At it's optimum, the palette knife can create a visual expression of constant change and continuous movement similar to that which is found in the harmonic rhythm of ocean breaks or making mud pies. It can also imitate a sense of innocence and offer unfamiliar candidness with the depth of texture found in real life. Deft strokes capture life in motion immediately, spontaneously. Such strokes uniquely, naturally and eagerly extend beyond the still image or one-dimensional aspects of a subject.
In my personal work, I find the use of palette knives in painting to provide great freedom and dexterity. Using the knife with pure undiluted paint applied directly from the tube or whipped into rich, thick mixtures enhance dimension and gradate distinguished unique colorz from the palest pales to the darkest, brightest tones. Paint can also be applied in thick or thin layers, wet-on-wet or wet-on-dry, allowing even greater creativity and growth in a painting. To achieve the same effect with brushes, for example, the artist might have to paint a section and allow it to dry before applying the next layer, and so on and so on.
Initially, out of convenience and an impetuous painting style, I began using the palette knife merely as a canvas tool like most. However, I abhor turpentine, thinners and all the brush cleaning hassles so the knife quickly became the tool of choice. No distractions from creating. With the knives, I swipe and scrape the steel clean to dive into fresh colorz emerging and submerging quickly between contrasts. I am not inhibited by "the fear" of running out of clean brushes or forced to continue using existing mixtures on canvas. After much experience, (and I continue to learn with each painting), I do not feel I will ever utilize brushes as the primary application technique. It is the hidden sculptor in me who will not leave the paint for the clay. Such art reflects a three-dimensional imagery which I truly crave. The palette knife lushly captures the subjects created.
Working with the palette knife is truly about feeling the creation and emotion of the piece as it evolves. Each new stroke is dangerous and could destroy your perception in an instant. In the same respect, each new stroke could almost accidentally add an aspect, depth or dimension to the piece that could not have occurred otherwise. It does take practice; wrist twisting (like frosting a cake) and sometimes turning canvases upside down or sidewayz to layer crevices seemingly unreachable. The knife particularly lends itself well to abstract work where precise detail or realism may not be the primary objective. Palette knife paintings are often brilliant and evocative. Impasto is the application of thick layers of paint which often goes hand-in-hand with the palette knife. Paint is so heavily applied that it stands up with the strokes of the knife, akin to sculpture. Oils are more easily mixed than acrylic colors and lend well to impasto work.
There is the potential of delicately harried contrast to be obtained in palette knife painting as the different pigments are not worked into each other and tend to remain distinct. I am often surprised at the results of palette strokes. Commonly, even with experience, the results are not expected or anticipated. With brushes, there can be a general "dragging", or "smearing" effect which tends to mingle the various pigments. Brushes generally soften the uniqueness of the different colors and blend them. Famous palette knife painters include Cezanne, Mattisse and Terlikowsy.
The palette knife also affords magnificent destruction. In a few swipes or heated scratching, you can wipe the slate clean, creating another perspective or dimension and begin again. There is something so strangely enjoyable and primitive about scrolling away the paint from a canvas. Distressed backgrounds provide fascinating colorz and remains to build upon.
Below ~ for the techies ~ I have collected some various technical information and images related to the palette knife. Best wishes in all your artistic endeavors whatever they may be ~ open creativity and honest expression are the keyz to the kingdom ~ enjoy ~ Z
~ Palette Knives ~
There is a wide assortment of palette knives. Basically they can be divided into three categories: straight knives (spatulas), bent knives, and painting knives. Each of these types have blades of varying lengths, widths, shapes, and degrees of flexibility. I prefer a stiffer flexibility, rounded medium size and a squarer flat wide wooden handle.
Straight knives, sometimes referred to as spatulas, are used mainly for cleaning off the palette. The long, flat blade is particularly suited for scraping wide areas. Use a glass top, with a sheet of white paper under it. The glass provides a smooth, hard surface which is long-lasting and very easy to clean. The straight knife can also come with a broad, angled point that some artists like to use to paint special effects and textures.
Bent knives are especially useful for mixing pigments on the palette. The shape may be squared (as shown), rounded (my favorite), or angled. The bent blade allows mixing colors without inadvertently scraping your fingers in the pigment. It may also be used to apply pigment to the canvas, particularly for broad areas. This can be very useful when laying out the underpainting. You can spread out color on a bare white canvas (suggest a complementary color to your subject).
Painting knives are used primarily for applying the pigment to the canvas. You can use it flat on the canvas for scraping or smearing effects, angled slightly for smearing or overlaying, tipped slightly for detailing, or on edge for scraping or creating lines. It often takes a good deal of practice to paint with a knife. If you paint wet-on-wet, there is always the risk of "picking up" a previous color rather than the intended "laying down" of a new color. This can often be controlled by the density of the pigment.
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http://www.gamblincolors.com/howtp.html#indirect
LANGNICKEL PALETTE KNIFE
I use mostly Langnickel or Italian brands
Here are some of my knives - I use the three (3) in the middle the most
P-3 EXTRA LARGE OFFSET BLADE -- Great for palette knife painting and for mixing large amounts of paint. The offset blade provides good leverage. Blade is 2 1/4" long x 5/8" wide.
KEMPER PALETTE KNIVES
P-41 TRADITIONAL FLAT BLADE KNIFE -- For those who prefer this type of flat blade knife. Blade is 3" long x 5/8" wide
K-4 PLASTIC PALETTE KNIFE -- For enamel mixing.
ANN CLINE PALETTE KNIVES
PF-5 MINI KNIFE WITH FLAT BLADE -- This new mini knife has really become popular. Everyone loves it! Very flexible. Blade is 2 5/8" x 3/8" wide. (ya baby!)
PF-6 LARGE OFF-SET BLADE --Ann has always used this knife for mixing paint. Provides good leverage. Blade is 2" long x 1/2" wide.
PF-7 SMALL OFFSET BLADE -- Ann uses this knife to clean her palette. It's just right to scrape between and around the piles of paint. Blade is 1 1/4" long & 7/16" wide.
