An Unconventional Painting Idea: Create Art with Pollyfilla

Apr 21, 2011
Alina Bradford

Rough Plaster Texture Ready for Paint - Anton Malan

Pollyfilla, a type of plaster, can add interesting texture to fine art paintings in acrylic or watercolor.

Polyfilla art is basically painting with plaster to add texture and sculpture to an otherwise flat creation. Artist Nelson Nurse uses Polyfilla in his bold, exciting art and so do many others. Some examples are Money Branch by Hawk and artworks by Barr Lewis and Leo Heinze.

Here is a simple way to start using this plaster in your paintings.

Supplies for Painting with Plaster

Since plaster tends to crack and flake off when it is bent, the most important part of using it in an artwork is keeping the finished product from being twisted in any way. The best solution is to use a very stiff support such as masonite or canvas or paper that is mounted onto a board support.

You will also need:

Pollyfilla
Water
Sponges
Brushes
Palette or putty knifes
Acrylic or watercolor paint
Small objects (optional)

Creating Artwork with Pollyfilla

Pollyfilla can be manipulated in a number of ways throughout the application process. Here is how to apply the plaster to a support and manipulate it to suit your needs.

Outline your design on the paper. Remember you will be putting pollyfilla where you want your paint raised or bumpy.
Use a palette knife or putty knife to add dollops of plaster in sweeping strokes, ridges and edges. To do this, plop a lump of plaster onto the support and then run the edge of your palette knife over the lump like you're spreading jelly on toast. Raise the knife edge slightly to create peaks and lower the knife to create valleys.
Use a sponge to create extra texture by dabbing it gently on the wet surface. Natural sponges will create a random pattern, while a man-made sponge will create an even pattern.
When you are done adding height and texture, you can place objects into the plaster for added interest. Some object ideas could be ripped watercolor paper, buttons, metal washers and broken pieces of mirror. Remember though, you may not be able to paint some bits with watercolors.
Set the piece in a cool area to dry. Once the piece has dried, designs can also be carved into it using any item with a point or edge to it, such as a pocket knife, metal nail file or the edge of a metal ruler.
Paint on top of the plaster to finish your piece.

Who knew something as simple as plaster that you use on wall cracks can be used in fine art? This is a fresh way to add interest to your paintings and to stretch you artistic muscle.