Page 76 - The Decorative Painter Winter 2014

SKILLBUILDER
Painter’s Checklist
SuRFACE
Use any practice surface you would like.
PALETTE
DECOART AMERICANA ACRYlICS Antique Mauve
Buttermilk
light Buttermilk
Napa Red
Plantation Pine Reindeer Moss green Royal Purple
White Wash Wisteria
BRuSHES
MAUREEN MCNAUgHTON BRUSHES Nos. 0, 2, 3 & 4 rounds
Nos. 0 & 5/0 liners
SuPPLIES
Basic painting supplies (page 128) DecoArt Easy Float
SOuRCE
Maureen McNaughton Brushes are available from Pampered Palette,
(703) 754-8141; www.pamperedpalette.com.
74 The Decorative Painter • ISSUE NO. 4, 2014
I n the previous three issues we explored the basic strokes using a round brush. This issue showcases more uncon-
ventional strokes.
The fan stroke is one that always gets folks excited when
I teach it in class. It looks difficult at first, but students soon discover that it is a very easy stroke to do. However, the me- chanics we use to form this stroke can damage a good brush. Look for a veteran round brush that has already lost its point, and designate it as your fan stroke brush.
The fan stroke has so many uses in the strokework style. It is perfect for creating the petal that forms the opening of roses and trumpet flowers, for butterfly wings, and for broad, frilly petals.
The pointed comma-stroke’s long point and quick pres- sure require a brush in tip-top condition. A sharp point is needed for the long, fine point at the beginning of the stroke. Being right-handed, I find it is easier to pull this stroke from left to right. Extend the outer tips with fine points or curls using the liner. This stroke is perfect for the turned edges on petals and leaves. You can join several together to form a turned edge with a ruffled shape. This stroke is often used to fill in shapes that have an undulating or waved outer edge, such as we see in the leaves in this project.
You can save time searching for the right brush for these different strokes by labeling your brush handles with colored tape or nail polish. Choose one color for a new brush with a perfect point. Once the tip has worn down, change the tape or polish to a different color. Use this brush for strokes that begin with pressure. When the brush is worn and the hairs have splayed, change to a third color. Use this worn brush for stippling and basecoating.
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