What is an artist anyway?
I remember reading a post by Dionne Woods that asked something along the lines of......at what point do you refer to yourself as an artist? I remember thinking that was such a thought-provoking question!
We are ALL artists.....art is just a form of creating something.....and we all create in one form or another. I am best known for my furniture art....but I am actually an "artist" of many other forms! At least I call myself that....and you can too!
One thing I really enjoy is canvas art....and I don't do it enough! I should....it really fills my happy bucket....and it's such a free space to create without much effort. I share this with you today....in hopes that YOU will try this "art" and then you can call yourself a "canvas artist" too!
I was commissioned to create a large llama canvas painting. As with most of my canvas work...I draw the general shape of my subject first and then begin filling in the background next.
I use multiple colors of paint and layer it freely with no boundaries.
I also use a LOT of water to help the colors move together organically.
In the photo below, you can see me using a cloth to control the runoffs. I don't always do this....so it is important to paint in an area that you can allow the water and paint to flow to the floor...or use a waterproof or very thick drop cloth.
I also wrap my color around the sides of the canvas as I paint.....but as with everything about art...this is a personal preference.
With my background almost complete....you can now see the shape of my llama begin to take shape. This usually gets me really excited...if you can't tell!
Unfortunately, I have to tell you that my photo documenting stopped here!
I tend to lose myself while creating the focal feature....and I completely forgot to stop and take pictures for my blog loving friends like you!
I am hoping that just sharing the background set up will be enough to get you started! It took me a long time before I understood how important it is to start with your background first.
So this was MY final finish llama canvas painting.....and I LOVED it and couldn't wait to share it with my client!
BUT.....it turns out I wasn't finished. LOL! My client's daughter didn't really care for the multiple colors in the background.....so back to work I went in burying the teals and enhancing the blues.
Here is a side by side of my first finish with multiple tones (left) and my final finish with just blue tones (right).
I'd love to know which llama canvas painting you prefer! Feel free to drop me a comment...
I honestly think they both look great! I was happy to make the edits! And keeping your clients happy (even if they are 12) is important!
I encourage you to try canvas painting. You don't need an easel or a bunch of fancy paints and brushes. Just lay a canvas on the floor or prop it against a wall and see what comes out of you! You might be surprised.
I have listed below some basic supplies for any of you wanting this same setup in the shop section below.
And since we are talking about llamas, you should really pop over and see my llama growth chart for my fancy grand HERE.
More Canvas Artwork Inspiration
I really enjoy grabbing my paintbrush and creating freely on a canvas! Here are some of my other canvas projects with full blogs and many more photos. I hope they will inspire you...
Shop: Llama Canvas Painting
The products listed here are what I used for this llama canvas painting! Dixie Belle Paint company offers amazing products that will make all of your projects successful no matter what your skill level! Just click on any of the products shown below! You can also find my favorite products and tools in my Amazon influencer list here.
Here's how it works...these products are attached to my name. When you purchase by clicking from my blog.....then Dixie Belle offers a kickback to me for referring you! It doesn't cost you any more to use my links....and the support helps me to bring you new projects! So I thank you in advance!!!
If you would like to paint your own canvas project ... but would like a little more direction... I offer several step-by-step tutorials on my website HERE!
Or if you are looking for more advanced techniques, check out all of my course offerings HERE.
