How to Paint Large Feather Art

I got my paintbrushes out!

It's so relaxing and energizing at the same time.

I've been so busy learning to design patterns

on the computer and have them printed onto fabric.

Here is a sample of a watercolor flower that I painted

and then put into digital format for fabric printing.

Since I had so much fun painting my blue jay feather,

I wanted to share some steps with you guys

in case you would like one too 

for this Spring and Summer.

I used 4 picket fence boards from Menards.

They are Saw Tex Fence Pickets for 99 cents each.

Base paint off white

lifting your brush at the edges to reveal

unfinished wood .

You can see the faint pencil sketch of the feather

outlined on the boards.

Here is a template for you to look at

and rough sketch.

Then starting at the bottom

with the lightest color,

I work my way to the darkest color on top.

The paints are wet so they blend as they go.

Here are some of the paints

that I used.

While your paints are still wet,

pull from the center out,

blending as you go.

With an up and down motion,

punch in some black horizontal stripes.

Then you can go back over and soften a bit 

by pulling your brush down lightly.

Blend the black out more as you get to the bottom

of the feather. 

Keep your paint application lighter there.

Now for some finishing tips:

Pull in some off white background paint

to make clean cut in sections.

Use a smaller flat brush.

Add some gray fine feathers on the bottom 

with a liner brush.

You can also drag

some white dry brush or black dry brush

over top if you want more lines.

Also run a dark gray or black center line up the middle.

Hope you try it!

I hope to be back with another

paint project soon.

Happy Painting,

Deb

Art Journey Takes a Turn / Feather Trivet

Hey Friends!

Gosh, I know it's been awhile.

Change is in the works for my art and I'm excited about it!

You know I love to have my hands in paint,

but these days I'm holding and loving my new grandson.

Building signs and painting furniture is not so practical for my day's work.

Instead, I'm working in photoshop and Illustrator 

and creating designs there.

I'm loving my new journey and am excited about 

what new options might be available for my art.

I will always be working on creative projects

for my home

and will post about those

along with my new pattern designs.

Last week I led a group of ladies in a craft class!

We made planked wooden trivets.

We used the scraping method

(dip and drag with cardstock)

to create beautiful feathers.

You might remember we made holiday trivets

before in this post.

Use five 8" 1x2's.

1/4" drill bit for holes.

#10 or # 12 washers.  You'll need 12.

Cotton clothesline cord.

This is a fun group project.

Maybe you can plan a fall craft party too!

I always hope to share things 

that you would love for your home.

Blessings on your journeys ,

Deb