By:Learn to Tole Paint - A Beginners Guild to Decorative Painting
Tole comes from the French word "toile" for tin, and was used many years ago. Today the broad term, "Tole and Decorative Painting," describes the variety of styles, surfaces and painting techniques used in modern arts and crafts.
Folk Art was used to add color and decoration to household items like utensils and furniture. The techniques have been passed down from generation to generation. The new products available to today's painters, has expanded upon these techniques.
These products when used creatively, allow us to see everything popping up in tole painting from primitive to ultra-modern. We have paints available that allow us to work not just on metals, tin or wood but other surfaces like glass, porcelain, candles and almost any fabric.
Finishes like Faux allow us to create the look of marble, wood or stone on almost any surface. Whatever your craft is, decorative painting can add color and style to your work.
If you have never painted before and you feel a little intimidated, don’t fret! You won't know until you try it, and the rewards are great. Once you do try it, you may be surprised at how addicting it can be.
The best way to start is to check your local area for classes, or your library for beginner books or videos. This should get you started. Remember, you don’t have to know how to draw to be able to paint. It’s technique not talent, although once you know the techniques you will become talented in the craft with practice.
There are many styles that may interest you. The serious painter must have a library of reference books. It’s virtually impossible to make patterns from your head, although simple things like flowers and bows don’t always need a picture to copy from.
To practice, a good place to find patterns is coloring books. Photocopy a page that you like, transfer it to your surface and practice on that. This way you can see what level you are at ( beginner, intermediate, advanced) when you buy your patterns and books.
If you already have talent drawing and painting, then tole will be a breeze. There are several ways to decorative painting styles.
There is the One Stroke method, and the Traditional Method. The one stroke method may be the easiest one to start with, but painting with this method will not give you individuality in your painting. It looks very close if not exact to others who paint with one stroke. On the other hand the traditional method allows for individual expression and looks more like fine art than decorative painting. What ever you choose to be your preferred style, no doubt you will be pleased.
Once you become well acquainted with the techniques, you will be able to make your own patterns or mix and match them from someone else’s designs.
By Lana Bouchard Reese – Published Canadian Artist/Writer
About The Author:
Lana Bouchard Reese is a Published Canadian artist/writer. Her website is mixed with different subjects from: Art, Crafts, business, games, poetry, writing. Check it out at http://www.lanareesedesigns.com or email @ lanareesedesigns@hotmail.com Be sure to check website for the upcoming book Lana Bouchard Reese's Art Tiptionary, Tips and Tricks for the self taught artist.
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