DID YOU KNOW YOU COULD DO THIS WITH A SPONGE?
Here’s a look at 3 very different sponges. A few ideas and how I use them in my own artwork:
Small Natural Sponge: Perfect for creating soft textures, such as smooth sky gradients or delicate blends in landscapes. I love using it for light washes, cloud effects, and gentle background transitions, where subtlety is key. I always carry one or two in my out and about art kit as they are small and well… spongy!!
Cellulose Sponge: This is like a car wash sponge – these are my absolute go-to sponges. I get them from the decorator’s supplies. Durable and firm, this one’s fantastic for more robust effects, creating paint effects, layering large areas on a canvas, scrubbing and washing, as well as adding thick texture. I cut them up, tear bits off & sculpt them to my desired shape. It stands up well to heavy use with acrylics or watercolours, making it ideal for creating depth in mixed media pieces.
Wedge-Shaped Sponge on a Stick: This one’s great for experimenting with pattern and playful mark-making—not just a kids’ tool! The wedge shape allows for precise dabbing, vertical lines, and printing. I especially love it for landscapes and seascapes. Perfect for recreating waves, sea spray, and adding dynamic textures that evoke natural movement.
A quick tip: I tend to avoid those cheap green synthetic washing-up sponges for my acrylic painting as they foam up and offer no firmness. That’s unless I need a soft light texture for specific printing effects. You see, I can’t look at anything without thinking it might be useful for a particular effect!
