Video & Visual Tips

Click HERE to view a video clip of how to create the Best Comma Stroke

Click HERE to view a video clip of how to apply a highlight or paint rosy cheeks using my Dome Round brushes!

Tips on Using Glitter and Painting the Snowman's Face

How to Use Glitter

Click on the images to enlarge.

To apply glitter to specific areas:
Pour a small amount of water base varnish into a water bottle cap,
Add the desired amount of glitter.
Mix with an old liner brush Brush on narrow stripes with liner brush or larger areas with an old flat brush.

For a quick and easy way to finish the back of ornaments I do this: while I am basecoating I take the predominant color and put a wash on the back of the ornament. When I am done painting the front and applying the glitter I add more varnish and glitter if necessary, to the cap, mix and apply it to the back surface, eliminating any need for more detail or varnish.

Painting a Snowman's Face

When painting snowmen faces I generally start by applying the cheeks. I do that by brushing on a thin layer of Folk Art Extender, place a drop of cheek color and soften with the xs or small dome round brush. I place the top of the cheek about ½ way on the face.

This is the way I generally paint my snowman eyes -not too big or too small. To make them appear a little irregular and jagged resembling coal I paint the eyes with a liner brush using quick touches to the surface.

The size and placement of eyes on snowmen create expression. Here are some samples of how the size and placement effect a snowman's personality.

Too large of eyes can make him a little unattractive.
Little eyes can create a mean look especially if they are too close together.

Different eyes different expression.

Here is a step-by-step picture demonstration on how I use my Dome Round brush. Click HERE to view a video clip of how to apply a highlight or paint rosy cheeks using my Dome Round brushes!

I prefer to use Folk Art Extender applying a thin coat to surface. This can extend beyond the surface without problems. Many acrylic artists use water in place of extender. I am not proficient with water, but when I did use it, it worked fine. Many oil painters Mary Mclean and Jean Archer love and use the brush when oil painting.

For cheeks and all small light value areas (includes the high light) I use the xs brush.

Apply drop of paint with a liner brush.

Using the xs I place the brush directly over the drop and press. Lift brush and a beautiful small cheek or highlight should be apparent. If you feel you would like to soften it more repeat or soften the edges lightly.

Small Hilight Step 1

Small Hilight Step 2

Small Hilight Step 3
For larger light values I apply an irregular star shape.

Using the small or medium brush I start on the outside edge and begin to press the brush into the paint. Continue to keep a steady pressure with sight movement (not stippling) as you move around the outside edge. The brush will pick up medium and paint. Keep applying pressures softening as you go across the center. If you pick up excess paint dry wipe the brush on the damp area of your paper towel. Continue to soften and almost push the paint into the surface.

Large Hilight Step 1

Large Hilight Step 2

Large Hilight Step 3
To lighten cylindrical shapes I apply Extender, paint a light value line down the center of the light value area.

Pick up the medium or large Dome Round cover the line, press firmly to surface and gently move brush back and forth as you move down the surface. If you are still aware of a sharp line gently pull and soften outward or gently go back and forth cross ways on the line.

Hilight Hat Step 1

Hilight Hat Step 2
I use the brush to gently blend shading colors by softening the edge.

Apply paint in an irregular cross hatching way. Soften starting on the outside edge pulling onto the surface.

Shading Step 1

Shading Step 2