VIDEO: Filling technique for acrylic

Tips for the spatula technique

• For the spatula technique, you should only use special structure pastes from artist supplies. Mixtures from the hardware store are too brittle and leave ugly cracks in the picture, and the beautiful structures can flake off. You can also make the filler yourself with acrylic binder and marble powder.
• Work on stretcher frames with canvas or wooden panels (MDF). You have to prime both of these so that the paint and filler adhere better. In addition, the durability and luminosity of your image are improved.
• With the spatula technique you work with different spatulas to create different structures. Pallet or painting knives are ideal for small areas, painter's spatulas should be used for large-scale work. You can also achieve other effects with a toothed spatula or household utensils such as a kitchen roll. If you work bird sand or other substances into the filler, the picture also gets a structure.
• You can apply putty in different thin layers. However, you need to let each layer dry out before continuing. You can shorten waiting times with a hair dryer.

Create structures with acrylic

1. Think about what you want to achieve with the combination of structure paste and acrylic. Do you want to give landscapes, animals or other more representational motifs a structure? Do you want to alienate abstract images or experiment with different surfaces to give your image a more interesting look?


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2. Apply the filler generously to the canvas with a painting knife. Now work out structures. For example, dab with a kitchen towel or pull the spatula from top to bottom. You can make semicircular movements with a notched trowel.
3. When you are satisfied with your result, let the putty dry.
4. Now paint a background with paint. Geometric figures, for example, are well suited for beginners. But simple landscape forms such as meadow or sky are also well suited as a background. Let the paint dry.
5. Finally, work out your motif. You could paint seashells to match the surface structure. But you can also stay abstract. If you want, you can add materials such as glass nuggets or gemstones to the paint that is still wet.

Once you have got used to the new medium, you can still develop yourself further with acrylic by applying putty and paint in several layers.