Leave paint to 'set up' on the pallette - for a few hours- less in summer- and work with a pallette knife.
Try carving or sculpture for the real deal in 3 dimensions.
All the best

Answer 2

Add Texture To Paint

Answer 3

You can use a palette knife to apply the colours on the canvas instead of brushes and this gives a rough 'impasto' effect. You can also try doing a collage by fixing things with glue on the canvas itself or even by using very thick acrylics as a glue. You can also try and reduce the amount of solvents you mix with your colours. Try and paint with just the colours themselves, though this can be costly... Try adding texture by making grooves in the paint with a knife of some sort when the paint is semi-dry. Though in this you have to be very carful not to harm the canvas under the paint.
Hope it helps you and good luck!

Answer 4

My works always end up smooth and flat as well but that's usually how I like them. But one of the most interesting textures I achieved was when I painted over anotherr picture I had bought at a flea market just for the canvas. The original paint supplied the texture for my own picture on top. The picture , called 'Gull's Domain' , now hangs in a doctor's office in LA but you can see it on my web site.
http://www.artwanted.com/artist.cfm?ArtID=31019&SubGal=Oil

Answer 5

If you're using acryllic paint, I'd suggest modeling paste. Works awesomely!

Oh, and you can add the paint right to it, so you don't have to paint over that stuff.

You can get it at any decent art supply store.

Answer 6

a neighbour of ours was an artist and art (teacher) she used hair from her own head in her work,it was different,with a textured effect,very out there.

Answer 7

There are lots of special pastes in art stores but you can get good results using aw dust, flower ar even plaster of Paris.

Answer 8

depends on what mdium your using if acryllinc then you will need to use products called mediums they will add different effects to you work.

Answer 9

a friend of mine useshot wax, that she drips all over it.
really very effective.