Texture seems to attract lots of attention. The amount of “wows!” I hear by people admiring paintings covered with thick layers of paint is unbelievable. Often those paintings looked more like a classic kitsch rather than a masterpiece. Just to slap a huge amount of paint on a canvas is not enough; one must know how to use the tools to create a successful painting. These are: bristle brushes and palette knives. Palette knives are ideal for carrying and distributing heavy loads of paint while creating unique marks on a surface. Depending of the shape and size, the marks vary from organic lines to big geometrical shapes. It is good to have a set of palette knives, though if you are working with a tighter budget, the 2” diamond shape one is a must. This knife is the most flexible one, just make sure to get a metal one with its handle positioning higher than its blade. (refer to the image). Why? Well, plastic knives are not as movable as the metal ones, and they carry a higher chance of breaking. Additionally, a palette knife with its blade and handle on the same plane/level (palette knife on the left side of the image) is better for mixing then applying paint on canvas.
If you are feeling a little more adventurous than usual, you can add a few spatulas and plastic cards to your toolbox. They will work splendidly on large scale canvas or board surfaces. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment, since real artists are fearless in their openness to new approaches. Enjoy!
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