As a beginner to oil painting, it is absolutely imperative to make sure that you experiment with a handful of different techniques. Glazing is definitely one of these, but it is a technique, which demands precision, in order to be successful. In fact, glazing is difficult and will likely leave you bewildered and frustrated on your first attempt. If you want to learn one of the easiest painting techniques for beginners, you should look no further than the stumbling painting technique! Below, you will learn all about it!
What Is Scumbling
Scumbling is an oil painting technique, which works similar to glazing. The differential between the pair is the fact stumbling uses opaque paint. It can also be done with transparent oil paint, but this will result in less effect. This is the most common technique used by impressionists, especially Claude Monet, to give his paintings layers of broken color.
The Purpose of The Scumbling Painting Technique
There are many excellent reasons to use the scumbling technique, but most will do it to give their painting more life. With broken colors, it is possible to push off an optical illusion of sorts onto the viewer. When they look at the broken colors, it'll force their mind to mix them optically. Therefore, yellow that has been scumbled over blue, will make the eye think it is seeing green.
Of course, when the viewer gets close to the painting, they'll be able to see that you scumbled the paint onto the surface.
Of course, when the viewer gets close to the painting, they'll be able to see that you scumbled the paint onto the surface.
How To Perform The Scumbling Technique
One of the best aspects of scumbling is the fact that this technique is tremendously easy and very fun to achieve. Although mastering it will take practice, even the newest of painters will be able to enhance their paintings with it. To scumble, you will need either a sponge or a dry brush. Then, you will want to follow the techniques below!
Take note that it is best to use an older and more durable brush for the scumbling technique. Also, you must wait, until the painting has dried, before scumbling! Otherwise, this will cause the paints to mix directly on the canvas, which is something to try later on.
- Dip your brush into a little bit of paint (preferably opaque oil paint)
- Try to use stiff paint, as this will allow it to spread more easily
- Push the brush gently onto a cloth or paper towel to remove excess paint
- Next, you will want to scrub or rub the paint across the intended area
Take note that it is best to use an older and more durable brush for the scumbling technique. Also, you must wait, until the painting has dried, before scumbling! Otherwise, this will cause the paints to mix directly on the canvas, which is something to try later on.