[martyslc]

Can someone point me to an artical or message that goes through the process of painting a carving? I don't have a clue what to buy, paint brushes ect.

Thanks so much,
Marty

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

I am certainly not one to be giving advice on painting, but just an observation. You are probably not getting any reponses because your question needs to be more specific. Like what kind of carving are you going to paint? What type of paint were you thinking of using; watercolors, acrylic, oils, etc.

[hruukki]

Hi, I recommend this:

-pick a piece of wood that's not been carved
-seal it with diluted PVAC glue, or artist's gesso
-get some artist oil colors. Dilute them down with wood turpentine (not mineral), and try different things on the wood. The larger the better. Mix them, try different tools, have fun in general. Use diluted paints first, then gradually switch to less and less diluted, finally using them without any turpentine. Let each layer dry properly before you add a new one.

-you can do the same with acrylic colors, only with those, you can just add layer upon layer without any preliminaries (except maybe sealing first). They dry very fast so mind your tools.

-get some book on painting, in general. The technique is (can be) pretty much the same as painting on canvas.

-you can also paint the bottom layers with acrylics and add oil colors on top.

-with oils, you only have to worry about the turpentine/oil content: not too much oil on the first layers. That way you can make infinite changes if you're not satisfied.

-acrylics change tone when drying, oils don't.

-if you want more specifics, go ahead and ask. I have painted dozens of pictures so I know a bit about colors.

-choose your brushes according to scale. Both acrylics and oils work better if you have good quality brushes but you can paint the bottom layers with whatever you have. Of course you can paint all through with your fingers, rags, whatever you like. There's no "correct" technique. Experimenting will give you ideas, just take your time with it.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

you can go to walmart, get some acrylics in your choice of colors, a pack of brushes and experiment!

[Dan S]

The last time I subscribed to Wood Carving Illustrated the subscription came with a really nice magazine on painting tips. See if they still offer it or you can try to find a copy.

[Callynne]

Hey Marty, you could get a lot of different answers to your question! Experiment, in the end, you'll decide what works the best for you. Till then, I'll tell you how I paint and maybe some of it will help you out.

I love the look of 'light washes of stain', but I stink at doing it, so I'm not even going to mention it more that this!!

I paint in acrylics, little bottles of water soluble paint sold everywhere, Wal-Mart, Jo Ann Fabrics, Michaels, etc., etc. I agree with Hi Ho Sliver, start with the inexpensive stuff, you can work up to expensive ones later if you wish.

I would recommend picking up a bottle of extender or flow medium, it's just a liquid you mix with your paint so it doesn't dry so quickly. Water will work too, I prefer using a flow medium, seems to work better. It's going to be right with the paints.

Pick out a couple brushes in the sizes you think you'll need. Always clean them thoroughly after you're finished!

If you want your piece to look antique, pick up a bottle of antiquing medium. I just use the water based kind, if they have it, it will be right along with the paints too.

To use it, make sure your painted piece is thoroughly dry. I like to apply a coat or two of water based satin varnish (again in the acrylic paint section). This will seal the paint and the antiquing medium won't take too dark.

Just paint some antiquing medium on and immediately wipe off the excess. Let it dry and then apply another coat or two of the satin varnish.

That's how I paint, hope it helps! Deborah


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[martyslc]

Thanks so much for the help!!! It really has help a bunch!!!

[martyslc]

I guess what I'm looking for is a carving where the wood is still visible and when finished with the painting it's not shinny.

Here's what I'm looking for:
Realistic Skin Tones - Woodcarving Illustrated

How do you think this look was done?

Thanks,
Marty

[mikedon]

Hello I am a newbie, name is mikedon