I should say, I was feeling a bit dubious about painting in the breakout tree, but I went ahead and did it anyway; I think it's important to practice things that aren't necessarily to my current tastes. Also, I find that the standard contact paper I'm using does not provide adequate adhesion for doing these ovals (even using the hair dryer trick mentioned in earlier comments). My mom suggested looking for a similar product at a fabric store, which sounds like a promising prospect. If I find something better, I will be sure to mention it here.
Comments
Great tree and painting overall! I remember doing this on one of my recent paintings as well and feeling apprehension about doing that tree. It looks good, though. You did a great job. Were you using the script liner brush for the branches? Mine recently "split" so I had to buy another one online. Are you supposed to keep that little plastic tube over the bristles? I also have the same problem with my own contact paper, even with the hair dryer trick. It just won't stick. So I find myself painting with "inwards strokes" to make sure I don't have paint bleeding under the oval. Let us know if you find a better alternative. Fantastic job once again! To say you are on a roll would be an understatement. As I mentioned in one of my other comments, I think it's time for a video tutorial!
Thank you, I am glad you enjoy this one. It's a little more subtle than some other Bob Ross compositions.
@lightsnow: Yes, the foreground tree branches are mostly made with the script liner brush. I've tried a few brands but keep coming back to the Bob Ross script liner. I also had trouble when mine "split" and I bought a second one, however, I was able to use a brush conditioner (I can find out the brand if you are interested) to get the original one back in proper shape so I just keep using that. I'm pretty sure I'd go fully bananas trying to fit the little plastic tube back over those long bristles after each session. Instead, I just try to make sure to draw it out into its proper pointed shape right after I clean it and that seems to work.
I posted a question to you (and whomever else might have an idea) in one of the other comments about video tutorials. Let me know what kind of things would help you and what kind of videos you would find most useful.
I am having a quite a tussle with the brush separating during the stroke when the paint is at ink consistency, can you recommend the brush conditioner? Thanks. By the way I really like soft subtle works, and this reminds me of classic works, very nice
I should say, my brushcare routine is pretty much rubbish, so I may not have a great answer for you. I suspect @SunnyLady or @Mgiese84 would have better tips, but for what it's worth, I use a soap called The Masters for brush cleaning (and hand cleaning). I don't use it for brushes after every painting...maybe after every 10 paintings, or so. Most of the time I just clean them out with Gamsol or whatever thinner you use. However, when the bristles start splitting and the shape gets significantly deformed, I will wash the brush with the Masters soap and while wet, "sharpen" the bristles to a single point and let them dry that way. This seems to help "reset" the shape a bit. Not good-as-new, but "good enough." I also have several liner brushes on-hand. If the one I am using does not want to cooperate, I will switch it out. Hope that helps a little!
Yes it does help. I obtained the masters and another couple of liner brushes and it has improved the lines considerably. Thank you
Excellent! That is good to hear. Keep me posted on how things go!
I seem to be having issues with paint thickness. I seem to have either too little on the base and the highlights don't adhere properly or too thick on the base and the highlights are too thin and blotchy. Did you ever have this issue and if so, did you devise a rule of thumb to avoid it?
Also, while i am not ready to go there yet, how do you create your ovals on the contact paper? Do you have a template to trace and then cut?
Beautiful Drac!! Great job on pushing yourself to do something new that you don't necesserily like. It really does expand you learning experience I found.
I know this has been posted a while ago I got 2 nice tips. 1 for the contact paper... You have to put a gesso layer prior to. Then put the contact paper on it and it will stick no problem.
For the split bristles of the script liner brush, dip your brush for 10 sec is really hot water (boiled first) and shape it the way your brush originally was. If too much goo is stuck at the base of the bristles, the brush might be ruined. If not, your brush will find it's natural shape. Also, it's super important to clean your brush every time you used it in your painting. So if you use your brush 6 times in total in the painting you work on, you have to clean it 6 times. Lastly, always hang it with the bristles facing down. Hope this help. 😊
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This is really well done! Wow!!