My First Palette Knife Painting

When I first stepped into the world of oil painting, I had no idea which techniques or styles would speak to me. Although I was always intrigued by painting, I was excited to explore and find my own artistic voice. One night as I was wrangling my three children for bed, my mom came over to my place and showed me a screenshot of a striking painting she had seen while watching a movie. Her enthusiasm made me smile, and she asked me if I thought I could reproduce the painting. I still do not know who the original artist is, so if any of you know and recognize the original just by looking at my rendition, please comment and let me know!

As I examined the screenshot, vibrant colors clearly defined and unblended jumped out at me. The original painting had a textured, almost three-dimensional quality that I found captivating. My goal was to replicate that chunky look. However, when I started working on the painting with a brush, I quickly realized that I was not creating the bold colors or clearly defined jags of color that I wanted. The paint seemed flat, mushy and lifeless. The colors all melted together and weren't clearly separated which is what I needed to make that chunky impasto look.

After a frustrating struggle, I had an epiphany: I reached for my palette knife. I had never tried to paint with one. But the moment I dug that blade into the paint and spread it across the canvas, everything changed. I felt a rush of victory as well as relief, the kind that can only be felt after repeatedly failing at a task yet refusing to quit, until finally you see at the end of yet another attempt, that this time wasn't a failure. I had figured it out! The palette knife allowed me to create bold strokes and varied textures. This was not my first experience with direct painting techniques. However, I have always felt the need to paint with many layers, using glazes for example to create depth. This time though, the one application of paint was more than enough to look finished and look good.

Palette knife painting isn't just about the process; the results can be breathtaking. My first (and only) attempt is also called an alla prima piece, which just means completed during a single sitting. Utilizing the wet-on-wet technique allowed me to blend the colors directly on the canvas, resulting in an expressive semi-abstract painting that my mother had so admired. It is really interesting how much depth and movement can be created using just a simple blade!

A colorful palette knife painting showcasing bold textures and brushstrokes.

What surprised me was the fact that I found it as enjoyable to make as I found it to look at later. To be honest this isn't the really style of art that I generally gravitate towards. But I ended up loving it when all was said and done. The thick impasto technique created textural qualities that made the painting interesting to look at, letting me truly enjoy this semi-abstract style for the first time.

Although I have not yet found my true artist voice, I know that with every stroke I make and every piece I produce it leads me toward my artistic identity. I am learning to keep going and to keep exploring and trying new techniques. I never would have attempted this painting if I hadn't been asked to reproduce it. But I am glad that I did, I learned a lot.

Looking ahead, I am eager to continue experimenting with palette knife painting and sharpening my skills. This was my very first alla prima (and only successful one) and my first palette knife painting, yet it is the only alla prima I have completed that I think looks good. For aspiring artists and fellow art lovers, I highly recommend giving it a try! In fact give any new art technique a try, even if you doubt it at first. You may just find a new way to connect with your canvas.

Painting and picking up art again has been a transformative experience for me. It reinforces the importance of experimentation and has reminded me that art is all about enjoyment, expression, and the journey itself. Whatever your passion is, whether it is painting, eating or making good food, wood working, or anything at all, follow that passion! It will allow you to become the best version of yourself, the you that was meant to be. Let us all make something beautiful together!

-With Love-

Chej

P.S. If you are looking to create your own art and are in need of supplies, there are many great resources online. I always scavenge facebook marketplace first and scoop up people's throwaways. Or if you only want new items I would suggest Blick Art Supplies, They are pretty cheap and they have EVERYTHING. I buy 90% of my supplies from Blick.

P.S.S. If you or anyone you know wants to learn how to paint and draw and actually make $$$ with it. Check out the Milan Art Academy, which is where I chose to go (other than watching a million Youtube videos). The people at the Milan Institute don't believe in the 'starving artist' myth and every lesson is designed to help you in the long run to successfully make money. We can all make a living with art, especially in a day and age where we can contact people on the other side of the planet within literal seconds if we choose to do so.

***If you want to donate/leave me a tip you can do so at https://buymeacoffee.com/chej

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