7 Unique Painting Techniques You Should Try

posted by Emma Radebaugh

These seven unique painting techniques will add a beautiful, unexpected flair to your oil or acrylic works. From splattering to sponging, learn new ways to add energy and texture to your art.

BY EMMA RADEBAUGH, ARTCENTRON

Exploring new methods of painting can strengthen your creative eye and breathe fresh life into your art. Whether you’re looking to add texture, depth, or energy to your next masterpiece, you should try one or several of these seven unique painting techniques.

Impasto

Impasto is all about texture. Van Gogh famously used impasto to give his work a vibrant, expressive quality.

To achieve it, apply thick layers of paint to your canvas using a palette knife or a heavily loaded brush. The paint will stand out from the surface, creating a 3D effect. Plus, the brush or palette work will be extra noticeable, which can add dimension to the piece.

Scraping

Scraping imbues your pieces with rawness and unconventionality. Using a palette knife or even an old credit card, scrape through layers of wet paint to reveal the colors underneath or to create interesting patterns. This method is perfect for abstract work or when adding dramatic highlights and sharp edges.

Scumbling

To try scumbling, you apply a thin, broken layer of paint over a dry layer beneath it. The idea is to allow part of the underlying layer to show through, creating a sense of luminosity and depth. This technique works particularly well with oil paints and pastels. It’s a fantastic way to tone down colors or create misty, dreamlike effects. Simply use a dry brush and a light touch, and watch your painting take on a whole new dimension.

Stippling

If you’re a detail-oriented, highly organized person, you’ll love stippling! This method involves applying small dots of paint close together to build texture, form, or gradients. It’s ideal for creating intricate patterns or shading effects. While very time-consuming, stippling is so methodical that it’s almost meditative. Plus, the technique lends you incredible control and depth, and it’s a great way to experiment with pointillism or mixed media.

Splattering

If you’re looking for a technique with energy and spontaneity, splattering delivers in spades. Plus, it’s so easy! Simply use a brush or even your fingers to flick paint onto your canvas. This technique is especially effective in creating splashes of color or adding movement to your pieces. Splattering works well with watercolors, acrylics, or inks—just be prepared for a bit of mess!

Sponging

Sponging is a versatile technique that you can use to create whole works of art or simply add a unique type of application mark to your pieces. By dabbing a sponge loaded with paint onto your surface, you can create soft, textured effects that mimic natural patterns like clouds, foliage, or stone.

This method also works brilliantly for layering and blending colors. For example, it’s one of the best techniques for blending pigment paste into your art. Experiment with different sponge types to achieve a variety of looks.

Pouring

Pouring is arguably one of the most mesmerizing techniques to watch unfold. By mixing your paint with a pouring medium, you can create fluid, flowing designs that feel almost alive.

Pour the paint directly onto the canvas or use a variety of pouring methods—dirty pour, flip cup, or puddle—for different effects. The results are often unpredictable but always stunning, making this technique perfect for artists who enjoy a little chaos.

Top Unique Painting Techniques You Should Try

You should try these seven unique painting techniques to break out of creative ruts and deepen your artistic practice. From the rich textures of impasto to the fluid beauty of pouring, each method invites experimentation and adds a new layer of creativity to your work. Grab your tools, pick a technique, and see where the process takes you!