The problem of this investigation is to determine if the shrinkage resulting from water loss, which causes cracking in polymer-acrylic emulsion artists' paints, can be controlled to produce a predictable variety of surface textures useful in painting. Preliminary information on the behavior of polymer-emulsion paints was taken from published material such as Mayer's Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques, Woody's Polymer Painting, and various manufacturers' technical publications. Experimental investigations were conducted to observe the media under varied methods of application and conditions of drying. The information gathered in the experiments was used to develop techniques producing a variety of predictable textural alterations, which were used in a series of experimental paintings.