As a newbie to painting, I appreciate useful tips. Here are a couple that I can share:

First: when transfering an image onto a surface, try using chalk! Rub chalk on the back of the image (or on a sep. piece of paper and place under the image, chalk side down). Then trace the image on the front onto the surface. When the painting, drawing or whatever the medium is finished the chalk can be rubbed off.

Second: When blending or creating a gradation, side load your brush (flat or round). That way you are not trying to blend a harsh edge.

I hope these tips are helpful. Does anyone else have any useful tips they'd like to share? (The tips don't have to be for just painting!)

 -Les
www.thefauxtasticartist.com

This is a very important topic you have started! I believe we should move it to Murals & Trompe L'oeil and Decorative Arts Forum. It will get more exposure there as well as will be easier to find.

Let us know what do you think!

Thank you!

Visit me at...
www.thefauxtasticartist.com

Here is a good little tip on painting:

Have you ever wondered how to stop seepage of glaze/paint inder the masking tape?

Here is a quick solution

1. after taping brush some clear glaze over it's edge
this would stop the seepage.

2. for more delicate way use flat or matte artist's fixative to spray over the edge of the tape.

Good luck!

Just looking for some tips on palettes and what tips you muralists use as far as acrylic paints and working on a large job. What kind of a palette do you use and what tips and techniques are good for using acrylics on a large project. Containers, mixing paints etc.

Thanks

For BIG murals, I really like this article "Techniques of Community Murals" by Bernard Williams at the Chicago Public Art Group at http://www.cpag.net/guide/2/2_pages/2_1.htm . Also "Mural Tips" from Nova Color is basic paint (acrylics) and prep stuff. ehttp://www.novacolorpaint.com/pages/questions.html