The scraping technique is an important means to create special textures in hand-painted oil paintings. By using different tools to scrape pigments on the canvas, a rich variety of visual effects can be produced. The following is a detailed introduction to tool selection, specific operations, and different scene applications for you:
Tool selection
Oil painting knife: The oil painting knife is one of the most commonly used tools in the scraping technique. Its blade shapes are diverse, including flat heads, round heads, inclined heads, etc. Blades of different shapes can create various texture effects. The flat-headed oil painting knife is suitable for large-area scraping and can quickly create uniform textures. The round-tipped oil painting knife is more suitable for scraping in details, such as showing the subtle changes in the edges or textures of objects. The slanted oil painting knife can create unique angles and lines when scraping, adding a sense of movement to the picture.
Drawing pen barrel: The end of the drawing pen barrel is usually quite round and can be used to scrape the paint while it is still wet, creating a soft and natural texture. For example, when drawing the sky, gently scraping the paint with the brush can show the lightness and grace of the clouds.
Forks, combs and other daily necessities: These everyday items can also be powerful tools for scraping techniques. The pitch of a fork varies, and so does the texture it scratches. A fine pitch can produce a delicate texture, while a wide pitch can create a rough effect. The teeth of the comb are relatively uniform, making it suitable for scraping out regular lines on the canvas, such as depicting the ripples on water or wood grain, etc.
Specific operation
Control of pigment state: The scraping technique has certain requirements for the state of the pigment. The pigment should not be too dry; otherwise, it will be difficult to scrape out the desired texture. It should not be too thin either; otherwise, it will flow and fail to form a clear texture. Generally speaking, the best scraping effect is achieved when the pigment is half dry. At this point, the pigment has a certain degree of stickiness and can adhere to the canvas. At the same time, it also has a certain degree of plasticity, making it convenient to scrape out various textures.
Force and direction control: The force and direction applied during scraping will affect the depth, thickness and direction of the texture. When the force is greater, the texture scratched will be deeper and more obvious. When the force is smaller, the texture will be shallower and softer. The direction of scraping can be determined according to the needs of the picture. For example, when presenting the texture of trees, a vertical scraping method can be adopted. When depicting the ripples on the water surface, horizontal or wavy scraping methods can be adopted.
Multiple superimposition and modification: To create a richer and more complex texture effect, multiple scraping and superimposition can be carried out. After the first scrape, wait for the paint to dry slightly before applying the second and third coats. The direction and force of each scrape can be different to make the textures interweave and overlap with each other. If an unsatisfactory effect occurs during the scraping process, you can use an oil painting knife or brush to scrape off or modify the excess paint until the desired effect is achieved.
Applications in different scenarios
Express natural scenes
Rocks: When painting rocks, you can use tools such as an oil painting knife or fork to scrape the paint with a relatively heavy force, creating rough and irregular textures to show the hardness and vicissitude of the rocks. The force and direction of scraping can also be adjusted according to different parts of the rock. For example, scrape forcefully at the edge of the rock to make it sharper. On the surface of the rock, a more casual scraping method is adopted to show the undulation and unevenness of the rock.
Trees: For the texture representation of trees, you can use a pen or a thin oil painting knife to scrape along the growth direction of the trees. When depicting the bark, you can use a fork or a comb to scrape out irregular lines and a sense of concavity and convexity, enhancing the realism of the tree. In addition, the light and shadow effect of the trees can also be expressed through the variation of the depth of the scratch, such as scratching shallower in the bright areas and deeper in the dark areas.
Create an abstract atmosphere
Color fusion and transition: In abstract oil paintings, the scraping technique can be used for the fusion and transition of colors. First, apply several different colored paints on the canvas. Then, use an oil painting knife or a pen to scrape the paints, allowing the colors to penetrate and blend with each other, creating a unique color effect and texture. For instance, mix the blue and yellow pigments together, and use the scraping method to transition them into green, while forming irregular textures to create a mysterious and dreamy atmosphere.
Creating dynamism and tension: By altering the direction and force of the scraping, dynamism and tension can be created in abstract images. For instance, by using diagonal or spiral scraping methods, the lines and textures in the picture can present a flowing feeling, giving people a strong visual impact. It can also be combined with other painting techniques, such as dripping and splashing, to further enhance the expressiveness of the picture.
Shape objects with special textures
Metal: The surface of metal has the characteristics of smoothness and reflection. When painting metal objects, you can gently scrape the paint with the blade of an oil painting knife to give the paint surface a smooth texture. By scraping out some fine lines and highlights, the luster of the metal can be expressed. For example, when drawing a metal sword, the scraping technique is used to show the sharpness and reflection of the sword blade, making the metal look more realistic.
Hair: For soft and fine objects such as animal hair, you can use a fine oil painting knife or the tip of a paintbrush to gently scrape the paint to simulate the texture and feel of the hair. When scraping, you can adjust the force and frequency of scraping according to the growth direction and density of the hair to make the hair look more natural and vivid.