Layered Elk Painting

This painting is one that will require a little more time and effort than your basic acrylic paintings. You'll have to cut out the shapes and objects to create a depth, use tissue paper to create texture, and wood stain to create a unique effect. This is a more advanced way to paint so if you're looking to learn something new or just have some fun I suggest doing this project. 

Tools Needed: 

• Reference (Photo)
• Exacto knife
• Pencil
• Chalk
• thick paper
• large thin paper
• Acrylic paint
• Tissue paper
• Wood stain
• All Purpose Glue

Step 1: Reference

• Pick a photograph with less detail because more detail wont work well when you cut your pieces out.

• This photo might even be too much detail because of the trees. 

• The key is to think simple!

Step 2: Trace

• Print off photo in black and white

• Trace the outline of what you want your pieces to look like for when you cut them out. 

• You can improvise your outline. Example: squiggles around trees

Step 3: Drawing it out

 Now you want to draw each layer on the larger thin piece of paper

Draw them out exactly how you will cut them out

Notice how things have been simplified

Step 4: Chalk

Flip drawing over onto a lit up surface (you may also use a window)

Trace the lines using chalk

With thin paper, I recommend holding your hand down firmly onto the paper as you do this because if you don't, it will tear. 

Note: I ripped my paper several times while doing this and it was frustrating. If this happens to you, flip the paper over on the drawing side and use clear tape to fix the damage.  

    

Step 5: 

Find a backboard strong enough to support the layers you'll be applying. You will now get out the thicker possibly foam-like material you've chosen to use. Then take your drawn out picture and lay it chalk side down on the thick paper. Using your pencil trace the first layer of your picture. 

That imprints the chalk onto the thick paper so you can see where you need to cut. 

This is what the first layer looks like after its been cut and glued on.

Note: I cut the outline of the mountains but you can see the bottom is cut according to the thick backboard. Make sure your'e always cutting it to fit the board. 

Step 6: Continuing The Process

As your'e guying them down on the board creating your layers you should pile books on top of each layer while they dry. 

This will help it from warping and have a tighter strong bond which means better quality! 

Step 7: Cutting it to Fit 

If you come across it looking like this... Flip it over and cut along the edges with your exacto knife for the perfect fit. 

Your hand may start to hurt after cutting out pieces. Don't be afraid to take a moment to relax. 

Note: I decided to cut tiny triangles out of the trees to make it more realistic. That was a very long process. Very tiring on my hand and sometimes you'll feel annoyed by repetition. 

    Starting to see it come together!

Step 8: Fast Forwarding to Tissue Paper

Rip the tissue paper into small pieces and crinkle them up in your hand. 

Uncrinkle them and dab them down onto the artwork using the all purpose glue

Watch out for bubbles. We don't want bubbles!

Do this to the entire piece

HD Picture for a better look

                                     This is how the finished tissue pieces should look

Step 9: Painting! 

Finally! Its time to paint! 

Since we will be putting wood stain on top, use more contrast in your colors than you normally would. 

Note: This part for me was a relief after cutting and gluing everything on

Step 10: Changes

While painting changes can be made

Note: Instead of the blue sky from the reference, I made it into a sunset. 

Improvising is key to a successful painting! 

Here it's all painted and ready for wood stain

Note: you don't have to do the wood stain but I think it's better to try it out than not at all

Step 11: Just Smile and be Proud

Put on rubber gloves

Dab on wood stain with paper towel

Use dry paper towel to rub off wood stain in circular motion

Note: Enjoy your Accomplishment!