Paint Your Own Portrait

Instructions - How to create your masterpiece...

 

• Unwrap your kit. Check to make sure you have all the items listed above.

• When you're ready to paint, lay out your supplies and instruction sheet. Make sure you have your numbered line drawing handy for referral as well as your converted black and white picture.

• Have a small container of water nearby as well as some paper towels.  Be sure to clean your brushes inbetween colors by dipping your brushes in the container of water and squeezing out with paper towels.    (See how to thoroughly clean your brushes at the end of each painting session under "Tips".)

• Examine your paint-by-number canvas board to insure all the numbers are legible.  Identify all the areas numbered "1".  These are the darkest areas of your portrait and where you will begin painting.

• Just before you start painting each section labeled #1, erase the number using the wire ring eraser that came in your kit.  Will you need to rub hard and briskly (don't worry about ripping the board, unlike paper it' tough.) Regular erasers will not work.  DO NOT ERACE NUMBERS AHEAD OF PAINTING or you may confuse the individual sections.  If this happens, refer to your printed number sheet that came in your kit.

• Apply at least 2-3 coats (layers) of paint.  Some colors like red, yellow, and lighter tones will require more than 2 coats to achieve a rich effect.  Be sure to stir the paint before using and periodically throughout your painting session.

• Once you have completed all the sections labeled #1, move on to the sections labeled #2.  Follow the same instructions above for sections #1.  Continue on to sections #3, #4, and #5.  Remember, the lighter the color, the more coats or layers of paint you may need to apply.  Also, red and yellow tones typically need more coats of paint to achieve a desirable effect.

• Check your work.  Step back, away from your portrait.  Make sure paint has covered all the lines and numbers.  There shouldn't be any bleed between colors (one color runs into another) unless that is what you intended to do.  If you're not satisfied, go back and touch up those areas you feel need more attention. Repeat the process (usually several times) until you are satisfied with the results.

• You're done!  Wasn't that easy?  Are you ready for another one?  First you need to frame this one.

 

Tips to remember:

 

• Erase the numbers (1-5) just before you paint that section or the area around the number with your special wire ring eraser.  This will prevent you from having to use extra layers of paint to cover up the number.  Don't forget you will need to rub the numbers with some force and briskly.

• Paint the numbered sections from the inside of the board first, then work your way out to the sides to prevent accidental smudging of wet paint.

• Stir the paint before use and occasionally during the painting session. (Add water if the paint gets too thick)

• Wipe excess paint off brushes periodically to prevent buildup.

• Use the sides of your brushes when painting the edges of each section.

• Thoroughly clean out your brushes at the end of each painting session with soapy water.  Make sure the water runs clear and you get inbetween the bristles.  Any paint left in the brushes will dry and harden your brushes, which will make them unusable.

• All sections labeled for White paint must be painted with multiple coats of White paint even though the canvas board is white.  Remember, you must apply paint to the entire surface of the board.

• The more coats of paint you use, the more dramatic the appearance of your portrait.  Experiment with technique.  Neatness is not always necessary when painting.  Commit to a style and go for it!

• When painting small sections or areas where you need extra control, support your painting hand by placing your opposite arm or hand underneath it and press down while painting.  

• Check out our How To Discover Your Inner Picasso Video before you get started.

 

Framing your masterpiece...

 

Your 16x20" painted canvas board is a standard size.  You can choose to frame it yourself or have it framed professionally.  If you decide to do the framing yourself, it's really easy.  All you have to do is go into any craft store like Michaels and AC Moore, department store like Macy's and Sears, or superstore like Target and Wal-Mart and find a readymade frame for your portrait.   You'll have a choice between painted and unpainted wood frames or metal frames in a variety of colors.  You may also want to add a mat around your frame, in which case you will have to take that into consideration with size.  Just ask a salesperson for help.  Next step, hang your masterpiece in a very special place.