Rocks are often an integral part of oil painted landscapes. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors and, when done effectively by a skilled artist, can add characteristic atmosphere to an oil painting. There are many techniques oil painters can use to bring rocks to life on canvas. Some involve the use of old school painting techniques, while others take advantage of more modern painting tricks. A combination of these techniques will allow you to effectively paint rocks in your landscape oils.
Tools and Materials
Besides keeping a supply of various size brushes and a wide selection of oil paint colors on hand, you might consider natural sponges. Natural sponges are an effective way to add texture to the elements of your oil paintings, and are particularly good for recreating stone texture. Keep sand on hand as well, for mixing with your oils when you are painting stones.
Identifying Variety
Study the variety of rocks available. You'll see that you have more color choices than gray. Rocks come in a variety of colors, depending upon what part of the world your painting is set in. Rocks have a variety of sizes, shapes and colors too. Studying rocks closely before painting them can give you ideas about approach the rocks in your latest work. Consider the color combinations in your oil painting. Perhaps a reddish-brown stone works better in context. Make use of the variety of rocks to give your paintings more appeal.
Textural and DepthTechniques
Use techniques to add texture to your rocks. The naturally thick consistency of oil paint works well for this. Use application techniques such as layering wet paint on wet paint to build up depth when painting rocks, effectively giving them dimension and making them appear to rise from the canvas. Several layers of paint applied wet can create an illusion of three dimensions. Adding a small amount of sand to your paint before application is an easy way to give your rocks a textured appearance. Color blending with a small cloth or sponge is a technique you can use to create grain direction for rocks with a sedimentary look. This is done by wiping different shades of the same color over one another, using a singular motion in one direction to create sedimentary layers.
Brushing Techniques
Brushing techniques used in conjunction with oil paints and thinners can change the look of your rocks. Using a wider brush dipped in thinner before running it over a painted surface will break the oil paint down and help disperse the color. This is an effective technique for helping to bring out a more realistic, multi-toned color in your rocks as opposed to a flat, single color that doesn't allow shadowing to show through. You can also dab at wet oil with the tip of a thin brush to raise the paint for texture or to swirl the paint and drag it across the surface of your rocks. Try using a palette knife to scrape away excess paint to leave behind a thinner layer of paint with textured lines.
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