If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

Main content

Art Terms in Action: Turpentine Burn

Abstract Expressionist New York - To experiment on your own, take our online studio course Materials and Techniques of Postwar Abstract Painting. Created by The Museum of Modern Art.

Want to join the conversation?

Video transcript

Male: A turpentine burn is when turpentine or any kind of solvent is applied to the canvas with a rag so that essentially the painter is scrubbing the surface, redissolving those paints that are on the surface.