For this acrylic painting, use a stretched canvas in portrait orientation. The visual focal point of your painting will be the striking texture in the center: The combination of structure paste and metallic paints creates visible depth and an elegant sheen that appears different depending on how the light hits it.
stretched canvas Preparation
Place the stretched canvas on a protected surface so you can work freely. First, prime the canvas with a light-colored acrylic paint, including the outer edges. This primer gives the stretched canvas a uniform, calm base in both color and texture, allowing the metallic-acrylic paints to appear clearer and more intense later on. Let the primer dry briefly.
structure paste Application
Pick up some “ structure paste ” on a palette knife and draw a thick line across the painting. Position it so that it serves as a central design element—with a high- stretched canvas , a central zone works particularly well. The paste is your “relief”: the thicker you apply it, the more three-dimensional the effect will be.
Next, using “ structure paste ,” spread additional strips in rows across your image, according to your personal taste. This creates edges, grooves, and small raised areas that will later absorb the “ metallic paint ” differently. Work in streaky strokes and vary the pressure: More pressure makes the texture flatter and wider, while less pressure creates distinct raised areas. Make sure the ends taper off gently so that the textured area blends harmoniously into the background.
Let everything dry thoroughly. This step is important to ensure that the texture remains stable and does not shift again during painting. Only when the structure paste is completely dry can paints be applied cleanly and retain their luster.
