Create Texture and Application in Paint Using Yin Yang

For generations, oil paint has been admired for its impasto effects with texture and application.

Yet, many artists forget that oil paint can be applied thinly, much like a watercolor-wash. In fact, I use glazing successfully in my own works using water soluble oils.

This technique can create beautiful glazes that add effects much like stained glass. Rembrandt mastered these effects in his own works. But little did he know, he was using yin yang to execute his paintings!
<<<Click on the above image and look carefully. You can see how Rembrandt masterfully used thin/thick and varied brushstrokes in his self portrait over 400 years ago!
Oil paint has a unique ability to create dramatic and beautiful results using two different ways of applying texture. These opposites are the yin/yang principles that govern texture in painting. You can use varying degrees of texture to enliven your oil or acrylic artwork. Application of paint can range anywhere between: Transparent to opaque or thin to thick (impasto).

How to create thin & transparent texture: Yin
Use extra medium for thinning paint
Dark, cool shadows need transparent paint
Use warm transparent hues where the shadows meet the light
How to create thick & opaque (impasto) texture: Yang
Use a heavily loaded bristle brush
Put the paint down and leave it alone!
Let the brush make its mark
Use thicker texture to create form and highlights
Glazing is another way to enhance the dry painting and give it more depth. Allow the paint to dry, then use a softer brush loaded with transparent glazes and lightly drag across the dried impasto. The glaze will puddle in the valleys made by the bristle brush. You can also use a lint-free cloth or towel and carefully wipe the glaze off the peaks of the impasto. This technique allows the light to shine through the layers of paint and add an air of mystery to your work.
How to create variety and richness in your brushwork: energy or chi
Use direction of brushstrokes – up/down, left/right
Use different length strokes – long/short
Use edge quality – soft edge or hard edge
These brushstrokes can be carefully used to lead the eye throughout your painting. The eye will be drawn to where hard/soft edges meet or other yin/yang opposites are used.