Tips and Techniques

Acrylics on the Brain...

•Graphite Paper Goofs


Have you ever transferred a pattern only to find out you had placed the wrong side of the graphite paper down and didn't transfer a thing? For an easy preventative fix, place a colored sticker dot on the unwaxed side. When transferring just make sure that dot is on the top side of the graphite paper facing you.

You can improve the flow of acrylic paint by adding flow medium.

Unlike water, flow medium will not cause the paint color to lose it's strength, but water will.

To keep your acrylic paints wet, try using a wet-palette which will keep your paints damp for a longer period of time. There are many examples of how to make a wet-palette on the internet, a search on the subject will bring you great results. Also, a handy small spray bottle, full of water, is great for an occasional misting of your paint.

Since acrylics dry quickly, it isn't always the best choice for painting outdoors, especially on a hot day or in direct sunlight. =)

Having a supply of paper towels already folded and ready to use is a nice way to go. There is small drawer in my painting room dedicated to folded paper towels. An old t-shirt that has been cut into square rags are also handy for use while painting.
 
 
ORGANIZATIONAL IDEAS


We have all arrived for class and forgotten some painting supplies. Try to have a tote, box or whatever dedicated to class supplies. It takes a while to collect additional items, but, life is so much easier if you don’t have to hunt up things at the last minute.

Graphite paper is a must for our painting stuff. It comes in white, dark gray or black in regular graphite. If you are using a brand new piece of dark graphite be sure to wipe off the excess with a paper towel. Use a small piece of graphite when transferring a design and shift it as necessary to finish the design, it keeps our hand from smudging the surface. Chaco paper is another transfer paper , it comes in blue, and will disappear when you paint over it.

How many time have you traced a pattern and the graphite was not in the correct position? A simple solution is just to put your name or a sticker on the top side. If you can read your name, it is going to be correct.

I keep my class graphite in a plastic sleeve, all 3 colors, and also have a stylus in there. Eliminates searching and frustration.

Tip #1: Additional info on graphite - Homemade graphite paper is made by using a soft lead pencil, #2 school pencil is ok and rubbing the backside of the pattern to deposit a layer of graphite on the paper.

Place the pattern face up and using a stylus or empty ballpoint pen, go over the pattern lines to deposit the graphite on your surface.

For watercolor paper it is best to use the homemade paper or an oil-free graphite paper. Two brands that are listed as usable for watercolor paper are Sally’s and Sue Schewee.

Chaco paper also comes in white and will disappear with application of paint or water.

Then there is Saral paper. I don't use it much so really don't have info about it. Not sure if it will erase or disappear with water but if you have some, try it out and let us know what you think.

Also, transfer patterns lightly. If too heavy, erase some to lighten before painting. The white vinyl erasers usually work.