Even if you can't draw freehand, you can still create an original piece of art.
Painting a picture is a way to expand your artistic skills and challenge yourself to complete a new project. A picture that you create can be tailor-made to your decor and adds personality to a room. An original piece of art can also be given as a gift to a friend or family member. Create an original painting from start to finish by following the correct steps and using the proper tools.
Instructions
1. Prepare the canvas. Sand the canvas with a fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish. Remove all the dust and debris with a tack cloth. Apply two coats of water-based varnish to the canvas using a sponge brush.
2. Lightly draw the picture onto the canvas. Draw the picture freehand -- if you are artistically inclined -- using photos and pictures for reference. When the painting needs to be an exact copy or you have trouble drawing, use tracing paper to transfer the image onto the canvas. Place a piece of tracing paper over the image you want to paint. Trace the image with a standard HB pencil. Tape a piece of graphite paper face down onto the canvas. Tape the tracing paper, with the image on it, over the graphite paper. Trace over the image using a stylus, pressing evenly to transfer the image onto the canvas. Lift the papers and the image will be copied onto the canvas.
3. Paint the background colors. Use natural hog's hair paintbrushes for oil paint and synthetic bristle brushes for acrylic. Start from the top, left corner and work down to the bottom right. Use larger paintbrushes for the background as there are generally larger areas to cover. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly; when using oil paints, a longer drying time is necessary.
4. Paint all the objects in the foreground using a small paintbrush. Use a photo as a reference when mixing colors, and adding highlights and shading. Pick an imaginary light source and shade objects on the opposite side of that light source. Add highlights to the sides of the objects that are closer to the imaginary light source. Mix a small amount of black into the paint to create the colors for shading and a small amount of white to create the colors for highlights.
5. Use the fine tip of a liner brush to add small details and paint fine lines and patterns on your work. Paint in the same way you would draw with a pencil, ensuring you take your time. A liner brush can also be used to sign your artwork when you are finished. Use the end of a stylus to add small dots or drag the paint out to create fine lines. There are two ends on a stylus, one is used for thicker dots and lines and the other for finer dots and lines. Allow the painting to dry thoroughly.
6. Apply one coat of varnish to the painting to seal it. Use an oil-based varnish for an oil painting and water-based varnish for an acrylic painting.
