Page 50 - The Decorative Painter Summer 2014

The of rounded
comma-stroke is one of the most recognizable all strokes. It starts off with pressure to create a head. The gradual release of pressure tapers the
stroke to a sharp tail. The negative space outside of the stroke, should be nicely curved. When pulling curved strokes, it sometimes helps to visualize pulling the stroke around a ball.
Contrary to what many of us may have been taught in the past, not all strokes are pulled toward yourself. Some strokes, especially those that are very curved, may be easier to pull sideways. Right-handed painters will find it easier to pull from left to right, while the reverse is true for left-handed painters. To control the path and shape of the brushstroke, you must be able to see the brush tip from start to finish. So, when you are having a difficult stroke day, experiment with different directions.
Also take note on how tightly you are holding the brush. A locked grip prevents the brush from opening fully and will result in strokes that appear stiff. To relax your grip, put that tension in the other hand. Grip a tennis or stress ball in your nonpainting hand while you pull the stroke with a more re- laxed hand.
How low are you sitting at the table? If resting your fore- arm on the table results in your shoulders hunching up, then try a higher chair or a cushion. The wrist must be higher than the surface in order to sweep the brush off the surface at the end of the stroke, which is difficult to achieve if you have to reach up to the table.
Please refer back to Issue # 1-2014, which explains how to load the brush and refine the stroke with the liner.
decorativepainters.org
SKILLBUILDER
Painter’s Checklist
SuRFACE
Use any practice surface you would like.
PALETTE
DECOART AMERICANA ACRYLICS Autumn Red
Coral Blush
Deep Burgundy
Light Avocado Lilac
Mulberry
Peaches ‘n Cream Soft Sage
Taffy Cream White Wash
BRuSHES
MAUREEN McNAUGHTON BRUSHES Nos. 1 & 4 rounds
No. 5/0 liner
SuPPLIES
Basic painting supplies (page 127) DecoArt Easy Float
Distilled water
Wet palette
SOuRCE
Maureen McNaughton brushes are avail- able from Pampered Palette, (703) 754- 8141; www.pamperedpalette.com.
48 The Decorative Painter • ISSUE NO. 2, 2014