Tip from: Jessica Whitmire: It is very easy to achieve a textured look to your painting without using a high viscosity (thick) paint that would hold peaks and display brush strokes.
- Before beginning to paint your masterpiece, apply a generous amount of white acrylic paint or gesso to your already primed canvas. Don't be shy about how much you need to put on, more is better!
- After applying the paint/gesso to the canvas take a plastic bag, trash bag, or a plastic drop cloth and place directly on top of the generously painted canvas.
- Squish the bag/cloth into the paint. Really work with the paint! It is important that the whole surface of the paint is touching the bag/cloth otherwise you may have a painting that is half textured (unless you want that). To achieve a very textured look really work the paint into folds and wrinkles of the bag/cloth. Don't be afraid that you won't be able to remove the bag from the folds, it will.
- Let dry. Depending on how much paint you have applied on the canvas drying time can take anywhere from a couple days to a week. This step takes a long time considering the paint is not exposed to much air. Remember that patience is a virtue, and if you are willing to wait it is worth it.
- Remove the bag/cloth from the paint and reveal your new textured surface!
Submit Your Own Painting Tip:
Got a great painting tip to share with other artists? Use this easy form to send it in: Submit a Painting Tip Form.

