01 Different Contemporary Painting Techniques

• Pouring


  Spilling of different colors of paint on top of one another from a container onto the canvas to produce swirling patterns
• Dripping

  Dropping and flowing of paint after being poured onto the canvas to create abstract art
• Pulling


  Pulling a string over poured paint, creating mesmerizing patterns
• Scraping


  Grattage (literally "scratching", "scraping") is a technique in surrealist painting which consists of "scratching" fresh paint with a sharp blade
• Sgraffito


  Putting a base color down and allowing it to dry before painting the contrasting layer, then using a tool to scratch the surface while the second layer is still wet, exposing the bottom layer
• Splattering


  Using fluid color paints and thinning them with water or a flow medium to create an abstract masterpiece
• Sponging


  Using a sponge to create textural effects and work on layers by subtly blending together colors and bringing depth to the canvas
• Stippling


  Using stiff brushes to apply small dots of paint across the surface, layering different colors to create subtle color blends that add dimension and texture
• Airbrushing/Spray Painting


  A subtle spray-painting technique that achieves a smooth, photo-realistic gradations
• Impasto


  Layering on a thick amount of acrylic and spreading it with palette knife to enhance thickness and create a three-dimensional look
• Dry Brushing


  Loading the brush with paint, testing it on another surface to ensure the right quantity, then using it to add texture and highlights to paintings and dimension to an underpainting
• Glazing


  Using very thin layers of color to build up depth and complexity, creating a lighter or brighter effect by applying glazes on top of opaque dried colors
• Scumbling


  Creating smoky effects and subtle blends of color by using dry brush or cloth and medium and heavy paints to apply broken layers of paint so that the bottom layers shine through
• Underpainting


  Sketching an image in paint directly on the canvas, rather than using a pencil, which is then completely painted over so it isn't visible in the final product
• Blowing


  Pouring paint onto the canvas and blowing air onto it using a tool such as a hair dryer or straw to create an abstract art
• Wash


  Building up transparent layers of colors for a watercolor look by adding varying amounts of water to the paint