The Art of Painting With Smoke

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Jessica Ackerman

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Apr 13, 2010, 8:25:04 PM4/13/10
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Please consider this free-reprint article written by:
Jessica Ackerman

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Article Title: The Art of Painting With Smoke
Author: Jessica Ackerman
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Most of us have dabbled in painting a few times in our lives. One of the most crucial ideas that can guide us through this relaxing hobby has to do with selecting the medium and the technique with which you want to use when performing this activity. 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. You are probably most familiar with the most common mediums that are used in painting, such as watercolors and acrylics.

For the more bold, there is a completely different technique involving smoke. This method is called fumage, or using smoke as a medium during the painting process. It was discovered and first used by Wolfgang Paalen who used smoke coming from a candle to create images on a canvas. You might be simply mesmerized by the resulting images that you can achieve using fumage. If you are fascinated by this idea and wish to try out this technique for an upcoming project, here are several simple steps to help you learn using the fumage technique.

Visualize your design. As with any creative project, the very first step that must be performed is visualization. Not all of us have the ability to see clear pictures in our 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. It might be best practice, given the nature of the medium to keep your designs simple and/or abstract (e.g., simple shapes, human form).

Gather the materials that you will need for the project. For this project, you could use any tool that produces smoke in minimal forms, for instance, a candle or a kerosene lamp. Since this endeavor is for those who are unfamiliar with the technique, candles of various thicknesses an wick lengths are optimal. This is because longer wicks produce smoother patterns, while shorter ones produce solid and dark shades and forms. Implementing these will allow you to design various pictures with diverse intensities or shading. Apart from the basic items like candles and canvas that you will be using, you must also have gear for protection of your hands and eyes.

Starting the process. After choosing a safe workplace where there is no risk of anything burning, you may begin 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. And then start creating your image by using one of your selected candles to develop the shading. In doing so be mindful that the speed and angle with which the candle flame is swept across or beneath the surface can achieve varying shades. If you are uncertain, try doing some practice strokes on a different canvas before applying anything to your actual work. One good thing fumage is that you can be as creative as you desire because there are no set rules to follow.

Important finishing touches. A vital step that is oftentimes overlooked is spraying fixative on the finished canvas; be sure to seal your work in this manner. This is done in order to preserve the image that was created.


About The Author: Online contributing editor for http://www.WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, Jessica Ackerman has over 20 years of design experience, from to wall sconce candle holder.

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