Kim’s Learning Curve
We all have to step outside of our comfort zone -
that way we get to develop new skills, use old ones
in different ways, or at the very least think about it.
Back at our annual convention I spent a day with Wendy Grattan painting roses and castles, the first
step outside of my comfort zone. At home I had a blank surface that was ideal for the ‘canal art’
treatment … and sign writing - another step beyond.
First, I sanded the surface, removed the dust, and base-coated. I used white gesso, a second light
sanding and it’s ready to go.
I wanted the colour scheme to look traditional
so the base colour is Forest Green. Two coats.
To make sure the lettering was central and
correctly spaced, I laid the design out on paper.
It is necessary to get letter heights, widths, and
spacing correct or it will notice in the final piece.
The lettering is the difficult bit so it is worth
spending time at this stage. Less formal
lettering will be easier to make look good.
(Lettering is a whole class on its own - for
another day!)
Once you are happy with the design, trace it on
to the surface. Again, the spend time measuring
to make sure the letters are centrally placed
(unless you want them somewhere else).
I painted the basic lettering in Titanium White,
with the ‘3D shadowing’ added in Burnt Orange
Next, I looked at the remaining space and
decided on how many roses, and their
placement. They were painted in traditional
styles. I added some forget-me-nots and daisies for interest.
Once the main detail was complete I had to look at the border. For the
sides I decided on a diamond pattern popular on the canals. This was
painted in Primary Red, Primary Yellow, Blue Harbor, and Titanium
White.
It took some time to decide how to finish the top and bottom border. I
experimented with various scroll designs, but the narrow edge made it
difficult to fit. I settled for simple comma strokes, embellished with dots.
The final detail was fine black lining to the shadow side of the letters.
Once finished and you are happy with your design seal the name plaque
with at least two coats of your chosen sealer. If it is going outside, make
sure the sealer is suitable. Mine is displayed from behind glass, so a
weather proof sealer is not so important.
I hope you are inspired to try something different. Fancy something on lettering? Let me know.
(Colours are DecoArt Americana - except for Jo Sonja Titanium White, and Studio White Gesso)