Textured Art Guide
Welcome to the World of Textured Art
Your Introduction to Texture, Depth & Creativity
We're so glad you're here – and even more excited that you've decided to create your own Textured Art piece with us! This guide is made for you if you're eager to get creative, try something new, or simply looking for a relaxing break from everyday life.
With Textured Art, you can create stunning artworks with depth and structure – no prior artistic skills needed. Whether you're making it for yourself, as a unique gift, or even to sell, all you need is the right tools, a bit of inspiration, and the joy of creating something your own.
📌 What You’ll Find in This Guide:
- An easy-to-understand introduction to the basics of Textured Art
- Tips for choosing the right materials – from texture paste to palette knives and canvases
- Technique and motif inspiration – from us and other artists
- Step-by-step video tutorials for popular designs like flowers, arches, or beach waves
- Answers to frequently asked questions, common mistakes, and helpful tips for your first creations
If you've already purchased one of our DIY Starter Sets, you’ll find all the key information on the included materials and how to use them.
If not, take a look at our sets here: https://intotexture.com/collections/diy-starter-sets – perfect for getting started.
Whether you're using one of our sets or building your own setup: this guide walks you through each step – with joy, creativity, and the confidence that you’re in the right place.
Ready to bring your first textures to paper (or canvas)?
Let’s get creative together!
🧰 What’s Included in the IntoTexture DIY Starter Set?
If you own one of our Textured Art Starter Sets, you already have everything you need to get started (contents may vary slightly per set, but typically include):
- 1x 400g texture paste (smooth, made in Germany)
- 30x30 cm canvas frame (hand-stretched, made in Denmark)
- 3x spatulas & 3x palette knives (made in Germany & Italy)
- 1x 15mm synthetic brush (made in Germany)
- 1x masking tape (made in Germany)
- 1x set of latex-free gloves (made in Germany)
- 1x 70x50 cm paper underlay (made in Poland)
- Starter guide (printed & digital) including video tutorials (made in beautiful Munich ;-))
Everything is curated so you can start right away – no extra purchases or prep needed.
Palette Knife Care Instructions:
Our palette knives have a special coating and handles to give them their unique look. Please handle them with care to enjoy their aesthetic for a long time.
- Do not let paste or paint dry on the knives as it may damage the coating. Clean them right after use with a cloth.
- If paste remains, carefully remove it with some water and a cloth.
- Do not use other tools to scrape off dried paste or paint – this may damage the matte black finish.
- Do not soak the knives in water or use soap!
Getting Started with the Basics of Textured Art
What Makes This Artform Special – And What to Focus On
Textured Art – often referred to as “structure art” – is a modern art technique and a popular DIY trend. Unlike traditional painting styles using acrylic or oil, the focus here isn’t on color but on form, depth, and texture. Of course, Textured Art can still be beautifully combined with colors – especially acrylics or watercolors. You’ll find motif inspiration for that later in this guide.
The focus is on working with texture paste. This is applied and shaped using tools like palette knives, spatulas, or sponges to create fascinating surfaces that are both visible and touchable.
✨ Why Textured Art Is So Unique
- No prior skills needed: You don’t need to know how to draw or paint. Whether abstract or detailed – you’ll be surprised at the amazing results you can achieve using only shapes, lines, and textures.
- One-of-a-kind pieces: Each artwork is a unique original. The tangible depth and real texture give your pieces a natural handmade look with personality.
- Minimalist design, maximum impact: A reduced color palette often leads to modern, calm, and stylish pieces – but vibrant designs like florals or fantasy landscapes also shine with this technique.
- Creative freedom: Whether arches, blossoms, abstract compositions, or architectural-inspired motifs – it’s entirely up to you what you create.
Popular Textured Art Designs – Get Inspired
If you’ve spent some time exploring Textured Art, you’ve probably come across a few recurring favorites — like arches, floral designs, or beach waves. What we love about these: even when many artists work with similar themes, every piece is a true original. Through shape, technique, and personal touches, each artwork takes on its own unique feel.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a selection of inspiring example designs and featured artists whose style we find especially exciting. You might just discover the idea that sparks your first (or next) creation ✨
🎥 You’ll also find step-by-step video tutorials for some of these designs further down in the guide.
Artists That Inspire Us
At IntoTexture, we’re constantly on the lookout for exceptional artists who stand out through their unique style, innovative tools, or fresh interpretations. Some have developed their own visual language — others reimagine classic motifs in creative new ways.
🎨 AnngryArt – Minimalism at Its Finest
Anna Grabska, known as AnngryArt, has been inspiring us for years with her ultra-minimalist textured pieces. She works primarily with notched spatulas, mastering the technique with incredible precision and clarity.
What makes her work so striking is the combination of architectural forms, clean line structures, and carefully placed color accents.
👉 Discover her art on Instagram: @anngryart
Bonus tip: Anna also offers Textured Art courses – a perfect opportunity to learn her technique in detail.
👉 Explore her courses: AnngryArt Courses
🎨 Textures by Jess – Structure Meets Precision
Textures by Jess is one of the best-known artists in the Textured Art scene. Her work is defined by striking clarity and craftsmanship. Whether using a notched spatula or palette knife, Jess creates perfectly executed textures with ease and control.
Her compositions exude calm, balance, and modern elegance — always sophisticated and polished.
👉 See more on Instagram: @textures.by.jess
🖌️ Werner Bronkhorst – Texture Meets Intricate Illustration
Werner Bronkhorst is undoubtedly one of the most exciting names in today’s art scene. His work combines texture paste with miniature illustrations, creating a unique and recognizable style.
Even without advanced drawing skills, you can take inspiration from his process: Werner forms his textures using unexpected tools like Styrofoam, sponges, and foam pieces — resulting in fluid, organic shapes full of expression and ease.
👉 Discover his work on Instagram: @werner_bronkhorst
🌸 Astrup Studio – Flower Power Meets Texture
Astrup Studio may still be a small Instagram account — but the work speaks volumes. We especially love how floral illustrations are blended with texture: expressive acrylics are paired with rich structure paste to create vibrant, uplifting explosions of color.
It’s a great example of how classic floral designs can be reimagined into something completely new and distinct.
👉 Explore her work on Instagram: @astrup_art_studio
The 3 Core Elements of Textured Art
1. The Right Texture Paste
This is the heart of your project and should meet your needs. A high-quality paste should:
- Be creamy and easy to apply
- Dry solid without cracking or sinking
- Be low-odor and water-based
- Mix well with acrylic paint, pigments, or sand
👉 Tip: Choose quality – many artists (us included 😉) use IntoTexture texture paste.
More info: https://intotexture.com/collections/strukturpasten
2. The Right Surface
Not every surface is equally suitable. The following have proven particularly effective:
- Stretched Canvas: A classic choice with a sturdy frame and ideal surface.
- MDF Panels: Durable, stable, and great for larger artworks or special shapes like circles.
- Canvas Boards or Heavy Paper: An affordable alternative, perfect for testing, sketches, or smaller projects.
👉 Make sure your surface is stable, not too flexible, and primed – this ensures the paste adheres well and your artwork turns out successfully.
3. The Right Tools
Your choice of tools has a major impact on the outcome – each one allows for different shapes and textures. We’ll go into more detail in the next section, but here’s a quick overview:
- Palette Knives: Ideal for fine lines, floral shapes, waves, and more.
- Notched Trowels: Great for repeating patterns, especially popular with arches.
- Brushes or Sponges: For smoothing or blending transitions, dabbing, or applying acrylic paint.
- Painters Tape: For masking edges or creating shapes directly on the canvas.
How Should You Start?
Our tip: Start with a small format (e.g., 30×30 cm) or use a canvas board for testing. Use fine paste and a palette knife or trowel. Take it step by step and get a feel for the consistency of the paste and the effect of your tools.
Especially in the beginning, it’s helpful to try a specific design so you have a reference point for which tools to use and how. Whether you stick to the plan or create something entirely your own is up to you.
There’s no right or wrong – your sense of structure, rhythm, and form will naturally guide you to your own unique piece!
And one more thing: if it doesn’t work right away, just try again. Even very experienced textured art artists often need several attempts to perfect their shapes. That’s completely normal :-)
Conclusion:
Textured Art is intuitive, relaxing, and full of creative possibilities. Getting started is easy, even if it takes a little practice – and the possibilities are nearly endless.
📌 In the next section, you’ll learn more about materials, surfaces, and tools – and what to keep in mind when buying and using them.
Tips for Choosing the Right Materials
From Texture Paste to Palette Knives and Suitable Surfaces
🔹 Texture Paste – The Foundation of Your Textured Art
Texture paste is the central element of your work – and its quality significantly influences your results. That’s why choosing the right paste is essential: cracks during drying, difficult application, or uneven results are typical consequences of low-quality paste.
In general, there are two main types of paste:
- Fine texture paste: Very smooth and creamy – perfect for minimalist, delicate designs and soft transitions.
- Coarse texture paste: Usually contains a grainier texture, creating rougher, more visible textures – great for bold and edgy designs.
There are also many specialty pastes available, such as gels, resins, or fillers. However, for beginners and most common textured art designs, fine or coarse pastes are usually sufficient. Fine paste tends to offer the most flexibility.
Homemade pastes – for example, made from tile grout, acrylic paint, chalk, or other DIY recipes – can be a budget-friendly alternative. You’ll find lots of tutorials on Instagram and Pinterest. But keep in mind: results vary greatly depending on the mix ratio. Cracks, overly quick drying, or strong odors are not uncommon.
👉 Our recommendation: Several well-known art supply brands like Liquitex, Lukas offer good pastes you can find online or in stores. We, of course, love our own IntoTexture Texture Paste, which we and many other artists use to achieve optimal results. It’s specially developed for the demands of Textured Art and a variety of design styles.
More at intotexture.com.
🖼️ Canvas & Surfaces
Stretched canvas is the classic base for Textured Art – and for good reason. But not all canvases are created equal.
Here’s what to look for:
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Tight Stretch: The fabric (usually cotton, a blend, or linen – cotton/blend is usually the better and more affordable option) should be stretched tightly. If it’s too loose, the surface will bounce, making it nearly impossible to apply the paste with control.
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Quality over DIY frames: We recommend avoiding basic DIY canvas kits – they often lack the tension and stability needed, as they typically use simple fasteners like Velcro to hold the fabric.
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Size selection based on design: Some designs work best in specific formats.
For horizontal layouts or scenes like "Beach Waves", a landscape format such as 50×70 cm works well.
For floral or geometric designs, square formats like 50×50 cm are ideal.
To start, a smaller format (e.g., 30×30 cm) is great – compact, manageable, and perfect for getting used to the technique and materials.
👉 Tip: Our DIY sets include 30×30 cm canvases – high quality and ready to use.
Other surfaces you can use:
In addition to classic stretched canvas, you can also work with the following alternatives:
• MDF panels: Durable and great if you want to create free shapes like round or organic forms – they can be easily cut to size.
• Canvas board: Affordable and flexible – also a good alternative to stretched canvas if you're okay with a thinner base.
• Heavy paper (e.g., watercolor paper): Suitable for small tests but not permanently stable.
🛠️ Spatulas & Tools
They don’t have to be the most expensive – but good tools make your creative process more enjoyable and help you achieve great results faster.
Toothed spatula: When choosing spatulas, we recommend plastic instead of metal. Plastic spatulas are often easier to handle on canvas and glide more smoothly. They shouldn’t be too soft or too rigid – the right balance gives you more control while working.
Smooth spatula: In addition to toothed spatulas, a smooth spatula (like a putty knife or Japanese spatula) is also great for creating clean shapes in the paste or for applying it evenly.
Palette knives: There’s a huge variety of palette knives out there – in our 3-piece set, we’ve selected three of the most popular and versatile shapes so you can easily create a wide range of designs. Depending on your motif, different knife shapes may work best.
👉 Tip: You’ll find our spatula sets in our shop at www.intotexture.com – also available in bundles with our texture paste.
Of course, you can also find tools at your local hardware store or art supply shop – like traditional tiling spatulas. Try out what feels good in your hand and brings you joy while achieving the results you want – that’s what really matters.
Techniques & Texture Ideas for Your First Design
When it comes to creating, we often think of palette knives and spatulas first – and rightly so, as they are basic tools. But there are many other tools that can help you create exciting textures – and you might already have them at home.
Texturing with Everyday Items: Unusually Creative!
Not only traditional tools like spatulas or palette knives create amazing effects. Many simple household items can be surprisingly effective. Here are some of our favorite tips:
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Sponges or pieces of Styrofoam: Great for dabbing or softly spreading the paste. Check out the fascinating works of Werner Bronkhorst for inspiration.
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Brushes: Not just for painting – also excellent for smoothing transitions, creating soft, smudged textures, or enhancing the texture of water in landscape designs.
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Paper towels or kitchen tissue: Lightly dab onto wet paste – this creates interesting structures that contrast beautifully with smoother areas.
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Wooden sticks, spoons, or forks: Perfect for lines, dots, or grooves – ideal for playful texture experimentation.
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Old toothbrush: Great for creating spot textures or rough effects.
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Masking tape: Our secret tip! Not just for clean edges, but also for creating graphic shapes or symmetrical designs. Simply stick it on, apply the paste, then carefully remove the tape – and be amazed.
💡 Tip: Try these techniques first on a small test piece – or directly on your canvas while the paste is still wet.
Answers to Common Questions, Typical Mistakes, and Helpful Tips for Your First Artworks
It’s completely normal to have lots of questions at the beginning! To help you start confidently and avoid common pitfalls, we’ve compiled the most important tips and FAQs below:
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- How much texture paste do I need for a painting?
That depends on the size of your canvas and the design you want to create. Are you only applying highlights, or covering the entire canvas? A thin or thick layer?
For a 30×30 cm (12×12 inch) canvas, you typically need around 150–300 g of paste.
- How long does the paste take to dry?
Depending on the thickness and room climate, 24–48 hours. Thin layers usually dry within 24 hours, while thicker areas may take longer. The paste is often shape-stable after just a few hours, but make sure it is fully dry before applying paint, as it could soften and deform otherwise.
- Can I paint over my artwork afterward?
Yes! Once the paste is completely dry, you can color it with acrylic paint or add accents. Choose paints with strong coverage – matte finishes look especially elegant.
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Can I tint the paste beforehand?
Absolutely. A good texture paste mixes well with acrylic paint. Just be careful not to add too much color at once, as it can make the paste too runny. Add small amounts gradually until you reach the desired tone.
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Can I sand the paste after drying?
Yes, high-quality texture pastes can be sanded after drying. You can use fine sandpaper or sanding sticks for that.
⚠️ Common Beginner Mistakes – and How to Avoid Them
- Applying layers that are too thick:
Very thick layers of paste can sink or crack. Even though our paste performs exceptionally well, there are still limits. We recommend not applying more than 0.5–1 cm at once. For extra height, work in layers.
- Not testing your tools beforehand:
Try your tools on a sheet of paper first. This gives you a feel for pressure, angles, and effects. Jumping in untested can lead to less controlled results. Take your time and experiment first.
- No clear idea of your design:
This isn’t necessarily a mistake – spontaneous creation can lead to great results! However, especially at the beginning, it can help to start with a specific idea or reference. Use designs from this guide, our website, or Instagram as templates or inspiration.
- Not stirring the paste:
Always stir the paste well before use. This ensures all components are mixed evenly and results in a smooth application.
- Working too soon after applying:
Be patient – even when it's hard 😄. Let the paste dry thoroughly before painting over it. Enjoy the creative pause before your next step.
- Removing masking tape too late:
If you’re using masking tape, be sure to remove it while the paste is still wet. If you wait too long, the paste might tear when peeling it off once dried.
- Don’t forget to seal your finished artwork: Once your texture paste or final layer of paint is completely dry (we recommend waiting at least 24 hours), it’s best to apply a protective artist’s varnish. This will help shield your artwork from dust, scratches, and UV rays – and ensure it lasts for a long time. Make sure the surface is clean and free of dust or dirt before applying the varnish. Once dry, varnish acts like glue – anything on the surface will get sealed in permanently. You generally have two options: spray varnish or brush-on varnish. Both are effective. We personally prefer spray varnish (e.g. from Liquitex) because it creates a smooth and even finish. Important: Always spray outside – never indoors – as the fine mist should not be inhaled. You can choose between matte, glossy, or satin finishes depending on the final look you want. If using a brush, opt for a large, soft one and apply the varnish in a thin, even layer. Matte varnishes may appear glossy when applied, but will dry to a clear, non-shiny finish.
Still have questions or suggestions for the guide?
Feel free to email us at info@intotexture.com or send us a DM on Instagram @intotexture – we’re happy to help! 💌
Next up: video tutorials to guide you step-by-step through your first textured artworks 🎬
✏️ Design Ideas & Tutorials
Whether you want to recreate one of our featured designs or bring your own ideas to life – here are some beginner-friendly inspirations:
- 🧱 Arches: A timeless classic – captivating and versatile
-> View Tutorial
- 🌿 Flowers: Spring vibes and good mood guaranteed
-> View Tutorial
- 🌊 Beach Waves: A vacation for your wall
-> View Tutorial
- 🌸 Blossom: Floral elegance for your home
-> View Tutorial
- 〰️ Abstract – Smooth & Structured textures
-> View Tutorial
- 🌀 Overlapping Arches: Minimalist and modern
-> View Tutorial (coming soon!)
We’re constantly adding new designs – subscribe to our newsletter so you won’t miss the next one!
Have requests or questions? Email us at info@intotexture.com.
📦 Time to Get Creative!
You’ve got everything you need – now it’s just about getting started. There’s no right or wrong. Experiment, have fun – and don’t forget to share your artwork with us on Instagram: @intotexture 🙌