Rust - Created in Hours not Years!

The latch and the lock were "rusted" in two different sittings so that both items would have completely different rust patterns. The painting above shows the rusted latch and the lock in the process of drying. The process of creating the rust was demonstrated in the previous blog.

The photo above shows the removal of the sand after the paint was completely dry. I use an old toothbrush to gently remove the sand without scratching the surface of the paper. It usually takes several hours for the paint to dry completely and may take overnight to create the texture from the grains of sand. If you are not satisfied with the texture or the color, paint can be applied agin to the area and the procedure repeated.

After the sand was completely removed, the texture can be seen. The photo below shows the texture created from the sand.

Now, it is time to add detail. Areas in the shadow were darkened using a wash of Indigo, but done with a light tough. Do not overwork, or you will lose the texture just created. Highlights were scratched in with a utility knife on the points of the screws on the lock. The key hole was darkened and a small highlight scratched in.

Finally, the wood was spattered with Sepia to further add some age to the wood. The painting below is the finished product.

Happy Painting!

Karen

Rust and How to Paint It! A Special Texturizing Technique!

The old lock on my painting of a door at Fort Loudon is created with a special wash. In order to give the lock a rusty look, I am using a sand-impressed wash.

How to create a sand-impressed wash:

Step 1 - Apply the base color of the metal
The lock and clasp are first based painted with a wash of Indigo and Burnt Sienna. Apply this gray wash to the damp area and let it dry thoroughly. This will be the base color of the iron. The photo of the painting above shows the base coat.

Step 2 - Applying the rust
Over the dry base, drop in a varied mix of Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, and Indigo. Use these in varying amounts to adjust the amount of "rust" desired. The rustier the object, the more Burnt Sienna, the "newer" the more Indigo. Deepen the color in any shaded areas.

Step 3 - Applying the texture
Sprinkle the wet paint surface with sand. See my photo below. I used a jar of decorative sand simply because I found it on sale and it is easy to keep handy in my art studio. Any clean sand will work--play sand or garden sand are easy to find and are inexpensive.

Now for the hardest part of this texturizing technique - let the paint and sand dry completely before brushing off!

Next blog.....the "reveal!" Until next time.......

Happy Painting!
Karen

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July!

Celebrate with family and friends and enjoy some ice cold watermelon!

Happy Painting!
Karen