Silk Painting Techniques - Using Patterns

The first thing you need to know about silk painting isAlternatively you can get ready made silk painting
that everyone can do it. Some people do it better thanpatterns that you can print off your computer and
others of course, but you do not need to be a giftedstart work on straight away.
artist to be able to create a beautiful picture.Now What?
Sitting in front of a piece of stretched white silk withOnce you have your silk painting design drawn out on
paintbrush in hand can be a daunting prospect fora piece of paper you will need to stretch your piece of
many silk painters. Paint and dyes have a life of theirsilk onto a frame and tape the pattern to the back.
own once they have been let loose on the silk which isUsing a soft pencil trace the pattern onto the silk.
part of the silk painting magic and why it is so popularRemove the pattern and trace over the pencil lines
and exciting. However this is also the reason so manyusing your outliner/gutta/resist. It is very important that
silk painters become disillusioned and are disappointedthere are no gaps in your outliner. Check the front and
with the results of all their effort.back of the silk very closely and fill any gaps as
The Answer to Successful Silk Paintingnecessary. Now you are ready to paint your silk and
If you want to be a confident silk painter and feel morethis is where it gets really exciting. Your plain simple silk
assured of the results then you really should try usingwill be transformed with a few brush strokes. Be
silk painting patterns. It really is as simple as that.careful though and watch for the paint bleeding
Silk painting patterns are hand drawn designs that youthrough the lines. Make sure you do not overload your
can trace onto the silk using a pencil. They are sobrush, a tiny amount of paint on your brush will normally
easy to use and can be repeated over a long piece ofdo the job better.
silk to make large wall hangings or just used for simpleThere are many different techniques offering very
projects such as sun catchers and cushions. Once youdifferent results for painting on silk. If you want to try
have your pattern you can use it over and over againthese I would suggest you search for silk painting
for many projects.techniques on the internet or buy a book.
If you have the confidence and skill draw the patternOnce your piece is finished you will need to fix your silk
yourself. Copy pictures from books or photographs,using the instructions on your paint or dye.
draw a still life, find something that inspires you.I hope this article has given you some good ideas and
Perhaps you want a picture or wall hanging for a roommaybe even inspired you. It really is the simplest way
in your house. Is there something in that room that youto silk paint and the results are fabulous and very
want the silk painting to reflect or do you want toprofessional. I sell my work through several shops
theme a room around your painting? Use yourusing this method and I can use the designs over and
imagination and find something that excites you.over again.