Paint splattering can be used to create a variety of interesting effects.
Learn to create a paint splatter effect to add a rich texture to your images. Splattering paint is a technique which simply involves splattering paint onto the canvas, to either create texture or a spontaneous colored appearance. Many artists, such as Jackson Pollock, have used this technique, and learning about it can give you another effect to add to your repertoire. You can vary a splatter effect with different brushes, paints and techniques.
Brushes
You can use a variety of brushes to create a paint splatter effect, but a commonly used tool is actually a toothbrush. However, watercolor brushes or any stiff brush such as a stenciling brush can be used to splatter paint on the canvas. The technique requires the bristles of the brush to spring back into their original place when disturbed. Over types of brushes can be used, but stiff brushes are advised.
Paint
You can either use watered-down acrylic paint or watercolor paint. The paint should be somewhat thin so that it disperses when the brush is flicked. Only touch the tips of your brush to the color when applying paint to the brush. Any watercolor paint or slightly watered down acrylic paint is suitable. Experiment with different consistencies of paint to see which creates the effect you prefer.
Technique
After applying the paint to the tip of your brush, hold it over the area you wish to splatter with paint. If you are using a toothbrush, hold it upside down. Place your thumb at the top of the paint-covered bristles and slowly pull it down the length of your brush. The bristles will be pulled back and spring back into their original place. This causes small droplets of paint to fire off in various directions. Repeat this until no more paint is splattering with the movement of the bristles, and then dip the tips into your paint again to reload.
Advanced Technique
Angle the brush to create different splatter effects. For example, angling the brush to the right will create a conical splatter pattern expanding outward to the right. Practice different angles of paint splattering to see what effects you can create. Use a cloth to pat away any splatter you don't want.
