Texture is one of the most exciting elements in painting. It brings your artwork to life, adds depth, and creates a sensory experience for the viewer. Whether you’re painting with oils, acrylics, watercolours, or mixed media, understanding how to use texture can elevate your work and make it truly memorable. At The Online College of Art and Design, we’re all about helping artists explore new techniques and push their creative boundaries. In this blog, we’ll share practical tips on how to incorporate texture into your paintings and inspire you to experiment with your art. Ready to add some dimension to your work? Let’s dive in! Why Texture Matters in Painting Texture is more than just a surface feature; it’s an essential storytelling tool. Smooth textures can evoke calmness or simplicity, while rough or layered textures can convey energy, tension, or movement. The interplay of textures can guide the viewer’s eye, emphasise key areas, or even evoke emotions. By adding texture, you transform your painting from a two-dimensional image into a tactile and engaging experience. 1. Experiment with Your Brushwork One of the simplest ways to create texture is by varying your brushstrokes. Use short, thick strokes for rough textures or smooth, flowing strokes for a softer feel. Experiment with dry brush techniques by using less paint and a slightly dry brush to create scratchy, textured effects. 2. Play with Palette Knives Palette knives aren’t just for mixing paint – they’re fantastic tools for adding texture! Use a palette knife to apply thick layers of paint, create sharp edges, or scrape away paint for interesting effects. This technique works particularly well with acrylics and oils. 3. Incorporate Mixed Media Why stick to paint alone? Add materials like sand, fabric, string, or paper to your canvas for a truly unique textured effect. For example, you can glue crumpled tissue paper to your canvas and paint over it to create a dynamic surface. 4. Use Impasto Techniques Impasto is a classic technique where you apply thick layers of paint to your canvas, allowing the brushstrokes or knife marks to remain visible. This technique creates a three-dimensional effect that makes your painting pop. It’s particularly popular in oil painting, but heavy body acrylics work beautifully too. 5. Experiment with Gels and Mediums Many art supply brands offer texture pastes, gels, and mediums that can be mixed with paint or applied directly to your surface. These products allow you to create everything from subtle textures to dramatic reliefs. Try using modelling paste for raised effects or gloss gel for a shiny, textured finish. 6. Layering is Key Texture doesn’t have to be about thickness alone – layering thin glazes of paint can create visual texture that mimics the look of fabric, stone, or natural elements. Watercolourists can use washes and dry brush techniques to achieve a similar effect. 7. Work with Your Surface The texture of your painting surface, whether it’s canvas, paper, or wood, plays a big role in the final outcome. Experiment with different surfaces to see how they affect the look and feel of your work. For example, a rough canvas can add natural texture to your painting, while a smoother surface offers a clean, sleek finish. 8. Scratching and Mark-Making Once you’ve applied paint, try scratching into it with a toothpick, fork, or the end of a brush to create interesting patterns and textures. This technique works especially well when the paint is still wet and can be used to add fine details or bold marks. 9. Use Found Objects Household items like sponges, combs, bubble wrap, or even leaves can add unique textures to your paintings. Dab a sponge to create soft textures, or press bubble wrap into wet paint for an interesting pattern. 10. Study Nature for Inspiration Nature is full of textures – from rough tree bark to soft clouds. Take time to observe and sketch the textures around you, then find creative ways to replicate them in your artwork. Ready to Elevate Your Art? Learning to use texture effectively is a game-changer for any artist. At The Online College of Art and Design, our expert tutors help you explore techniques like these while encouraging your individual creativity. Our courses are designed for artists of all levels, whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an advanced painter looking to refine your skills. With flexible online learning and access to supportive, professional guidance, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to create art that truly stands out. Take the Next Step in Your Artistic Journey Why not challenge yourself to explore the power of texture in your next painting? And if you’re ready to dive deeper into your artistic practice, we’re here to help. Visit our website here to learn more about our courses. From painting techniques to advanced art theory, we offer the resources and expertise to guide you every step of the way. Unleash your creativity, embrace texture, and watch your paintings come alive. Your next masterpiece awaits – let’s create it together!

Feeling stuck in a creative rut? Want to sharpen your skills and develop your artistic voice? Art challenges are a fantastic way to push your creative boundaries, try new techniques, and stay motivated. Whether you’re a beginner looking to practise regularly or an experienced artist seeking fresh inspiration, structured challenges can help take your art to the next level. At The Online College of Art and Design , we encourage our students to embrace challenges as part of their learning journey. In this post, we’ll explore why art challenges are so powerful and how you can use them to develop your artistic style and confidence. Why Take Part in Art Challenges? Art challenges are designed to help artists break free from their comfort zones. Here’s why they’re so effective: Consistency & Discipline – Daily or weekly challenges encourage regular practice, helping you build discipline and improve steadily over time. Creative Exploration – Trying different prompts forces you to experiment with new subjects, styles, and techniques. Overcoming Artist’s Block – If you ever struggle with creative block, structured challenges provide direction and inspiration. Building a Portfolio – Completing challenges gives you a collection of artwork that can be used for your portfolio, social media, or exhibitions. Joining a Community – Many art challenges come with online communities where you can share your work, get feedback, and connect with other artists. Popular Art Challenges to Try If you’re ready to dive in, here are some popular art challenges that can help push your creative boundaries: 1. Inktober (October) A well-known challenge where artists create ink drawings every day in October. Each day has a different prompt to inspire unique pieces. If you want to refine your linework and experiment with inking, this is a great challenge to try. 2. 100 Heads Challenge This challenge, created by artist Ahmed Aldoori, pushes you to draw 100 different heads in 10 days. It’s an excellent way to improve portrait drawing and facial expressions. 3. Draw This in Your Style (DTIYS) In this challenge, artists create a piece based on another artist’s work but in their own unique style. It’s an amazing way to explore different techniques and push your creativity. 4. One Week, One Brush Challenge Limit yourself to using only one brush in digital art for an entire week. This helps you master digital tools and explore creative ways to use them effectively. 5. 36 Days of Type Ideal for typography lovers! In this challenge, artists create a letter or number each day, experimenting with fonts, illustrations, and design. 6. 3 Colours Challenge Pick three random colours and create a full artwork using only those shades. This challenge forces you to think outside the box and get creative with colour theory. 7. The 365 Art Challenge The ultimate commitment—creating one piece of art every day for a year! This is an intense but rewarding challenge that helps build consistency and rapid improvement. How to Make the Most of Art Challenges Simply participating in an art challenge is great, but to get the most out of it, follow these tips: 1. Set Realistic Goals Not every challenge needs to be completed daily—choose a schedule that fits your lifestyle. If a 30-day challenge feels overwhelming, try weekly challenges instead. 2. Experiment with Different Mediums Use challenges as an opportunity to try different styles and tools. If you usually work in watercolour, try digital painting. If you prefer sketching, give acrylics a go. 3. Don’t Fear Imperfection The goal is progress, not perfection. Some pieces will turn out better than others, and that’s okay! Challenges are about learning, not creating masterpieces every time. 4. Engage with the Art Community Post your work on social media using challenge hashtags, interact with other artists, and seek feedback. Being part of a creative community makes the experience more enjoyable and inspiring. 5. Reflect on Your Growth At the end of the challenge, look back at your work and see how much you’ve improved. You might discover a new technique you love or a unique style developing. Ready to Elevate Your Art Skills? Art challenges are a fantastic way to grow as an artist, but if you’re serious about refining your skills and developing your artistic voice, structured learning can make all the difference. At The Online College of Art and Design , we offer a range of online art courses designed to help you build confidence, experiment with new techniques, and master both traditional and digital art forms. Whether you’re looking to boost your portfolio, improve your skills, or turn your passion into a career, our expert tutors are here to guide you every step of the way. Enrol today and take your creativity to new heights! Visit here to explore our courses.

If you're an artist looking to showcase your work and build your brand, Pinterest is a goldmine waiting to be explored. With over 400 million active users, it's an incredible platform for promoting your art, driving traffic to your website, and even attracting potential clients or students to your art courses. Here’s how to make the most of Pinterest and start promoting your art today!

Digital painting is an exciting and versatile medium that allows artists to explore endless creative possibilities. Whether you're transitioning from traditional art or starting fresh, learning how to paint digitally can open up a world of new techniques and artistic opportunities. If you’re wondering where to begin, we’ve got you covered!

If you have ever dreamed of studying art, design, music, or photography but aren’t sure where to start, now is the perfect time to explore your options. The Online College of Art and Design is offering free Taster Days , giving you the opportunity to experience what it’s like to study at a specialist online art school. Whether you are looking for a GCSE-equivalent course, an A-Level alternative, or a foundation diploma to prepare for university, these sessions will provide insight into your chosen subject and help you decide on your next steps. Taster Days are designed to give you a real feel for how our courses work. You will have the chance to take part in live lessons, interact with expert tutors, and explore creative techniques in a supportive environment. If you can’t attend the live sessions, recordings will be available for a limited time so you won’t miss out. You will also have access to tutor chats where you can ask questions, receive advice, and get personalised guidance to help you make the right decision about your studies. For those considering GCSE-equivalent Level 2 courses, there are taster sessions in Art and Design, Photography, and RSL Music. Each session will introduce you to key skills and techniques, giving you a hands-on experience of how these practical, coursework-based courses work. Whether you want to develop a portfolio, gain a recognised qualification, or simply explore your creative potential, these taster days will provide valuable insight into what you can achieve with online learning. For those looking at A-Level alternatives, the Level 3 taster sessions offer an introduction to our Foundation Diploma in Art, Design, and Media, as well as the Level 3 Diplomas in Photography and RSL Music. These sessions are perfect for students aiming to progress to university or start a career in the creative industries. With live lessons, industry-relevant projects, and expert tutor guidance, you will get a first-hand look at how our courses are structured and how they can support your aspirations. Studying online at the Online College of Art and Design means having access to a dedicated virtual studio where you can complete assignments, develop skills, and receive detailed feedback from tutors. Our interactive lessons and one-to-one support ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive in a creative and flexible learning environment. This is your chance to explore your passion, experience what it’s like to study in an online art school, and take the first step towards your creative future. Sign up for a free taster day and discover how the Online College of Art and Design can help you achieve your artistic goals.

As an artist, you might wonder why studying art history is important when your focus is on creating new and original work. However, understanding the past can profoundly shape your artistic growth, inspire fresh ideas, and refine your creative approach.

Life gets hectic, and finding time for art can feel impossible. But making creativity a daily habit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Even with a packed schedule, you can carve out time for artistic expression—and the more you do, the more natural it becomes.

Imposter syndrome is something that many artists struggle with—whether you’re just starting out or have been creating for years. That nagging feeling of not being ‘good enough’, the fear of being ‘exposed’ as a fraud, or comparing yourself to others can hold you back from reaching your full potential. But here’s the truth: you are an artist, and your work is valuable. The key is learning how to overcome those self-doubts and continue growing in confidence.

Creating an impressive artistic portfolio is essential for anyone looking to pursue a career in art or design. Whether you're applying to art school, seeking freelance clients, or looking to land your dream job, your portfolio is your visual résumé. It's how you show the world what you're capable of. At the Online College of Art & Design, we help students develop strong portfolios that highlight their skills, creativity, and artistic potential.