Linework: Use fine-tipped brushes to create intricate linework for details like outlines, spiderwebs, or princess crowns. Having a steady hand will assist you in achieving crisp linework in a single stroke.
The Kaz Windness Blog
The kids like to play in my studio downstairs because that is where I stash all the toys that have started to get on my nerves. Toys with lots of pieces (like the kitchenette), toys that take up too much room (like the Little People airport), and toys that just make annoying noises that I can’t stand for more than fifteen minutes (like the Little People airport).
The great thing about keeping toys down there is that the boys will be distracted for long enough to do a simple painting like this one. The collage/silhouette technique is so fast, I can make a painting in two 30 minute visits to the basement.
Because these paintings are so easy, I thought, why not create my own holiday decorations on canvas? They are certainly more unique and interesting than anything I could buy at the store, and cost me nothing but an hour of my time since I have a nice little stash of cheap canvas in the back room. (I always buy my canvas on sale. Keep your eyes open for those BOGO sales, especially.)
If you would like to make something similar, here is what you will need:
-Canvas, any size (this is an 8″x10″)
-Paper – I used wrapping paper, tissue paper, and magazine and book pages
-Modge Podge, or similar
-A pencil
-Acrylic paint for negative space
Step 1: Collage paper onto canvas with Modge Podge. Think about your color palette so your subject will make sense. I’m using mostly orange here because I knew I’d be making a jack-o-lantern. Let dry.
Step 2: Sketch out your image onto the canvas. You may want to do preliminary sketches on paper. If you’re not much of an artist and don’t want to draw your own image, you can use a stencil or find an image you like online and trace it.
Step 3: Paint over the negative spaces with your solid color acrylic paint. I used black here to cover over the background and paint in the eyes, nose and mouth of my jack-o-lantern. You can also add in little details like highlights with additional paint, but it’s not necessary. I made my stem green and added a little curly vine. I also painted the edges of the canvas green.
Done! See, that was pretty easy, right? And you may have so much fun making your own painting, you won’t even notice how annoying those toys are!
For more information and photos on how to make this kind of painting, check out my Elephant Collage post.
Three basic wood painting techniques
Images on wood surfaces can be painted in different ways:
The choice of painting technique depends on the skills and experience of an artist.
Stencil method
To make an easy Halloween craft, we recommend using a stencil for drawing an image, because this is the easiest way to draw on wood. The finished picture template is applied to the base, outlined with a pencil and painted with acrylic markers. You can make a stencil of any image yourself. To do this, it is enough to find the necessary drawing on the Internet, print it on a printer and cut it out. You can also order the image from a professional artist.
Point to point painting technique.
This wood painting technology is perfect for people who have initial or insufficient artistic skills. Using dot painting, you can create beautiful patterns for Halloween craft decorations.
The essence of the point drawing technology is that many points are applied to the finished sketch, which are landmarks for copying the image onto a wooden surface. The more such landmarks, the more accurately you can transfer the original picture to the desired object. By using the dot copying technique, even people with basic drawing skills can create artistic masterpieces. To do this, copy the point sketch with a soft pencil onto the surface of a wooden object. After that, you can start drawing with acrylic markers, showing your own imagination.
Using sketches
The method of painting wood by sketches means free creativity, which makes this method an excellent choice for implementing your easy Halloween craft ideas. The artist first creates a sketch of the image, then transfers it to a wooden product and paints it.
For artists, sketches are details of paintings. And those artists who are not professionally involved in creative activity can use geometric shapes as sketches. Using sketches, you can create your own patterns by adding plant and geometric components to make exciting DIY Halloween craft.
After complete drying, it is recommended to cover the decorated surface with a thin layer of varnish. In this case, the composition of the varnish is selected depending on the dyes used. This will increase the life of your crafts.
How to draw a Halloween art craft step by step?
Take note! You can come up with original Halloween craft ideas to make your own festive or scary ornament yourself, or find a ready-made picture on the Internet and print it out.
Take note! The drawing is richer and brighter if you use the markers of the close color segment and the palette to create the outline.
It is important! Remember to shake and prime each marker before starting work.
Congratulations! Your awesome wood crafts are ready. Now it remains to decorate them with a ribbon and find a suitable place in the house where to hang your new handmade decorations.
You can prepare wood slices for creativity yourself and buy additional markers and paints. Or you can purchase a ready-made complete kit.
Wood Slices Craft Kit includes everything you need to get creative: colored markers, acrylic paint, prepared wood slices, ribbon and a rope to hang the finished ornament. Thus, you do not need to buy anything extra, everything is ready for your convenience in advance. But the main advantage of this craft kit is the complete booklet, which contains detailed tutorials and dozens of original ideas to transfer.
Glitter and Sparkle
Adding glitter can enhance your Halloween designs. Apply glitter gel or loose glitter to certain areas for a magical or spooky touch.
Stencils and Templates
These can be especially handy for creating intricate designs like spiders, webs, and other Halloween-themed patterns.
In this clip, Milena Potekhina teaches a fun Halloween design using Milena Stencils. You can buy your own Milena Jack-o-Lantern stencil here.
Storyboarding
The most challenging yet the most important skill of all!
Planning your designs in advance and adhering to the fundamentals of composition, placement, and a consistent style will help ensure a smooth painting process and consistent results.
As a face painting instructor for over a decade, I have observed thousands of canvas artists who struggled with face painting, attempting overly intricate work that was unbalanced on the face…
Conversely, many face painters who started from scratch at my School achieved incredible results by following the fundamentals I taught them.
These are the secrets that are unknown to the majority in the face painting industry, but they have proven to be the key to success for thousands of artists across the globe.
And guess what? For the first time ever I will be sharing these secrets with you at the Upcoming Halloween Online Summit for Face Painters.
Bad news – since this is a LIVE class, we can only accommodate a limited number of attendees for this class and the spots are selling out way too fast. So if you were on the fence, book your spot NOW before it’s too late.
- Special effects such as wounds and scars become impressively realistic with airbrushing.
- Its uniform coverage ensures consistent, professional results, making your designs stand out.
- Airbrushing’s versatility extends to UV-reactive designs that dazzle under blacklight, enhancing the Halloween experience.
Photogenic and trend-forward, airbrushed designs offer clients memorable keepsakes. By incorporating airbrushing into your repertoire, you offer unique, intricate, and photogenic designs that meet the demands of Halloween enthusiasts and event organizers.
Should I offer SFX as a face painter?
Incorporating Special Effects (SFX) into your services offers versatile benefits beyond theater and movies. SFX attracts diverse clients seeking unique transformations for events like Halloween, themed parties, and photoshoots. Elevating your artistry with intricate details enhances your overall face painting skills.
SFX’s seasonal demand, especially during Halloween, increases bookings and revenue. Standout offerings set you apart in the market, while photogenic results attract attention on social media. Private events like birthdays and corporate gatherings also benefit from SFX.
Exploring this avenue fosters artistic growth, even if theater or movies aren’t your focus, and opens doors for collaborations across various industries.
Not sure how to get started? Our 10 Essential SFX Tools for Halloween Face Painting post is for you! Learn everything from what to buy, what to DIY, and how to use these tools!
