How to Sponge Paint With Acrylics (Texture and Soft Blends)

Steps

1. 1. Sponge the First Colors Onto a White Canvas

   Dampen a kitchen sponge, squeeze it out well and press it into your first color. Soraya starts with a soft blue-grey in one corner, then picks up yellow and pats it on beside it.

   Tip: A damp sponge spreads paint further and blends easier than a dry one.

   

2. 2. Block In Orange Cloud Color With the Sponge

   Load the sponge with orange and drag it under and around the yellow. Let some streaks show.

   Tip: Squeeze each color onto a palette pad so you can dip the sponge fast.

   

3. 3. Blend the Sponge Painted Sky in Circles

   A rectangular sponge leaves rectangles if you only press it flat. To avoid that, keep turning it in your hand.

   Tip: If you see a square print, rub over it in circles before it dries.

   

4. 4. Sponge Pale Blue Into the Sky With a Light Touch

   Once the canvas is covered, change your pressure. Pick up a little pale blue or white and touch the sponge to the canvas lightly in the gaps between clouds.

   Tip: Test the pressure on a scrap of paper first.

   

5. 5. Add White Highlights to the Sponge Painted Clouds

   Clouds need a bright side. Use a corner of the sponge with a small amount of white and dab it along the top edges of the orange clouds, where the sun would hit.

   Tip: Highlights on only one side of each cloud make the light look consistent.

   

6. 6. Glaze a Translucent Light Color Over the Darker Paint

   When you want a light color over a dark area, choose a translucent paint. Swipe it over the dry orange with the flat of the sponge.

   Tip: Mix a drop of glazing medium into any opaque color to make it see-through.

   

7. 7. Pull a Fine Horizon Line With the Sponge Edge

   A sponge can draw fine lines too. Turn it on its edge, load a little pale paint and drag it steadily along the bottom of the canvas to make the horizon.

   Tip: Rest your little finger on the canvas edge to steady a long line.

   

8. 8. Work a Little Red Into the Clouds With the Sponge

   To make the clouds look round, add depth on their undersides. Squeeze the sponge small, pick up a very light amount of red and press it into the orange where the cloud would curve away from the light.

   Tip: Wipe most of the red off on the palette before it touches the canvas.

   

9. 9. Soften the Sponge Painted Clouds With Your Fingers

   For the softest edges, put the sponge down and use your fingers. Rub over a cloud edge while the paint is still wet to blur it into the sky.

   Tip: Wear a thin glove if you prefer not to get paint on your skin.