Create a Dimensional Painting using molding, (modeling) or spackling paste.

1. To texture the entire canvas surface use acrylic medium or clear gel under and over, wrinkled white tissue paper. Let dry completely before adding molding or modeling paste or painting with acrylic paint.

2. To texture areas in your composition use molding or modeling paste. Dip tools in water first! Apply molding, (modeling or spackling) paste in thin layers with a palette knife or other tools (like stencils) to your art support in the areas you want to be dimensional or textured.

3. You can scratch into the surface, press into the surface with objects like crinkled paper, netting, sticks, straws, and stamps or scrape molding paste through stencils with an old credit card. Silicone shapers, work well to press into the paste too.

4. Scrape off the extra molding , (modeling or spackling) paste and wipe off the cardboard or stencil to use again or save for later.

5. Texture using molding, modeling or spackling paste for 3-dimensional qualities for water, rocks, tree trunks, limbs & bark, foliage, etc.

6. Add color with acrylic paint to the paste to make colored textured areas.

7. Below are hardware store products I have used. Make sure the products are flexible, quick drying and that you can paint over them. You can also use artist molding pastes, heavy gels and other artist texture products like fiber paste, crackle paste and modeling paste.. Allow to dry before painting over the surface.

8. Paint using contrasting colors to reveal the textured areas. Add acrylic medium to heavy body acrylic,to get into all the textured areas and let it dry.

9. Continue painting adding values and natural colors over the under painting and view from a distance to make adjustments.