How to Use a Painting Knife for Amazing Paintings

The painting knives that you will need. You may have them already, but there are a few characteristics that I find useful in painting knives. Plus oil or acrylic paints, painting surfaces and plenty of cleaning cloths or tissue to wipe off the knife.

A selection of handy techniques that you can use right away. Download the cheat-sheet to remind yourself of these techniques.

I love this technique. One that builds on a solid underpainting. Sometimes I make the decision to bring in painting knives on the spur of the moment. Mostly though I want to set the stage before completing the painting with a knife.

A more detailed look at this technique. When using this approach you are painting mostly by intuition. Every painting will be different as a result. It can be daunting for beginners until you feel more comfortable with the idea of letting go. The underpainting is to give you more direction and confidence. Add as much knife impasto as you are comfortable with. Practice.

Painting with thick oil paint can pose problems. Cracking paint being the most common. Follow these old painting tips and you should not have any problems.

Artists often leave the sky looking a bit bland. Or the clouds are overworked and look odd. Instead make the sky interesting and full of movement. This quick reworking with the knife makes all the difference. Try it out.

This is a selection of paintings where I have used the painting knife. In some more than others. Perhaps my thinking behind this technique and how I went about it may give you some ideas to try out.

This is a very simple subject as far as composition goes. If painted with a brush using thin paint the result may be disappointing. Most beginners would not be happy with the results. However with a good use of a painting knife, texture and strong color we can add energy and interest to this simple composition.

The completion of the painting demonstration. Now you can download the reference and have a go painting this one too. Let me know how it goes.

Always have painting knives as part of your painting tools. Use them where required and you will be adding something different to your paintings. Most beginners either are to afraid to try the painting knife or they over use it. Sometimes a softer approach of the brush is required. Other times the knife gives the necessary energy. By using all materials at your disposal you can learn how to get the most out of them.