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granny33 · Dec 3, 2007, 09:45 AM

You mention in your answer to me about painting with acrylics, something about floating color and if I know how to do that. Well I don't know how. Could you explain it for me.

Clough · Dec 3, 2007, 11:15 PM

I'm going to let jrebel7 know that you posted here. She might not get automatically get notified about new questions in the Art topic area. But, I am because I am subscribed to it. I had let her know about your question on acrylics earlier. I'm also going to suggest to her that she subscribe to the Art topic area.

jrebel7 · Dec 3, 2007, 11:43 PM

Originally Posted by granny33

You mention in your answer to me about painting with acrylics, something about floating color and if I know how to do that. Well I don't know how. Could you explain it for me.

Hi there Granny33!
Sure, I would be happy to explain the technique. It may be difficult for me to put it into words but I will try. The technique is used to shade areas in an even soft way. I have always done it one stroke at a time but tole painters use the floating technique a lot. I have used it in painting more the last two years.

After your paint has dried and you need to shade, choose a color that is just maybe two or three steps darker in intensity. You use a flat brush, dip it in water, barely touch it to a paper towel to remove excess water but still needs to be fluid. Dip just the tip of one side of the brush in the paint. Using a waxy palette paper or (I use lids to butter tubs), make a brush stroke with the brush two or three times until you see the paint blending with the water that is in the brush to where the paint is strong on the end but fades out evenly. At this point, place the brush flat against area to be shaded. Place the brush flat with concentrated area of paint is next to area to be shaded. Make it a one stroke from start to finish, rather than dabbing. You will see it blend from dark under say a roof down to a lighter effect further onto the building and then fade just to clear water or on a face, just around the eyes or nose, etc. Allow to dry. If it isn't dark enough just redo after this dries. Is this clear as mud? :confused: Please don't let me frustrate you. :) Give me a minute and I will post s Santa I did in a class a few years ago. This is a craft item rather than a 'fine art' piece but the technique is good on either craft or fine art. I think I can find two examples. If I take too long, just check back later on. Hope this helps. Don't hesitate to ask any questions. If I don't know the answer I will sure try to find the answer or try to find someone who can answer it better than I. I don't know why I am not getting notices of posts. I generally do. I will check on that later also.

Be with you in just a bit! :)

jrebel7 · Dec 4, 2007, 12:05 AM

Ok, back again! Sorry I took so long. I had to find a photo, scan it, resize it, save it then attach it here. The Timber Santa's face has lots of paint floated around nose, eyes, cheeks, etc. The lighthouse Thumb Piano has color floated around edge of piece and around the lighthouse. I painted a similar scene on my batroom wall next to the tub so is much larger of course, sort of feels like I am stepping in to the ocean! LOL In my dreams! Right? Anyway, hope this helps Granny33! :)

jrebel7 · Dec 4, 2007, 12:06 AM

I will bid all a goodnight at this time. Early morning Christmas shopping for five little ones tomorrow. Good night and sweet dreams to all! :)

jrebel7 · Dec 4, 2007, 12:46 AM

Granny33, below are two links that might describe the technique better than I could. One of the artists says not to blot with paper towel. I do use the paper towel because for me, the other way tends to leave too much water in the brush which waters down the paint too much. Each artist must just find what works best for them. Just play with it. You will find what works best for you. If there was just one way to paint, there would be no need for creativity and we do need creativity to make life so wonderful. Now, I really am going to bed this time. Just felt like I needed to provide more information. The technique is a little difficult for me because for years, I have always painted with a different style but find this does work well for many pieces. Night, night!

Floating Color

How I Float Color with Acrylic Paint - Margot A. Clark, Inc

jrebel7 · Dec 4, 2007, 12:49 AM

Originally Posted by Clough

I'm going to let jrebel7 know that you posted here. She might not get automatically get notified about new questions in the Art topic area. But, I am because I am subscribed to it. I had let her know about your question on acrylics earlier. I'm also going to suggest to her that she subscribe to the Art topic area.

Thank you so much for letting me know about the question from Granny33. I don't know why I didn't receive the notification. :) I will check into it.

Clough · Dec 4, 2007, 12:54 AM

Originally Posted by jrebel7

Thank you so much for letting me know about the question from Granny33. I don't know why I didn't receive the notification. :) I will check into it.

When you answer a question on this site, you are automatically subscribed to it. However, that doesn't mean that you are subscribed to the entire topic area which is in this case, Art. Are you subscribed to Art? You would have had to make a decision on your own to subscribe to that. It would be in Edit Options in your profile.

Clough · Dec 4, 2007, 07:22 AM

granny33 agrees: Thank you so much for contacting jrebel7 for me. You're a good friend.

Thank you for your comment granny33! We all do try to work together as a team, here!