IT'S EASY TO BE A
You don't need expensive equipment
; at the start; here are some
suggestions for using everyday
articles around the house.
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by HonOre Singer No need to render subjects faithfully. Use imagination; it's an interesting way to express your dreams.
The growth of "Sunday painters" in the last
decade has been phenomenal, yet many people
are reluctant to try painting with oils because of,
the equipment required. Painting is so much fun,
though, and such a good means of self-expression,
that we'd like to report a bright new idea that
makes painting easy with a mixture that "feels"
and handles like oils.
First, borrow some tempera (poster paints) and
brushes from the kids' playroom; then, some
powdered detergent from the laundry. Mix two
parts tempera with one part detergent Mom's
muffin pan is excellent for this. Use more water
to thin the paints; add detergent to thicken. Find
some shirt cardboard, paper towels, paper bags,
or construction paper to use as your "canvas."
Your other equipment is just as readily avail
able. Use foil or a cookie sheet as a palette for
mixing colors. With a spatula, mixing spoon, or
serrated knife create different textured effects on
thickly painted areas. Mom may protest, but not
for long. The built-in detergent makes cleaning
up easy, and muffin pan or spatula is quickly
rinsed and ready for conventional use.
Start by blocking out your ideas in paint with
diluted colors, or sketch in the design with pencil.
When satisfied with the basic composition, build
your picture with undiluted paint, using short,
heavy strokes. Heavy daubs of paint will build up
on your sketch just as oil paints do. To change the
design or texture of certain areas after you've
painted in heavily, scrape off' the paint with a
knife before it dries completely. Keep paints moist
longer by adding a few drops of glycerin.
Should you want more of a canvaslike texture,
use the underside of oilcloth or a rough cloth
which has been stretched and pinned on card
board. And try cotton swabs for delicate touches.
You'll probably want to preserve any painting
of which you're especially proud. After drying
it for at least 24 hours, use a soft-haired brush
to cover the painting with clear shellac thinned
with denatured alcohol. Give it two thin coats,
allowing four hours drying time between coats.
Sound like fun? It is fun!
Many hours are spent happily painting away at her blackboard-easel.
The day's marketing arranged for a still life, Mom works in her studio the dinette
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