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Crouching Tiger, Sleeping Dragons.

© Jen Longshaw

Imagine a curled up cat, a sleeping dragon or a crouching tiger all contained within stone. Not carved in marble or jade but painted on a rock. Painting in the round has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity over the past few years and many people are immortalising their much-loved pets in this medium. It's a great pastime for the hobby painter who is just starting out or the professional artist who is looking for a new and exciting avenue to further their art.

Finding rocks to turn into an animal is one of the most exciting parts of this craft. Taking a trip to the river or down to the beach can turn into a safari, hunting for just the right canvas. Stones that look like cats curled in a furry ball, sleeping puppies, rabbits, even hedgehogs, all lie waiting to be discovered by the imagination. Even flat rocks can be useful for painting 2D "portraits" where the picture is painted only on one side. If it isn't possible to find rocks "in the wild" then stones can often be purchased from landscaping businesses. Acrylic paint is the ideal medium for rock painting both for its durability and quick drying time. Artist's acrylics can be used but there are also ranges of folk art paints that are suitable. If the stones are to be left outside exposed to the elements there are some brands that weather extremely well.

As rocks are unforgiving canvases synthetic paintbrushes are the best variety to use being both tough and cheap. The rough surface of the stone will eventually destroy any brush although washing them clean in water immediately after use and laying them on a flat surface to dry will mean that they last slightly longer. Some artists recommend soaking brushes in alcohol to loosen paint caking the ferrules and bristles although they should never be left standing in the solution. And even when the brush is reaching the end of its useful existence it can still be resurrected to create certain effects such as fur lines. Before beginning to paint, the stone should be scrubbed thoroughly with detergent and water so that any dirt is removed. It is often advised that it should be left for several days to dry so that the paint won't eventually flake or bubble. To speed the drying process many painters recommend baking rocks in an oven but this should be undertaken with care.

Ginger Norwegian Forest Cat

A pet portrait from a photo

Blue Merle Collie

Cat Doorstop

The copyright of the article Crouching Tiger, Sleeping Dragons. in Wildlife Art is owned by Jen Longshaw. Permission to republish Crouching Tiger, Sleeping Dragons. in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.