March 29, 2010
Learn to Use Smoke as a Medium for Painting
Most of us have dabbled in painting a few times in our lives. A fundamental step in any artistic creation is deciding which medium you will select to work with. Traditionally, painting involves a canvas or any other flat surface upon which the image will be painted; it also involves the right medium that shall be used to paint the image. Watercolors, acrylics and charcoal are among the most popular media.
For those looking for something unique there is a groundbreaking new method that uses smoke as a medium. The method being referred to is fumage. Using smoke that came from candles in order to create pictures is an artistic method that was first used by Wolfgang Paalen. Chances are good that you will be simply smitten by the results of your efforts. For those who find themselves curious about this trendy technique, the tips that follow should be of great interest.
Visualize your design in your mind's eye. Visualizing what you want to design is the first step in the creative process, just like with all artistic works. Not all people have the skills to visualize what we want to create. Thus, it is a good idea to visualize the overall picture that you want to achieve by manually sketching the design or by using a form of computer software that will allow you to produce a rough sketch. Given the nature of the medium, keep your designs simple and/or abstract (e.g., the human form, basic shapes).
Gather the materials that you will need for the project. You may consider tools like candles or a kerosene lamp to create minimal smoke for this project. Since this project is for beginners, candles of varying thickness and wick lengths are ideal. This is because longer wicks produce smoother patterns, while shorter ones produce solid and dark shades and forms. In this way will allow you to end up with diverse pictures with varied shading or intensities. Other than the candles and canvas, you will need items that will protect you hands and eyes, like goggles and gloves.
Fumage. After you have chosen a suitable work space where there is absolutely no risk of anything becoming inflamed, you can start the process of painting. First, prop up the canvas in such a way that you can move it about while you paint. You might need to paint from the side or beneath the canvas. Next, begin painting by using any of your chosen candles to apply the shading. In doing so, keep in mind that the angle and speed with which the candle flame is dragged across or beneath the surface can help produce different shades. Some practice strokes on another canvas can help you more certain of your abilities before starting your actual project. You must let your creative juice flow and try out different methods to create images using smoke.
Finishing touches matter. One step that should not be overlooked is the application of a fixative when the project is finished. This will help to maintain the image you have designed.
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Most of us have dabbled in painting a few times in our lives. The medium that you select to paint with is a fundamental choice that has to be made during the planning phase of your project. Typically, painting is done on a canvas or other flat surface using a carefully chosen medium. Watercolors, acrylics, and charcoal are the most popular media that are used.
For those looking for something unique there is a groundbreaking new technique that involves using smoke as a medium. This technique is called fumage or painting with smoke. Using smoke that came from candles so that one could create pictures is a technique that was first used by Wolfgang Paalen. You might be simply mesmerized by the resulting images that you can design using smoke painting. For those who find themselves curious about this trendy technique, the following tips should be of great interest.
Take the time to visualize your desired design in your thoughts. As with any creative undertaking, the initial step that should be performed is visualization. Although many people can, not all people can imagine what they want to create in their minds. Thus, it is a good idea to visualize the overall picture that you want to achieve by manually sketching the design or by using a form of computer software that will allow you to produce a rough sketch. Given the nature of the medium, keep your designs uncomplicated and/or abstract (e.g., simple shapes, human forms).
Assemble the materials that you will need for the project. You may consider tools like candles or a kerosene lamp to create minimal smoke for this project. Because this project is for those who are unfamiliar with the technique, candles of various wick lengths and thicknesses are optimal. This is because longer wicks produce smoother patterns, while shorter ones produce solid and dark shades and forms. Using these will allow you to come up with varied images with different intensities or shading. Other than the candles, you will also require a canvas and protective goggles and gloves for your eyes and hands.
Beginning the process. It cannot be stressed enough how very important it is that you take safety into consideration; wearing goggles and gloves is an excellent start, but you want to also consider your surroundings and whether or not anything is flammable, since you are working with candles. You must prop up your canvas so that will allow you to conveniently move the the canvas about as you create. You might need to paint from the side or beneath the canvas. Next, begin painting by using any of your chosen candles to apply the shading. To make different shades, keep in mind that the angle and speed that you move the candle flame across the surface is important. A few strokes on another canvas can help you become more confident in your abilities prior to beginning your real project. You must let your creativity flow and try out different ways to produce images using fumage.
Finishing touches are important. Once you are finished, do not forget to spray fixative on your canvas. This will help to maintain the image that you have designed.
Find More Information At:
Visually 'Moving' a Wall With Paint
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Filed under Latest Releases by musicnews