How to Apply Paint to a Clean Canvas
- 1). Set up the clean canvas in an easel, which supports the canvas while you apply the paint. Loosen the screws around the edge of the easel, insert the canvas between them, and then tighten them to secure the canvas in place.
- 2). Prepare the area. Put two pots of water next to you, one for rinsing the brush and the other for dipping in before adding water to the paint. Get your brushes, paint and palette ready, too.
- 3). Cover the clean canvas with gesso, available from art shops. Gesso prevents paint from running, and binds it to the surface more effectively. Use a wide flat-headed paintbrush and make sure you use vertical brush strokes.
- 4). Leave the gesso to dry for 30 minutes, and then rub it down with coarse sandpaper for a couple of minutes. Apply a second coat of gesso using horizontal brush strokes.
- 5). Wait 30 minutes for the second layer of gesso to dry, and sand it down again. Add two further layers, following the same process. Use diagonal brush strokes, going from left to right for the third layer, and then in the opposite direction for the fourth. This smooths out the canvas for an even painting surface.
- 6). Decide what part of the painting you will start first. Draw pencil guidelines on the canvas to follow with paint to minimize the number of mistakes you make.
- 7). Choose the type of brush you want to use for your first stroke. Fill in large areas first, so select wider brushes with denser fibers to achieve this.
- 8). Put a small pea-sized amount of paint on the palette. Add a drop of water to loosen up the thickness of the acrylic paint. If you want to keep the colors and texture bold, use the paint straight from the tube, without dilution.
- 9). Begin painting. Dip the brush lightly in the paint and glide it across the surface of the canvas. Your personal style will affect how you do this. Beginners should use short, light strokes, as these are easy to do. Keep the movements fluid.
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Dip the brush in the paint again and continue filling in the painting. When you change color or mix a new color, rinse the brush in the pot of water to prevent contaminating the colors. - 11
Apply highlights and low-lights on the canvas to add dimension to the image. For shading skin, mix cadmium red, titanium white, and burnt umber and apply it as an undercoat. Then highlight the skin by blending white into the paint where you want the highlights to be.