The proper paint and paintbrushes are important for creating realistic images in tole painting.
Tole painting is kind of folk art that originated in New England in the 18th century and is defined as decorative patterns or image painted on metal or wood household items. When using tole painting techniques to create images rather than just patterns, it's important to add texture and layer to your painting in the form of proper shading. The correct tools and techniques will help you achieve a realistic image. Rich acrylic paints and the proper brushes are necessary for shading in tole painting.
Instructions
1. Sketch on a sheet of paper the image you'd like to paint. Mark the parts of the image that will need to be shaded differently, whether darker or lighter. The object of shading is to paint a realistic image by creating depth. Shade the sketch with a pencil as you would shade in your painting or mark the areas you will shade with some identifying information, for instance, put an "l" for lighter and a "d" for darker.
2. Transfer this template for your image on the item you're painting. Use a light-colored pencil that you can see but that is not too dark. Create the outline of the image.
3. Decide what colors you'll be using to paint this image. Choose one base color, for instance brown, and choose three or four variations of that same color. Prepare these by mixing paint colors. Use white to lighten the base color and black or another dark paint to get a richer shade.
4. Paint the base color onto the pencil template you've drawn on the item you're painting. Paint evenly using a flat brush. Allow the first layer to dry. Thoroughly clean the flat brush of all paint.
5. Begin shading using the flat brush. Use a technique called "sideloading." Load a heavy layer of paint of one of the colors you've mixed onto one side of the flat brush. Dip the other side of the brush into water. Roll the brush onto the part of the image you're shading. The painted side of the brush will create a rich hue where it lands that gradually diminishes as you roll to the watery side of the brush. Allow the paint to dry.
6. Use this technique wherever you wish to create gradual shading on the image. Blend with water or a lighter color any areas that have not been shaded gradually enough.
