32 artistMarch 2020 http://www.painters-online.co.uk
MASTERCLASS
knife’ can be loosely applied to other
tools used to apply paint.
Thick card cut to different lengths
and widths fashioned at the ends to
bespoke shapes are a really effective
way of transferring paint from palette
to painting. Card is absorbent so I
paint mine with several coats of gesso.
Although not as robust, these are a
good choice for those who’d like to try
them before purchasing a full set ofpalette knives. Other tools I use include
wallpaper scrapers, plastic credit cards,
my fi ngers and old dining knives. Plastic
packaging can be cut to shapes and the
size you want to work with (below left).Di erent e ects
Using any kind of palette knife to
paint with is really compelling. Buttery
mixtures of paint can be moved across
surfaces in exciting ways using the tips,
points, sides, edges and fl at planes of
the knives. Palette knives are useful
tools to soften edges and create hard-
edged shapes. Blend and mix paint with
back-and-forth movements on canvas
or on the palette. Sharp-edged shapes
are created by placing the blade on its
side at a shallow angle and scraping the
paint away with some pressure. This is
particularly effective as a technique on
a smoother surface.
One of my favourite methods is to
press a fl at blade into an area of wet
paint and quickly lift it off to build a
textured effect. Texture is fundamental
in my work so I use any method I can to
create it. Try mixing wet paint directly
on the support, scrape off to reveal
dryer layers underneath and for working
into wet layers with sgraffi to-like effects.Media
Palette knives work especially well with
oil and acrylic as both media are easily
mixed to a thicker consistency. Heavy-T
here are many ways to transfer
paint from palette to your
support. Palette knives offer a
range of unique marks that make
them the ideal choice for any artist
wanting to loosen up and become more
expressive in their work.
Palette knives are made in many
shapes, sizes, angles, metals and
fl exibility. However, thinking outside
the box somewhat, the term ‘paletteGet creative with
PALETTE KNIVES
Robert Dutton shares his top tips and advice for choosing and working with
palette knives for a looser and more expressive style
Palette knives and tools
I use these palette knives in the studio and on location. They ’re light and easy to use and easier
to clean than brushes, which is an advantage when you’re on the move and when time is limited