Try the Palette Knife Technique

This technique requires a certain level of skill, and you need a clear idea of what you are going to paint. Once you mix and apply the paint, it looks fresher and brighter than when working, for example, with a brush. Palette knife painting is essentially painting with a palette knife on a canvas, wood, or whatever surface you like.

Before we explain this remarkable technique, watch the video to get an idea of what it involves:

Palette Knives and Painting Knives

There are several types of palette knives, both small and large, in various shapes. Smaller ones are flexible and suitable for fine, detailed painting, while larger ones are sturdy (rigid) and are also used to apply paints to backgrounds or to underpaint large areas.

There are also palette knives and painting knives (for mixing). A palette knife is a special knife made specifically for mixing paints on your palette, while a painting knife is used to apply paint to any surface where you bring your imagination to life.

A small knife with a wooden handle and stainless steel blade is ideal for quickly covering large areas. It is a wonderfully versatile tool, and you can create a wide range of beautifully varied colors with it. The knife blade is specially made for mixing paints on your palette, while a painting knife is used to apply paint to any surface you are painting on.

One thing that can intimidate beginners when they first use a painting knife is how much paint to use. We know that finding quality cream acrylic paints isn't easy, but creating a rich painting full of texture and energy feels great.

How to apply paint with palette knives:

Palette knives and painting knives are available in various shapes and sizes.

Find them in our online store

Impasto

Impasto is a painting technique in which paint is applied to a surface in very thick layers, usually thick enough for the marks left by the painting knife to be visible. This can be achieved with thick acrylic paints, such as heavy body paints, or by mixing a thickening medium into acrylic paints. You can mix shades on the palette or directly on the canvas. Once dry, impasto will surprise you with its texture, and when you look at the canvas, the pattern will seem to rise from it.

Watch the impasto technique here

Do You Know Salman Khoshroo?

A 35-year-old artist from Tehran, Salman Khoshroo is known for creating oversized paintings of human figures and portraits that consist almost entirely of raw, nearly shapeless smears, yet are incredibly compelling.

Salman works with unconventional techniques.

He uses only a large palette knife and thick layers of oil paint. No brushes, no realistic details or photographic depictions of reality. Instead, there is a healthy dose of abstraction and an artistic perception of his reality and vision.

The result is stunning. Yet Salman’s works contain something incredibly real and tangible.

To wrap up, although the palette knife technique isn't exactly easy, it's definitely worth trying, whether you're an experienced painter or a beginner.

Wishing you creative days,

Peter