Lesson 2: And So To Paint...
Things to Know First!
NOTE: Make sure your work area is clean and dust free. a plastic cloth is a good idea to use for your workspace.
- Sketch your subject, using the face to face measurements, on to the Porcelain piece; check the placement before applying paint.
- Place your colours onto the palette and a small quantity of medium.
- Take a small quantity of paint from the Flesh Shadow phial with the tip of the spatuala and also a small amount of medium, mix these two together. This mixture should be toothpaste consistency. This is how all your colours should be mixed.
- Condition your brush by placing it into the medium mixture and wipe excess oil from the brush with a clean cloth.
- Pick up a small amount of paint with your brush and begin with smooth strokes to place the shadows into the appropiate areas.
NOTE: Do not go over your initial strokes. If they are not even wipe them off and start again. (Remember, patience and perserverence)!
* Continue with applying the middle tone of Flesh N0. 1 and soften with a silk wad, (wrap the silk over a small wad of cotton wool and secure with an elastic band.) Dab very lightly, just enough to soften the tone but not to remove the colour.
* With the small pointer brush and Shiraz, paint the lips, bringing the brush stroke from the outer edge of the lip into the centre line.
* The eyebrows and eyelashes are painted in very lightly and the colour of the eyes is placed in.
* Wipe out the whites of the eyes and the pinpoint light with your wipe out tool.
* The hair is painted in with Brown and some highlights are wiped back.
* With a stippler brush and Shiraz, paint in the cheeks and then with a clean silk wad, wipe out the highlights on the cheeks.
* Check your work for no hard lines and build up of colour, also especially the features. Turn your piece upside down and check the placements.
NOTE: It is important that the paint application is even and the correct consistency, not too much oil medium as this will fire out and can leave little colour.
Your piece is now ready for the first firing. If you need to transport it to a kiln, it is wise to place it in a shallow box or cover with plastic pulled tight across the Porcelain shape area. Be very careful not to allow contact with the plastic and the painted area of the Porcelain.
This first firing is most crucial as it establishes your foundation for your painted piece.
Firing time is aprox. 800 degrees C or cone 016-015.
Until next time when we complete the second firing.
