Sponge painting can transform a piece of canvas into art.
Artistic paintings on canvas can be created in many ways: traditional with various sizes and styles of brushes; Jackson Pollock-style with drips and swirls; or by abstract splashes created with various application methods. A variety of sponges, when cleverly wielded, can also render art worthy of admiration.
Sponge Variety
Sponges can be found in myriad shapes, sizes and textures. No special sponges are needed to create art on canvas; any household or commercial sponge can be used. A thin, rectangular sponge can be held firmly or softly in the hand. It can be molded to the user's grip, and therefore manipulated easily. Sponges are soft and pliable when wet, and by nature will soak up paint so they can be easily loaded for application. They can be used dry, as well, for drawing thin lines or adding texture to paintings. They also lend themselves to being cut into any shape the artist wishes for special applications.
Wet Sponges
Wet sponges allow the artist to apply an undercoat medium to the canvas for priming. They also can be used to wipe down the medium to the desired amount and remove excess. Sponges allow for easy application of broad swaths of paint, depending on the size of the sponge, as well as paint removal if mistakes are made. Wet sponges should be kept wet during use and rinsed frequently. The same sponge may be used for applications of different colors and making broad, wholesale corrections of color. Artists use wet sponges to experiment with mixing colors, using the corners to gather the paint and getting the proper mix before loading the sponge for application. Sponges can be used to create a marbling effect, as well.
Dry Sponges
When sponges dry, they become stiff and perfect for applying small dots of color or drawing lines or shapes. Snow, grass, leaves and rain effects can be established with sharp corners. They may also be used to wipe painted areas that are still wet to create shadows or the appearance of depth. All six sides of a dry rectangular sponge are available for adding texture to paintings, as they are usually pocked with holes and creases.
Clean And Re-Use
Keeping sponges clean of paint will extend their longevity and ensure clean impressions time after time. Let the first impressions dry on the canvas, and then later over-stamp the same sponge in a different color for unique effects.
