Painted Canvases
Ellen Winnie
De-lurking to ask a question. I am new to needlepoint (but not other
forms of embroidery) I am working on painting my own canvases, just
for my own use, not for sale.
I am using acrylic paint mixed with textile medium. Currently I have
two questions:
1. How do you keep the color even over large areas, and
2. My "paint puddle" starts to dry out before I am done using it. I
don't want to add too much water, as it thins the color. What else
could I use?
Any other suggestions or helpful hints would be happly entertained.
Thanks!
Ellen
WIP: trame' bellpull - Roses, circular needlepoint stitch sampler and
crewlwork picture.
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Ellen Winnie n7pyk-at-amsat.org
Oh Bother, said the Borg, we've assimilated Pooh
Dawne Peterson
"Ellen Winnie" wrote
> 2. My "paint puddle" starts to dry out before I am done using it. I
> don't want to add too much water, as it thins the color. What else
> could I use?
out a little pool with your brush as you need it?
Dawne
Felice Friese
"Dawne Peterson" <valk...@sk.sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:102e6uj...@corp.supernews.com...
Another thought: a tall, narrow container, such as a pill bottle, with a
hole in the lid for your brush.
Felice
Ellice
> De-lurking to ask a question. I am new to needlepoint (but not other
> forms of embroidery) I am working on painting my own canvases, just
> for my own use, not for sale.
>
> I am using acrylic paint mixed with textile medium. Currently I have
> two questions:
>
> 1. How do you keep the color even over large areas, and
>
> 2. My "paint puddle" starts to dry out before I am done using it. I
> don't want to add too much water, as it thins the color. What else
> could I use?
A couple of responses (Lula may chime in - her painting experience outweighs
mine in oh so many ways)
First - what kind of paints are you using? Most people painting for resale
use professional/artist quality paints. These have a higher pigment content,
truer color. Many use the liquid type - such as Golden Liquids - and then
thin them. Others use tube versions, and thin with a mixing medium. Not
necessarily textile medium - needlepoint isn't usually flexing, going thru
the washing machine in the same way as a t-shirt. Similarly - the canvas
coating doesn't soak up the paint the same way.
A lot of people doing as you are use the craft acrylics. That's fine - it's
much less expensive - but don't expect the colors to be as dense, even, or
stay bright for a long (months or longer) period of time.
You should paint canvas with something underneath it (absorbent paper, cloth
- whatever works for you)
Keep color even by using good quality paint, the best brushes that you
accept will get roughed up by the canvas.
Acrylics mix with water, or a mixing medium. There are extenders that you
can add to your paint when you mix it, and will slow the drying time. But,
you also may be doing what many people do - being afraid to use a big blob
of paint! You can't be chintzy when you're laying out your paints to work
from. Also, you can have a spray bottle to re-wet the paint.
Some people use covered palettes, store their paint covered with a damp
sponge so that a humid environment is maintained and the paint lasts.
I'm guess that you're using disposable plastic plates or the like, and just
pouring your paint onto that, so it spreads, and thus with all the open
surface area - more ability to evaporate quickly. You could try using an
expensive palette (like a cheap, plastic watercolor palette) with little
cups in the tray (like an egg-crate), Assuming you're not investing in a
serious palette tray. Or even use a recycled plastic egg crate (not
styrofoam).
Sometimes if I need a large quantity of some color I mix it in a recycled
"white interior" margarine tub, with a lid. That way I have plenty, and it
keeps, and can be rewetted.
Anyhow, that's what I can help you with. You could just get a book on
painting with acrylics at the library, or do a little web research. Lula has
some info on her site, www.woolydreams.com (and some gorgeous designs).
Ellice
Ellen Winnie
canvases, and will pick up the thread for them on the way to my first
"stitching weekend". (no LNS, closest one is 2 hours and a ferry ride
away)
If they look as good as I hope after stitching, I will definatly invest
in some better quality paint. Painting is almost as relaxing as
stitching!
Thanks again!
Ellen
In article <BC4D25BD.10F7A%Ell...@cox.net>, Ellice <Ell...@cox.net>
wrote:
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Ellen Winnie n7pyk-at-amsat.org
WIP: "Roses" trammed bellpull, Sampler of stitches from
A Pagent of Pattern for Needlepoint, various sewing projects
Ellice
> Thanks for all the good information. I have finished painting 3 small
> canvases, and will pick up the thread for them on the way to my first
> "stitching weekend". (no LNS, closest one is 2 hours and a ferry ride
> away)
Glad to have been of help - and congratulations on your painted canvases -
and a stitching weekend!
> If they look as good as I hope after stitching, I will definatly invest
> in some better quality paint. Painting is almost as relaxing as
> stitching!
LOL - it's definitely relaxing when you're painting for yourself. It's not
always so relaxing when you're painting to sell. Standards of perfection ;^)
ellice