Using A Vintage Putty Knife In Mixed Media Artwork

Applying Acrylic Paint With An Old Putty Knife

Mixed media collage artists like to paint papers with acrylic paint and then tear up the papers to reassemble them in other works of art.  One way to apply the paint is to use a palette knife or putty knife instead of  multiple  brushes.My dream tool is the putty knife.  An old putty knife is cheap, very easy to use and much easier than brushes to clean.  Even artists who do not work in a collage style, enjoy using a putty knife or palette knife directly onto a canvas.  

 I especially like the way you can smear on paint in layers with a putty knife wiping the older color with a new color and getting all kinds of terrific patterns. As you fool around with the putty knife you will see that you form  ridges with each application. You can of course smooth out these ridges or keep them in your work for added interest and texture. 

So the next time you are at a tag sale or flea market keep your eye open for old putty knifes. And be sure to keep on hand a collection of different sizes.  

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists