Using Tissue in Paintings

Another item that I use to make texture in paintings is just plain tissue. I’m talking about the tissues you use to blow your nose on but you can use any other type of tissue really.

I tend to split the tissue as most is two-ply and rip it into strips. You can use the strips to build up layers of texture either using the standard texture mix you have made yourself, gesso or just using pva to add straight to the canvas.

Using tissue gives a nice rippled effect but you need to try and blend it in to the rest of the painting otherwise it can stick out a bit on it’s own. Maybe add some texture around it if you can so that it is at the same height as the tissue.

If you apply the texture to the canvas then you can just stick the tissue on top but it is best to make sure that in some way the tissue is soaked otherwise it may peel off if it is too dry.