Swap Due Date -October 3
Signup/withdraw date -September 26
Number of cards: 3 for 3
Number of players: Unlimited (Please ask to be signed up here on the thread, not in a “conversation”)
Medium: Hand-Painted, with acrylics and palette knives (and other small tools
Here’s an interesting swap for those who enjoy learning new techniques. Perfected skills are neither expected nor required. Let’s learn together! I’d love to see lots of pictures posted, even some “in progress” pictures, since this is a learning swap, a bit different.
The look of a painting done with a knife is very different than when a brush is used. The painting strokes are thick and stand out from the surface, referred to as “impasto”. The French Impressionists painted with brushes, but they also used knives. I very much ch doubt that many artists learned this technique working on a 2 1/2” x 3 1/2 card! But we can try and work with small knives, and practice making the strokes and holding the knife.
It may be frustrating at first, but confidence comes with practice, and then it actually becomes fun! Because we are working with such a small size, I am allowing other little “tools” for ease and to achieve certain affects. Consider toothpicks, Q-tips, sponge-dabbing, etc. But the main parts should be done with the knife.
I plan to post pictures continually, then decide later which ones to trade in the swap. You may do the same if you like. Let’s get started!
TIPS:
- Keep paper towels and Kleenex nearby. I use a paper plate to mix paint on.
- Keep a jar of water handy to wipe the knife between color applications, and then place it right in the water jar if you’re using a different knife.
- I paint on Bristol and use both plastic and metal knives.
- Try to think of SIMPLE IMAGES to practice on.
- You will probably need to thicken your acrylic paint to get that raised “impasto” look. I use Gel Medium for this. I mix approximately 1/3 part medium to 1 part paint. You could also use cornstarch or baby powder. Mix well.
- You can’t be stingy with your paint. If you didn’t mix enough, and didn’t scrape off enough on your knife, your strokes will run out of paint too soon and scrape the bottom before you finish the stroke.
- The acrylic paints in tube form seem to be a better quality, but the craft acrylic paints work too, if you use a thickener.
- You can paint lines by using the edge of your knife, great for trees and branches.
- An interesting tip from Jo: Cut paper 4x12” or 4x18, then spread paint onto a flowing scene(like mountains, beaches, or deserts.). Then cut into ATC sizes, using both horizontal and vertical formats.
- Tips from Judy (Seascape131): Use artist tape for a straight line. Have lots os white paint on hand, and lots of paper towels.
- LASTLY, DO BE KiIND TO YOURSELF when practicing this technique! Relax and repeat the process and you will gain confidence.
- AND HEY, if you’ve already done this, do jump in with your own tips.
CARDS and MAILING:
- Write username, real name, and swap title on the back of each 2 1/2 x 3 1/2” card.
- Ask for my mailing address via “conversation” when ready to send cards. (My address has not changed for 5 years).
- An extra “host card” is never necessary (but always appreciated).
- Please place each card in a plastic sleeve, making sure your paint is completely dry.
- If taping cards together to travel safely, please use easy-release tape (Washi or Painters).
- Please include a large address label (the PO does not like the little return address stickers) and one Forever Stamp. I will provide envelopes.
- INTERNATIONAL Players, please enclose your address label plus one Global Forever Stamp, OR a $1 bill, and I will provide envelopes.
- Remember to leave your appreciation (via Reps or conversations) to fellow swappers after receiving returns. Many swappers like to know who got their cards.
- Please leave Feedback for me (host), which tells me your cards have been received, and also supports our AFA system. Remember, Feedback is not given to fellow swappers - Reps are.
Signup/withdraw date -September 26
Number of cards: 3 for 3
Number of players: Unlimited (Please ask to be signed up here on the thread, not in a “conversation”)
Medium: Hand-Painted, with acrylics and palette knives (and other small tools
Here’s an interesting swap for those who enjoy learning new techniques. Perfected skills are neither expected nor required. Let’s learn together! I’d love to see lots of pictures posted, even some “in progress” pictures, since this is a learning swap, a bit different.
The look of a painting done with a knife is very different than when a brush is used. The painting strokes are thick and stand out from the surface, referred to as “impasto”. The French Impressionists painted with brushes, but they also used knives. I very much ch doubt that many artists learned this technique working on a 2 1/2” x 3 1/2 card! But we can try and work with small knives, and practice making the strokes and holding the knife.
It may be frustrating at first, but confidence comes with practice, and then it actually becomes fun! Because we are working with such a small size, I am allowing other little “tools” for ease and to achieve certain affects. Consider toothpicks, Q-tips, sponge-dabbing, etc. But the main parts should be done with the knife.
I plan to post pictures continually, then decide later which ones to trade in the swap. You may do the same if you like. Let’s get started!
TIPS:
- Keep paper towels and Kleenex nearby. I use a paper plate to mix paint on.
- Keep a jar of water handy to wipe the knife between color applications, and then place it right in the water jar if you’re using a different knife.
- I paint on Bristol and use both plastic and metal knives.
- Try to think of SIMPLE IMAGES to practice on.
- You will probably need to thicken your acrylic paint to get that raised “impasto” look. I use Gel Medium for this. I mix approximately 1/3 part medium to 1 part paint. You could also use cornstarch or baby powder. Mix well.
- You can’t be stingy with your paint. If you didn’t mix enough, and didn’t scrape off enough on your knife, your strokes will run out of paint too soon and scrape the bottom before you finish the stroke.
- The acrylic paints in tube form seem to be a better quality, but the craft acrylic paints work too, if you use a thickener.
- You can paint lines by using the edge of your knife, great for trees and branches.
- An interesting tip from Jo: Cut paper 4x12” or 4x18, then spread paint onto a flowing scene(like mountains, beaches, or deserts.). Then cut into ATC sizes, using both horizontal and vertical formats.
- Tips from Judy (Seascape131): Use artist tape for a straight line. Have lots os white paint on hand, and lots of paper towels.
- LASTLY, DO BE KiIND TO YOURSELF when practicing this technique! Relax and repeat the process and you will gain confidence.
- AND HEY, if you’ve already done this, do jump in with your own tips.
CARDS and MAILING:
- Write username, real name, and swap title on the back of each 2 1/2 x 3 1/2” card.
- Ask for my mailing address via “conversation” when ready to send cards. (My address has not changed for 5 years).
- An extra “host card” is never necessary (but always appreciated).
- Please place each card in a plastic sleeve, making sure your paint is completely dry.
- If taping cards together to travel safely, please use easy-release tape (Washi or Painters).
- Please include a large address label (the PO does not like the little return address stickers) and one Forever Stamp. I will provide envelopes.
- INTERNATIONAL Players, please enclose your address label plus one Global Forever Stamp, OR a $1 bill, and I will provide envelopes.
- Remember to leave your appreciation (via Reps or conversations) to fellow swappers after receiving returns. Many swappers like to know who got their cards.
- Please leave Feedback for me (host), which tells me your cards have been received, and also supports our AFA system. Remember, Feedback is not given to fellow swappers - Reps are.
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