Painting Using A Projector
How to paint like an artist (even if you're not!)
When brainstorming the makeover for this set of mix-matched bedsides, I really wanted to create a scene which would detract from the fact they're not identical! My natural style is quite earthy & bohemian so I really wanted to drawer from that. And that is where I came up with the idea of a white lion! However I couldn't find a transfer that matched my plan, nor a poster I loved and would wait weeks for. Now, for some, hand painting the lion would have been option number 1, however I can't paint like that! Like, not even a little bit!
Now, I have seen artists use projectors in creating wall murals so that got me thinking.. could I use a projected image to help me paint in greater detail? And the answer is YES!
This certainly does not mean I ran off to steal someone else's artwork to copy onto my furniture! Nooooo sir-ee! Instead, I went to Canva to source a free lion image (with no copyright issues!) Unfortunately I could not find exactly what I envisioned, but I was able to find 2 lion graphics I liked and so edited them into 1 lion I LOVED!
Now for the fun part... projecting the image onto my furniture! The projector I used is an old Epson one I bought about 5 years ago (but any will do!) The projected image I used as a guide more than anything. I identified the eye, nose and mouth as the prominent features so started painting there.
The edited canva graphic is more of a sketched "style" however I wanted a soft, almost water-coloured painted lion so I kept the surface wet and blended all the colours into one another. I also dipped my brush into the water constantly to keep my strokes really soft & almost whimsical. And because I chose a white lion, the colour palette were similar in shades and allowed for easy blending... particularly for this beginner!
I found the projected image so helpful in making sure each of the lion's features were painted the correct distance apart! Once the main parts of the lion were painted I then spent most the time blocking the projected image and letting my own creative juices flow!
The reason I edited the 2 lions together is because I loooved this flowy mane! It has little actual detail but all the different browns and beiges blended together is so effective. For the colours in the mane I used Dixie Belle chalk mineral paint colours Burlap, Chocolate, Buttercream & Sawmill Gravy. And because more is more, I also added strands of diamantes to the mane!
For the inside of the drawers I turned to my Instagram community (join me here) for colour suggestions! Light blue was suggested so many times so I went with the colour Tide Pool from the Silk All-In-One Mineral range. The lion's eyes are light blue so it compliments the scene wonderfully yet provides a beautiful pop of colour.
To add some interest to the sides of the drawers I added Floral Romance transfers. I then lightly distressed both pieces and sealed them with my go-to top coat Satin Clear Coat. This is what the bedsides looked like initially!
And now, the GRAND REVEAL!
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