|
Artist Gold Brushes: A "GOLD" MINE FOR DOLLMAKERS
by Kitty Murks
Brushes used in dollmaking come in all sizes and shapes. Each brush has its own special characteristics and designated purpose. As dollmakers, we pick and choose the brushes which are both easy to use and help us achieve the best results. We are always searching for a brush that is "newer, better, faster....."
Seeley's Artist Gold series is a new generation of brushes employing cutting edge technology in the production of synthetic bristles which combine the best qualities of both synthetic and natural hair. The Artist Gold brushes have both the spring and resiliency of top quality synthetic and the absorbency of the finest sable due to a manufacturing process which texturizes the bristles. The brushes hold more paint, thereby eliminating the need for you to reload as often, and the special texture allows for smoother, more flowing application of china paint.
Currently available in the Artist Gold series are the ultimate liners--Ultra Lash and Best Brow-- and the Lip Definer, which is an excellent brush for applying china paint to lips and any other area where you want a smooth, even application. Getting great, professional results with these brushes is easy:
STEP 1--Loading
Ultra Lash and Best Brow
Mix lash and brow colors with Line or Ultra Fine Line Medium to a fluid consistency. Load the Ultra Lash and Best Brow by laying brush down and pulling it straight through the puddle of china paint. Do not roll the brush as you pull. Pull the brush off the edge of the tile after you load it to get rid of any bubble of paint on the tip of the brush which may end up as an unsightly blob in your doll's eyelash.
Lip Definer
The Lip Definer is the perfect tool for painting lips, underbrows, painted eyes, or any other area where you want a smooth, even coat of paint. Mix paint with Line or Ultra Fine Line Medium to a creamy consistency. Lay the brush down and pull it through the paint until the brush is fully loaded. Then "squiggle" the brush over a clean part of the tile until the squiggles look translucent, not thick and opaque. When the brush is fully loaded the bristles will form a nice point, and you will be able to paint features and details on even the tiniest dolls.
STEP 2--Painting
Eyelashes
Holding the Ultra Lash at about a 45 angle, press the tip of the brush lightly on the eye rim, then pull out the paint stroke to the desired eyelash length. Lift up on the pressure as you approach the end of the stroke so that the lash tapers nicely. You should be able to apply at least 7 or 8 eyelashes, depending upon the size of the head, before you need to reload. If you find that the paint is not flowing evenly onto the surface of the porcelain, you are either holding the brush too straight and painting only with the tip, you are not applying enough pressure as you make the stroke or your paint is too thick.
Brows
Hold the Best Brow at about a 45 angle as you make the brow strokes so that paint releases easily. If you are painting short, natural looking brow hairs you should be able to paint quite a few strokes before reloading. If you are painting long, smooth strokes like those found on antique dolls, then you will achieve the extra fluidity you need by dipping the tip of your brush into water before pulling it through the paint. To widen brow strokes apply more pressure as you pull the brush across the surface of the porcelain. To taper the stroke lift up on the pressure as you come to the end of the stroke.
Lips
Hold the Lip Definer at about a 45 angle as you apply the paint. You should be able to apply color to the entire lip area without reloading, unless you are painting a very large head. Once color is applied in the desired shape, finish by pulling the brush very lightly over the entire lip surface to smooth the paint and remove any streaks.
Note: To avoid lint particles collecting in your paint, remember to use only Lint Free Towels in your work area. Clean up painting mistakes with either Super Doll Sponge, Dolly Dough or a moistened Clean Up brush, Lip Brush # 1, Medium Area Brush or Small Square Shader--all of which are lint free. It also helps if you do not work directly under a heating or air conditioning vent, which can blow dust and lint into your paint.
Step 3--Cleaning
Clean brushes by swirling in water, then store them in an upright container or Brush Traveler. If brushes are slightly discolored after cleaning it is because pigment from the paint has stained the textured bristles. A mild liquid dish detergent can be used to remove this stain, but the stain has no effect on performance of the brush. Rinse brushes thoroughly in clean water after using detergent.
All brushes, media and china painting tools available from Seeley's, Oneonta, New York.
Supply List:
Ultra Lash
Best Brow
Lip Definer
Line Medium or Ultra Fine LIne Medium
China paint colors of choice
Glazed Tile
Small Palette Knife
Water
Super Doll Sponge, Dolly Dough or moistened Clean Up brush
Lint Free Towels
Rest-A-Brush
Brush Traveler
Kitty Murks is the Doll Artisan Guild Director of Education, a D.A.G. Instructor, Millie winner and Grand Master of Dollmaking. She heads the D.A.G. seminar program from her office in Memphis, TN.
Seeley’s Ceramic Service, Inc.
P.O. Box 669, 118 Commerce Road
Oneonta, NY 13820
Tel: 1-607-433-1240
Fax: 1-607-432-2042
Email: seeley@seeleys.com
Website: www.seeleys.com
|
