HOME | DD

DanielKarlsson In reply to xxxbWitch [2011-09-24 22:09:35 +0000 UTC]

Depends on the acrylic and the amount of water/solution, but most importantly you have to get a feel for when the paint and the surface is "right". If the acrylic have just dried so it doesn't stain, it might still come off in small crumb-like pieces and mess the whole thing up. If it's too wet, then you'll have less control. You find that window in which the paint blends the way you want it and then you work fast before it dries. With oils this is not a concern but there are other disadvanteges. In this particular painting I made a black and white under painting. Then I glaced it in layers with thin washes of paint, and adding white every now and then to brighten the areas that needed it.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

xxxbWitch In reply to DanielKarlsson [2011-10-16 09:13:29 +0000 UTC]

What are the disadvantages of oil? Is the whole 'window' thing a learned thing? Also, do you have any tips on how to take care of brushes? My brushes are getting all . . . frilly on the ends and though I can still do things with them, I remember really enjoying using them the first three times and saying to myself 'This is an awesome brush, it's my favourite' and then being all run down the fourth time.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

DanielKarlsson In reply to xxxbWitch [2011-10-16 21:19:03 +0000 UTC]

Disadvantages of oil? Well, sometimes you have to wait for it to dry in order to proceed. Sometimes that can take weeks, but it depends on how you mix and use your paint. Yeah, the "window" is something you get a feel for over time. Like when you take too much water to your paint and brush and you add mixing white and more paint until it has the exakt flow and tone that you want it to have. Then you have a limitied time in which you can keep adding a little more white/paint in order to get that shading done, because after a while you can't keep adding wet paint because it will dissolve the stuff you added 5 minutes ago that has just begun to dry. Just practice it and soon enough you will "understand" and be "synced" with your materials.

Brushes? There are lots of tips out there if you google it. I never went to any artschool to learn any fancy stuff, but I do have some knowledge on brushcare that I can share.

1. Learn to know what brushes you are using. Flat brushes don't like it when you press them hard against the canvas and wiggle them around(be mindful of this when you clean the brushes as well), if you do the hairs will soon start opening up and separate. Use round brushes for this kind of movements if you want your flat brushes to last. Besides round and flat brushes you also have halfround. Try them all and see what they each kind is good for and what kind of stress they can and cannot take. Also, think about wether you are using finer or rougher brushes, because if you are painting thick and hard with finer brushes they will get ruined quite quick. Use the finer brushes for the details and glacing and the the rougher brushes for the heavier painting(allthough this is just a tip, not a rule). Try to alway be mindful of the way you move the brush and wether it's suited for it or not.

2. When you are using several brushes at once and alternating, try to rinse them in your water(I use a separate jar for that) before putting aside. If you're using acrylics, then this is really important because the paint will dry quick and stick to your brush. It's impossible for me to avoid it completely, because a little will get stuck everytime in the brush and over time they will start dying on you. But, I tend to find other uses for them at that point. I also try to have several of my favorite brushes on stock(brushes are expensive though) so I won't be too afraid to use them.

3. Don't let the brushes stay in the water(because it will soften the wood and eventually the metal casing on the brush might fall off the wooden part) and never place a brush resting on it's head because after a while it will be permanently bent.

4. This is something I found out recently. Don't rinse your brushes in too hot water. It will kill off the natural oils in the hair of your brushes, they are important for keeping the brush in good shape and health.

That's all I can think of right now. I hope you find it somewhat useful.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0