5 Tips to Make Your Painting Richer

Wondering what a painting needs to look good? There are no hard and fast rules, but watch out for these 5 small details...

Texture or Relief

Texture or relief isn’t necessary in every piece, but it can add the depth a painting needs. Light falling on uneven surfaces catches the eye and makes viewers examine the painting longer. Just be careful: it should be part of the concept and used in moderation, not added just because you heard it would "improve" the painting.

Composition

Composition is usually considered before you start painting, but there’s nothing wrong with adjusting it as you work. If you’re new to painting, try following these guidelines:
- In a portrait, leave more space in front of the face
- Never place important objects directly at the edge of the canvas
- The horizon in a landscape doesn’t have to be exactly in the center
- Pay attention to perspective and practice it

However, you can deliberately break the rules if your goal is to make viewers feel tense or unsettled.

Use Different Brushes

Repeating the same strokes with the same brush can look boring. Van Gogh, for example, varied the thickness and direction of his brushstrokes, which added movement to his works. Experiment with brushes to suit the mood of your painting!

Varnishing

Varnish isn’t required, but it can even out dull, matte patches once the paint is dry. It doesn’t have to be glossy: matte varnishes also bring the colors back to life. Varnish also protects the surface from dust and UV radiation, extending the life of your painting.

Framing Your Painting

If your painting isn’t on a stretched canvas, consider framing it. The frame shouldn’t dominate. Ideally, choose a shade that appears prominently in the painting. For neutral works, choose black, white, or silver.