Background - Step 2

The background on my painting has dried and I am ready to proceed to Step 2 of my background. I plan to apply a coat of paint over the tops of my brick tiles to give them a painted and worn look. Also, applying a lighter color background will make my poppies stand out better in the completed painting. I wanted my mortar to remain dark; therefore, I masked those areas to keep the lighter paint from that area. I used 1/4 inch artist masking tape to mask in this painting.

The photo above is an example of several sizes of artist masking tape. Below is a little additional information about artist masking.

In art, craft, and engineering, masking is the use of materials to protect areas from change, or to focus change on other areas. The term is derived from the word "mask", in the sense that it hides the face from view.

Masking materials supplement a painter's dexterity and choice of applicator to control where paint is laid. Examples include the use of a stencil or masking tape to protect areas which are not to be painted.

Solid masks
Most solid masks require an adhesive to hold the mask in place while work is performed. Some, such as masking tape and frisket, come with adhesive pre-applied. Some examples of solid masks are:

-Paper products
-Kraft paper
-Butcher paper
-Masking tape
-Plastic film
-Frisket
-Polyester tape
-Stencils

Liquid masks
Liquid masks are preferred where precision is needed; they prevent paint from seeping underneath, resulting in clean edges. Care must be taken to remove them without damaging the work underneath. Examples do liquid masks are:

-Latex or other polymers
-Molten wax
-Gesso, typically a substrate for painting, but can also be applied to achieve masking effects

If you have never used masking, give it a try. It is a very helpful tool for the artist. See you next week.

Happy Painting!

Karen

Started to Paint!

I am working on my background, which is a reddish brown color mixed from the following paints:
Burnt Umber
Burnt Sienna
Yellow Ochre
Crimson
Black

The background will be covered with a lighter tan which will be applied to allow the darker color to show through. This will indicate a painted brick wall with the paint pealing in spots.

My poppies will be an orange-red and I don't want my background to detract from the poppies, but to compliment them. Hopefully, applying the tan paint will help the poppies to "pop" out of the background.

As I worked the paint in the background, I blended in lighter areas for contrast and darkened the area beneath the flowers for shading. This will not be obvious when I apply the top layer of tan over the bricks, but will be a subtle hint of background shading.

I used a flat brush to apply my paint using the edge of the brush to get into smaller areas around the flowers.

Now.....I need to let this application dry before I apply my top coat. Next week, I hope to finish the background and be ready to start on the poppies.

Until then, Happy Painting!

Karen

Getting Ready to Paint

Ready to paint......what do I use?

The painting was sketched last week...now what? A palette, paints, and brushes are ready to be assembled.

There are several types of palettes one can use. My photo shows three of these: a covered plastic palette, paper disposable palettes, and a wooden palette. I prefer the covered palette. This type of palette allows me more time to paint without the paint drying and prevents wasting paint. This type of palette works well if times does not allow you to paint for several hours at a time. The disposable palette makes for an easy clean up and there is just something special to me about an "old fashioned" wooden palette. It is a matter of preference, so select the one that works best for you and your painting style.

Brushes...an assortment of brush sizes are needed and are specific for acrylic or oil painting.

Painting tip
Never use watercolor brushes for any type of painting other than watercolor. The paint, cleanup method, and the canvas can harm your watercolor brushes.

I have included a photo of my acrylic paints. A simple beginner starter set should contain all the colors needed to mix a wide variety of colors. I have collected many different brands, colors, and size tubes over the course of my painting.

Now that we have talked about what is needed.....next time we will start the painting. Until next week......

Happy Painting!
Karen

Poppies

I usually work in watercolors, but enjoy other media as well. My sketch of the poppies highlighted in this blog will be done in acrylic. My choice for acrylics over watercolor is due to the placement of the finished painting. I am redecorating one of my baths and wanted a painting to be hung in an area near a shower. Since watercolor paintings and excessive moisture do not mix well, I selected acrylics due to the proximity of my shower.

I selected a 16 x 20 pre-stretched and medium weight canvas gesso primed for my painting which can be hung with or without a frame.

I am painting this one to suit the colors chosen for my decor and wanted brilliant shades of rust and orange with a aged brick background. I found a photo in a magazine that is close to what I wanted to paint. I will use that picture for shape and poppy size as well as shading. However, I will change the color to suit my decorating scheme.

I will paint my brick background first. My future blogs will provide a set by step guide to painting these poppies.

Are you thinking about decorating a room in your house? If so, consider doing your own art work. It's fun and will give you a great sense of accomplishment!

See you next time with the background in progress!

Happy painting!
Karen