Most of us have dabbled in painting a few times in our lives.
An important step in any artistic endeavor is determining which medium you will use to work with.
Traditionally, painting involves a flat surface like a canvas upon which the picture will be painted; it also involves choosing the right medium that shell be used to create the image.
Some of the most used media include charcoal, acrylics, and watercolors, among others.
For the more daring, there is a totally different technique involving smoke.
Technically referred to as fumage or painting with smoke, this technique is growing in popularity.
Wolfgang Paalen discovered and was the first to use smoke painting techniques.
Smoke painting can produce images that range from mesmerizing and extraordinary to surreal and disturbing.
For those who find themselves intrigued about this trendy technique, the tips that follow should be of great interest.
Envision your design in your thoughts.
Visualizing what you want to create is the first step in the creative process, just like with any artistic works.
Not all people have the capacity to visualize unambiguous pictures in our minds.
For this reason, it is a smart idea to picture the complete image that you want to create by manually sketching the picture or by using a form of computer software that will help you produce a basic sketch.
Given the nature of the medium, keep your designs simple and/or abstract (e.
g.
, rudimentary shapes, human form).
Gather the supplies that you will need for the project.
Candles or a kerosene lamp are examples of items that produce smoke that can be generally used for your project.
Beginners will feel more comfortable with candles of varying wick thicknesses and lengths.
This is because longer wicks produce smoother patterns, while shorter ones produce solid and dark shades and forms.
Using these will help you to come up with varied pictures with different intensities or shading.
Other than the candles, you will also need a canvas and protective goggles and gloves for your eyes and hands.
Beginning the process.
After choosing a safe workplace where there is no risk of anything burning, you may begin the process of painting.
In order that you can easily move your canvas around while you work, prop your canvas up.
You might need to paint from the side or beneath the canvas.
Next start painting by using any of your chosen candles to apply the shading.
when doing so be mindful that the speed and angle with which the candle flame is swept across or below the surface can help produce various shades.
If you are uncertain, try doing some practice strokes on a different canvas prior to applying anything to your ongoing project.
One good thing painting with smoke is that you can be as creative as you desire because there are no set rules to follow.
Finishing touches make all the difference.
A step that must not be forgotten is the application of a fixative when the work is finished.
In doing so you will be able to preserve the image that you have created.