Page 52 - The Decorative Painter Winter 2015

This Grisaille landscape painting was inspired by my granddaughter, Meghan Rose. She wanted to paint a storm, lightning, an ocean, and ships. I suggested the gray scale palette, and she liked the idea. She liked it
not only because it was a challenge, but also because it suited the subject matter. It is so much easier to express elements with vivid colors because they convey a mood, the time of day, and the richness of extreme darks against dazzling lights. So, to limit the colors to six values of gray plus white was indeed a surprising journey. This project assumes you have some knowledge of round and flat brush uses as well as general terminology.
PREPARATION
My metal surface, with a raised border, was found at a resale shop. Additional preparation is necessary if the metal is tarnished. Simply remove the tarnish using a tar- nish remover found at your local hardware store, wash in hot, soapy water using dish liquid soap, and rinse in white vinegar+water (1:1) to remove any remaining soap before applying the paint as instructed.
DECORATIVEPAINTERS.ORG
ACRYLIC
Painter’s Checklist
SURFACE
Refurbished Metal Plate Surface
PALETTE
DECOART AMERICANA ACRYLICS Graphite Neutral Grey
Metallic Lustre Black Shimmer Metallic Lustre Silver Spark
Snow White
BRUSHES
SHARON B’S ORIGINALS 1⁄4" blade
3⁄8" crown
1" flat
No. 1 liner No. 4 flat No. 3 round
SUPPLIES
Basic painting supplies (page 96) 9" round center design area surface Eraser
Graphite paper, gray & white Kitchen sponge
DecoArt Matte Polyurethane Varnish DecoArt Multi-Purpose Sealer
Liquid dish soap
Sand paper, extra fine
Soft cloth
Sta-wet palette
Tarnish remover
Water container
White vinegar
SOURCES
Sharon B’s Originals brushes are available from the artist, 759 Slate Quarry Road, Rhinebeck, NY 12572; (845) 266-5678; www.sharonbsoriginals.com.
Sponges may be found in the kitchen section of your local grocery or hardware store.
50 The Decorative Painter • ISSUE NO. 4, 2015