Best rocks for painting – color and texture
I get asked this question a lot – how do you choose the best rocks for painting? It seems that everyone is searching for that perfect rock. But let’s be realistic – it’s a rock. It’s out in nature. It is not going to be perfect. So, with that in mind, let’s look at what kind of rock is best for rock painting.
Ideally, your rock would be uniform in surface smoothness. The bumpier the rock the more challenging it will be to paint. Look for a rock with a smooth surface and few hills and valleys.
Look for a rock with a consistent shape. Sometimes the shape of the rock is important to your project. It can be hard to paint a landscape on a rock that changes shape. I have seen plenty of rocks that start off rounded and end up with a drastic edge on one side. However, I have also seen talented rock painters use these shapes to their advantage and turn an odd shape into something amazing.
You would also want your rock to be uniform in color. A darker color rock may require more coats of primer and will take longer to paint. Sometimes I come across rocks that are darker in some places and lighter in others. Priming a rock will help with these inconsistencies but choosing a rock that is the same shade all over is ideal.
You definitely want a rock that is solid and not very porous. Small holes (pinhead size or slightly bigger) can be filled in during the primer phase of rock painting. Big holes are going to be harder to deal with. You may have to fill the hole before priming. You could use some putty for this project. Keep in mind that will add a significant amount of time to your overall project as you wait for the putty to dry.
Where to find the best rocks for painting?
Ok, so now we have a list of qualities that we are looking for in ideal rocks for painting. You want a smooth rock with a consistent shape, uniform color, and little to no small holes. Now, where do you find one?
Honestly, I have a hard time going on a nature walk and finding rocks that I can use in painting. There are just not a lot of rocks in my area. And the ones that do exist will not fit any of the criteria above, so I have turned to purchasing rocks.
I have found great rocks at my local home improvement store. They sell large quantities of rocks in bags for a fairly inexpensive price. I normally look for river rocks. I tend to avoid river pebbles as they are too small for my paintings.
I have also found great rocks at my local craft store. They have a variety of river rocks and even flat rocks in the mosaics section. I have found that those come in different colors that make for neat backgrounds.
Another place to find rocks is to order them online. I have ordered a couple of sets from Amazon and have been impressed with the quality. Try searching “MEKOUZON 20PCS River Rocks for Painting”.
Good luck in your quest! Finding the best rocks for painting can be challenging but the extra effort will help you create your own, Rock Rembrandt!
Happy painting!
