How to Paint Faux Rock
Faux rocks are an important element in several genres of paintings. The technique for creating realistic rocks is fairly simple, and can be used for various applications. Once this technique is mastered faux rocks can be applied to any surface including canvas, canvas board and stucco walls. These rocks also work well for tromp le'oil creations.
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Things You'll Need
- Burnt sienna paint
- Gesso
- Linseed oil
- Paint thinner
- Paper towel
- Raw umber paint
- Ultramarine blue paint
- White paint
- White oil based primer
Instructions
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Painting Rocks on Canvas
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1
Paint either gesso or a white oil based primer onto the canvas. This will eliminate any textural abnormalities in the canvas and provide a smooth surface on which to work.
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2
Sketch the outline of the rock with a pencil, or use paint mixed with paint thinner to paint the rock outline directly onto the canvas. Allow the paint to dry before proceeding.
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3
Combine white paint with either raw umber, ultramarine blue, or burnt sienna to create the base color for the rocks. Raw umber will produce brown tinted rocks. Burnt sienna will make reddish-brown tinted rocks, and ultramarine blue will create gray-blue rocks.
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4
Paint the rock base colors lightly using a large brush. If painting multiple rocks, paint the rocks in various shades so they appear more natural. Allow the paint to dry.
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5
Apply another light layer of paint over the rocks. Use raw umber, burnt sienna, or ultramarine paint for this layer, and don't mix them with more white paint. Use the same color for each rock that was used for the base color. For example, use raw umber paint on the rocks that have been painted with the mixture of raw umber and white paint.
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6
Use cool shades of paint to give the rock the appearance of being hit by direct sunlight. Cool colors have a blue undertone. Use warm colors, which have a golden or yellow undertone, to represent shadows. Allow the paint to dry completely before adding any details.
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7
Fill in detail on the rock like cracks, angles, planes and fault lines.
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8
Spatter thicker paint on different areas of the rock for added texture and shading.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Add salt to wet paint to make the rock appear brighter. This technique works best for granite and quartz rocks.
For underwater rocks, mix raw umber with linseed oil to give them a glaze. This may take several applications.
