I use affinity 2 software on my Mac and transfer the photo to the program. I next size the screen to match my canvass size and then print it out in b/w up to 10”x17” paper. Now I take that printout to my canvas and use tracing paper fo copy the main features of the portrait. I save the printouts as reference in case I need it to confirm exact spacings. I also copy the original photo to my iPad and use it for a colour reference. Works everytime…..😎
@@allandownton thanks for watching the video, and thank you for the comment! Your technique is very similar to mine. I also use Affinity, and size my photo in that program. I only have a standard document printer, so I have to do a lot of splicing and taping if my painting is going to be larger than 8x10. So I create guidelines in Affinity to where my cuts will be, then I use the rectangular selection tool to select that area. Copy and paste it into a new document, then print that. Once I have them all, I tape them together for my transfer. It is a bit of work, but it gives me tons of control, and I also know how it will look on my canvas before I start to paint. Thanks again!
I love this explanation/analysis on projectors vs. tracing and the ups and downs of it. Thank you so much for giving info on all the common methods (not just the favored one) because, at least, the pros and cons are mentioned …. And you have a heads up at least …. I am a tinkerer… I have to refine my processes to get it down to a routine, so I’ve done lots of RUclips research, books, and lots and lots of my own methodology. I will be watching! Thanks
Thank you so much for watching the video, and for your amazing comment! I’ve tried various techniques (I like to tinker too!), and this gives me the most control and quality. I have lots of other helpful things I’ll be sharing soon, so stay tuned! And please share with your artist friends! Thanks!
Love your channel! I learned this method in art school in the 1970s - except with graphite paper. After your good explanation, I’m going to try with tracing paper and oils. Thanks so much!
@@dianneparks3625 thank you so much, Dianne! I am delighted that you are enjoying the channel. I have used graphite as well, and it does work. However, several years ago, a conservator told me that graphite can become more visible through layers of oil paint over time. That info caused me to explore this method, and it works great. It just requires a little extra work, but I love that it is just oil paint.
@@chrisclampart I have been looking for another way - other than graphite. In school, they also taught us that once we had our graphite drawing on the canvas we could use permanent markers (Sharpies) for stabilizing our lines. I did that for years and all those paintings have been sold. This was in the middle '70s and an excellent school that created many fine artists. Sharpies were kind of new then so I guess there was no track record. I worry about those paintings and what they look like today.
I have never used a sharpie like this, so that is interesting. It could totally be fine, but I always like to think about what could be a best practice. I have used a graphite transfer method and then gone over the image with India ink and a pen with nibs. That works fine too. Dries quickly and doesn’t get washed away with solvent. Similarly, you can get a “pen” that is filled with India ink and has a fine tip, and that is wonderful. However, I still love the effect I get with the oil paint. I hope you like it too!
Thanks, I use chalk when no tracing paper available. Usually tracing paper is adequate, but the oil paint is interesting. I fast forwarded to the demo.
Thanks for the comment! I also use chalk from time to time. But this method with oil paint is great for oil painting. Once it is dry, you can apply oil paint on top and it doesn’t move. Very helpful in the early stages. I’m going to do a small series soon showing other transfer methods, so stay tuned for more. And tell your artist friends. Thank you!
I have laid canvas directly on my big screen TV that's hooked up to my computer. By measuring the zoom size on screen and using a grid or quadrants on canvas, I can get a large and accurate transfer through the canvas. I have to mount the canvas afterwards so this is does not work for other surfaces.
@chrisclampart I've heard that it's easier to began with building up layers of water based acrylics first ,then adding oil based acrylics last. Wouldn't doing this transfer method prevent you from starting a new picture if you decided you don't like the painting because there's already oil on your surface? If so is there another method you could demonstrate that would still give precise proportions with the transfer for those that want to began with water-based acrylics before moving on to oil based? Thanks!
@@butterflyj685 oh that’s an excellent question! Honestly, I once used a different transfer method using graphite because I started with acrylic washes as well. When I started using this oil transfer method (and using a panel with an oil ground), I scraped the acrylic under painting. However, the technique I used could be helpful and make a great video. Until I make that video, you can use the technique from this video, but replace the oil with graphite powder or pan pastel. I’ll definitely make a video about it. Thanks for the idea!
@@constance9789 thanks for the comment! Great question. Actually, I find that using the oil paint transfer technique I demo in the video retains more information than using carbon paper or graphite. I just let the transfer dry for a day before starting to paint. Once it’s dry, you are good to go! I hope you like it as much as I do!
@@chrisclampart Regardless of medium used, most details will get lost or painting will look more like a paint by number as you continue negative painting ? I found This to Work for basic shapes, locations, and composition ?
You are correct. I use carbon paper, or paper that I apply graphite powder, or Pan Pastel, when I start my painting with acrylic paint. This oil method has become my go-to method, when I am doing a highly planned out composition and I need extra control. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!
@@robertkapler6227 sorry if it went a little long. There’s a lot of information to share. Regardless, I’m going to release a playlist soon with shorter videos covering various techniques. Stay tuned for those if it may interest you. Thanks for your comment!
I'm extremely visual. Nothing you said in the 1st half of the video translated over. 😭I almost dismissed the video, I'm glad I was patient until the end. Now I'll have to rewatch several times, Thanks!
@@butterflyj685 I am so sorry that it was more wordy in the beginning than possibly needed. I like to provide helpful information before diving in to the demo. I will most likely do an updated version of this video to just focus on the transfer method. If you try this and have any questions, please let me know. Also, please stay tuned for more! Thank you!
That's old school any more. The digital projectors can do everything you can do on a computer. No taping and dicing any more. You can move in any direction as well as zoom in and out. The only problem is that only pro's will have one. They have a hefty price tag of around $450. I bit the bullet and bought mainly because of a direct connection with your phone. It also has screen mirroring in case of backwards text.
Ha! I’m old school and I love it! JK😅 Anyway, I love your suggestion. I have a good projector that I purchased a year or two ago that connects to computers, SD cards and phones. It helps with scaling things out quickly, but it wasn’t as controlled as I like. The image was not perfectly clear for detail when I stand up close to trace, and would move if I bumped anything. I am sure I could get used to it, but I just love the control that the old method gives me. There’s no right or wrong way, though. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch the video! I am going to do a small series soon showing other transfer methods so please stay tuned! And tell your artist friends. Thanks!
Critiquing your method: Your oil paint on paper is actually a waste of paint. What you've done is made a type of carbon paper. I taught this to students except we took our graphite sticks , usually a 6B or 8B, and covered the paper heavily . It made this type of transferring images as well as using actual carbon paper. Graphite covered paper is actually available at most art suppliers. Save your paint. A grahite stick is only a dollar or so. No waiting for paint to dry. Too much discussion. Less than 10 minutes of actual demonstration. If your audience is anything like my students, they lose interest when the discussion gets lengthy. They want to see the application, not hear about it . After all, even visual artists have difficulty picturing what you're explaining and have a better grasp of the method when watching it performed. You would benefit by editing and using more time-lapse camera. Trust me, most of your viewers will nod off or click away from boredom . That's why it's called visual arts. Ps, Critiquing is the best part of learning. Sometimes it can offend, but nothing learned by only getting a pat on the back. Have a great day.
@@malcolmharing3744 thanks for watching the video and thanks for your comments. I have also used graphite, and until you have tried the oil paint method, you have no clue how good it really is. Plus, graphite actually shows through your oil paint layers over time. I have spoken with a conservator, and it’s is a problem over time. So, use charcoal, pastel, or oil paint. Also, thanks for the critique. You may not like it, but others have loved my videos. Either way, I appreciate your insight and your time. Happy painting!
@chrisclampart Noting saying I didn't like it, just a critique and other possibilities. I found you can also seal graphite or charcoal with a gloss or matte medium so the bleeding doesn't occur. This is just a different way others can explore . I've used it since the 70s, however, my style is such that I reveal my process and layers in the final result. Happy painting to you as well.
@ thanks! You’re right. I have used the graphite transfer method with some paintings, sealing the surface with spray fixative. Sometimes, I use clear acrylic gesso to seal the graphite transfer too. That stuff is pretty cool. It does have a texture or tooth to it, so it might not be for everyone. Thanks again for watching the video and commenting. I appreciate your valuable insights.
@chrisclampart Yes, also if to apply a brush-on clear medium it can fill in the weave of a coarse canvas. Also forgot to mention a Conte crayon is great for sketching onto the canvas because it resists smearing from brush work better than graphite , even without sealing- but sealing does help. But I haven't made "carbon paper" using Conte. Take care!
@@mancepoudrier6615 thanks for watching the video. At the end of the demo, I show the transferred image. So check that out if you’re curious. I’ll see if I can link it to you. If you want to see the finished painting, I showed that on my end of the year video. I painted the work live on RUclips and you can see those on my Live tab. However, the quality isn’t the best. I do talk about my process throughout.
@@johnfong2817 thanks for your comment and for taking the time to watch the video. This is a technique that has been the most useful to me, and has given me a lot of control. Let me know if you try it and have any questions.
Unless you are copying your own photo this seems like a bad idea to teach. Hand drawn is always better. Copyright infringement is a big deal in the art world and wasn’t even mentioned.
@@VeMoli-i1l you make an excellent point. I don’t believe in using photographs that you, the artist, did not take. I did not make that point clear in the video, but I just assume that no one serious would do that. You are also correct; working from direct observation is always better, but that is not always an option. But many find this information helpful when using reference photos they have taken. Thank you for watching the video, and thank you for your comment! Please stay tuned for more!
@ I only made the comment because I am the president of an art association. You would be surprised how many people think it is ok to project or copy in some way. Our art gallery only allows original art.
@@cindyoverall8139 thanks for your comment, and thanks for watching the video! I agree with you. I went to an art school, and I have shown in galleries for decades. I will say this, it doesn’t matter how you make your art, as long as you make it. As a working artist, sometimes it is important to work quickly and efficiently, so it is important to know how to best make your art, on time. There are no right nor wrong ways. It’s what works for you. Happy painting to you! Thanks!
@ Hi Chris, that was a very nice response but I really disagree. It makes a huge difference in how you make your art. Especially if you have slaved over learning to draw first and then learned the basics such as foreshortening and perspective, etc. If someone skips over the basics, it shows. Don’t work quickly. Do it slowly and let the creative ‘auras’ seep in on their own. And that is when the real joy magically begins. To quote, Chardin… I believe angels came when I wasn’t looking. Otherwise, it is illustration and not art.
@ you make excellent points, and I am not saying that photos replace paintings. It’s a tool that someone can use, and it’s important to know how to use it if one chooses.
@ oh, ok… yes. I definitely agree about using photos, but only as a starting point. I used to teach adult painting and there was just one person that drove me crazy. She would copy a photograph exactly and one time I gave her one with my fingerprint right in the middle.. you guessed it!
Great information 😊…thank you…
Thank you, thank you, thank you
@@angelodesousa837 d’aw!! Thank you for watching, and thank you for your comment! Please share with your friends, and stay tuned for more! 🙏
I use affinity 2 software on my Mac and transfer the photo to the program. I next size the screen to match my canvass size and then print it out in b/w up to 10”x17” paper. Now I take that printout to my canvas and use tracing paper fo copy the main features of the portrait. I save the printouts as reference in case I need it to confirm exact spacings. I also copy the original photo to my iPad and use it for a colour reference. Works everytime…..😎
@@allandownton thanks for watching the video, and thank you for the comment! Your technique is very similar to mine. I also use Affinity, and size my photo in that program. I only have a standard document printer, so I have to do a lot of splicing and taping if my painting is going to be larger than 8x10. So I create guidelines in Affinity to where my cuts will be, then I use the rectangular selection tool to select that area. Copy and paste it into a new document, then print that. Once I have them all, I tape them together for my transfer. It is a bit of work, but it gives me tons of control, and I also know how it will look on my canvas before I start to paint. Thanks again!
I love this explanation/analysis on projectors vs. tracing and the ups and downs of it. Thank you so much for giving info on all the common methods (not just the favored one) because, at least, the pros and cons are mentioned …. And you have a heads up at least …. I am a tinkerer… I have to refine my processes to get it down to a routine, so I’ve done lots of RUclips research, books, and lots and lots of my own methodology. I will be watching! Thanks
Thank you so much for watching the video, and for your amazing comment! I’ve tried various techniques (I like to tinker too!), and this gives me the most control and quality. I have lots of other helpful things I’ll be sharing soon, so stay tuned! And please share with your artist friends! Thanks!
Very good explained - thank you so much! 😊
@@andreamuller8468 awesome! I’m so glad you found it helpful! Please share with your friends, and stay tuned! 🤍
Congratulations on your channel.
@@jaywon6749 thank you so much!!
Thank you Chris, I loved the video.
Thanks, David! Glad you liked the video! Please share with your friends, and stay tuned for more!
I found the info very helpful thanks
@@JoeTedesco-u7c awesome! I’m delighted you found this video helpful! Please share with your artist friends, and stay tuned for more! 🙏
Love your channel! I learned this method in art school in the 1970s - except with graphite paper. After your good explanation, I’m going to try with tracing paper and oils. Thanks so much!
@@dianneparks3625 thank you so much, Dianne! I am delighted that you are enjoying the channel. I have used graphite as well, and it does work. However, several years ago, a conservator told me that graphite can become more visible through layers of oil paint over time. That info caused me to explore this method, and it works great. It just requires a little extra work, but I love that it is just oil paint.
@@chrisclampart I have been looking for another way - other than graphite. In school, they also taught us that once we had our graphite drawing on the canvas we could use permanent markers (Sharpies) for stabilizing our lines. I did that for years and all those paintings have been sold. This was in the middle '70s and an excellent school that created many fine artists. Sharpies were kind of new then so I guess there was no track record. I worry about those paintings and what they look like today.
I have never used a sharpie like this, so that is interesting. It could totally be fine, but I always like to think about what could be a best practice. I have used a graphite transfer method and then gone over the image with India ink and a pen with nibs. That works fine too. Dries quickly and doesn’t get washed away with solvent. Similarly, you can get a “pen” that is filled with India ink and has a fine tip, and that is wonderful. However, I still love the effect I get with the oil paint. I hope you like it too!
@@chrisclampart Thanks! I think I will!
Great Video, my friend.
❤
@@RRFTB thank you so much! And thanks for watching!❤️
Thanks, I use chalk when no tracing paper available. Usually tracing paper is adequate, but the oil paint is interesting. I fast forwarded to the demo.
Thanks for the comment! I also use chalk from time to time. But this method with oil paint is great for oil painting. Once it is dry, you can apply oil paint on top and it doesn’t move. Very helpful in the early stages. I’m going to do a small series soon showing other transfer methods, so stay tuned for more. And tell your artist friends. Thank you!
I have laid canvas directly on my big screen TV that's hooked up to my computer.
By measuring the zoom size on screen and using a grid or quadrants on canvas, I can get a large and accurate transfer
through the canvas. I have to mount the canvas afterwards so this is does not work for other surfaces.
@@ajs3994 wow! Now that’s a new and impressive idea! Very innovative!
I agree
That’s thinking outside of the box!
@chrisclampart I've heard that it's easier to began with building up layers of water based acrylics first ,then adding oil based acrylics last. Wouldn't doing this transfer method prevent you from starting a new picture if you decided you don't like the painting because there's already oil on your surface? If so is there another method you could demonstrate that would still give precise proportions with the transfer for those that want to began with water-based acrylics before moving on to oil based? Thanks!
@@butterflyj685 oh that’s an excellent question! Honestly, I once used a different transfer method using graphite because I started with acrylic washes as well. When I started using this oil transfer method (and using a panel with an oil ground), I scraped the acrylic under painting. However, the technique I used could be helpful and make a great video. Until I make that video, you can use the technique from this video, but replace the oil with graphite powder or pan pastel. I’ll definitely make a video about it. Thanks for the idea!
huh?
@@pjlewisful do you have a question?
Don’t you lose a lot of the transferred details when your painting the picture?
@@constance9789 thanks for the comment! Great question. Actually, I find that using the oil paint transfer technique I demo in the video retains more information than using carbon paper or graphite. I just let the transfer dry for a day before starting to paint. Once it’s dry, you are good to go! I hope you like it as much as I do!
@@chrisclampart
Regardless of medium used, most details will get lost or painting will look more like a paint by number as you continue negative painting ? I found This to Work for basic shapes, locations, and composition ?
Simply using a piece of carbon paper accomplishes the same thing, better yet get a proportional divider and learn to draw
You are correct. I use carbon paper, or paper that I apply graphite powder, or Pan Pastel, when I start my painting with acrylic paint. This oil method has become my go-to method, when I am doing a highly planned out composition and I need extra control. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!
Very helpful 👌 thank you!
Thank you so much for watching the video, and for your awesome comment! Please stay tuned for more!
Way too much explaining. The demo starts at 15:16.
@@robertkapler6227 sorry if it went a little long. There’s a lot of information to share. Regardless, I’m going to release a playlist soon with shorter videos covering various techniques. Stay tuned for those if it may interest you. Thanks for your comment!
I'm extremely visual. Nothing you said in the 1st half of the video translated over. 😭I almost dismissed the video, I'm glad I was patient until the end. Now I'll have to rewatch several times, Thanks!
@@butterflyj685 I am so sorry that it was more wordy in the beginning than possibly needed. I like to provide helpful information before diving in to the demo. I will most likely do an updated version of this video to just focus on the transfer method. If you try this and have any questions, please let me know. Also, please stay tuned for more! Thank you!
That's old school any more. The digital projectors can do everything you can do on a computer. No taping and dicing any more. You can move in any direction as well as zoom in and out. The only problem is that only pro's will have one. They have a hefty price tag of around $450. I bit the bullet and bought mainly because of a direct connection with your phone. It also has screen mirroring in case of backwards text.
Ha! I’m old school and I love it! JK😅 Anyway, I love your suggestion. I have a good projector that I purchased a year or two ago that connects to computers, SD cards and phones. It helps with scaling things out quickly, but it wasn’t as controlled as I like. The image was not perfectly clear for detail when I stand up close to trace, and would move if I bumped anything. I am sure I could get used to it, but I just love the control that the old method gives me. There’s no right or wrong way, though. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch the video! I am going to do a small series soon showing other transfer methods so please stay tuned! And tell your artist friends. Thanks!
You invented carbon paper!
@@roadkit the new and improved! 😂
Critiquing your method:
Your oil paint on paper is actually a waste of paint. What you've done is made a type of carbon paper. I taught this to students except we took our graphite sticks , usually a 6B or 8B, and covered the paper heavily . It made this type of transferring images as well as using actual carbon paper. Graphite covered paper is actually available at most art suppliers.
Save your paint. A grahite stick is only a dollar or so. No waiting for paint to dry.
Too much discussion. Less than 10 minutes of actual demonstration. If your audience is anything like my students, they lose interest when the discussion gets lengthy. They want to see the application, not hear about it . After all, even visual artists have difficulty picturing what you're explaining and have a better grasp of the method when watching it performed.
You would benefit by editing and using more time-lapse camera.
Trust me, most of your viewers will nod off or click away from boredom . That's why it's called visual arts.
Ps, Critiquing is the best part of learning. Sometimes it can offend, but nothing learned by only getting a pat on the back.
Have a great day.
@@malcolmharing3744 thanks for watching the video and thanks for your comments. I have also used graphite, and until you have tried the oil paint method, you have no clue how good it really is. Plus, graphite actually shows through your oil paint layers over time. I have spoken with a conservator, and it’s is a problem over time. So, use charcoal, pastel, or oil paint. Also, thanks for the critique. You may not like it, but others have loved my videos. Either way, I appreciate your insight and your time. Happy painting!
@chrisclampart
Noting saying I didn't like it, just a critique and other possibilities. I found you can also seal graphite or charcoal with a gloss or matte medium so the bleeding doesn't occur. This is just a different way others can explore . I've used it since the 70s, however, my style is such that I reveal my process and layers in the final result.
Happy painting to you as well.
@ thanks! You’re right. I have used the graphite transfer method with some paintings, sealing the surface with spray fixative. Sometimes, I use clear acrylic gesso to seal the graphite transfer too. That stuff is pretty cool. It does have a texture or tooth to it, so it might not be for everyone. Thanks again for watching the video and commenting. I appreciate your valuable insights.
@chrisclampart
Yes, also if to apply a brush-on clear medium it can fill in the weave of a coarse canvas.
Also forgot to mention a Conte crayon is great for sketching onto the canvas because it resists smearing from brush work better than graphite , even without sealing- but sealing does help. But I haven't made "carbon paper" using Conte.
Take care!
@ awesome! Thanks for the tips. I’ll check out conté too. Have a super day!
We don’t see the result
@@mancepoudrier6615 thanks for watching the video. At the end of the demo, I show the transferred image. So check that out if you’re curious. I’ll see if I can link it to you. If you want to see the finished painting, I showed that on my end of the year video. I painted the work live on RUclips and you can see those on my Live tab. However, the quality isn’t the best. I do talk about my process throughout.
It’s about 22:55. Thanks!
Talks too much about other methods being unsuccessful; his method is similar and has problems also which are similar
@@johnfong2817 thanks for your comment and for taking the time to watch the video. This is a technique that has been the most useful to me, and has given me a lot of control. Let me know if you try it and have any questions.
Unless you are copying your own photo this seems like a bad idea to teach. Hand drawn is always better. Copyright infringement is a big deal in the art world and wasn’t even mentioned.
@@VeMoli-i1l you make an excellent point. I don’t believe in using photographs that you, the artist, did not take. I did not make that point clear in the video, but I just assume that no one serious would do that. You are also correct; working from direct observation is always better, but that is not always an option. But many find this information helpful when using reference photos they have taken. Thank you for watching the video, and thank you for your comment! Please stay tuned for more!
@ I only made the comment because I am the president of an art association. You would be surprised how many people think it is ok to project or copy in some way. Our art gallery only allows original art.
Better to make mistakes than cheat using photos. If you make replicas of photos, then just show the photograph
@@cindyoverall8139 thanks for your comment, and thanks for watching the video! I agree with you. I went to an art school, and I have shown in galleries for decades. I will say this, it doesn’t matter how you make your art, as long as you make it. As a working artist, sometimes it is important to work quickly and efficiently, so it is important to know how to best make your art, on time. There are no right nor wrong ways. It’s what works for you. Happy painting to you! Thanks!
@ Hi Chris, that was a very nice response but I really disagree. It makes a huge difference in how you make your art.
Especially if you have slaved over learning to draw first and then learned the basics such as foreshortening and perspective, etc.
If someone skips over the basics, it shows. Don’t work quickly. Do it slowly and let the creative ‘auras’ seep in on their own.
And that is when the real joy magically begins.
To quote, Chardin… I believe angels came when I wasn’t looking.
Otherwise, it is illustration and not art.
@ you make excellent points, and I am not saying that photos replace paintings. It’s a tool that someone can use, and it’s important to know how to use it if one chooses.
@ oh, ok… yes. I definitely agree about using photos, but only as a starting point.
I used to teach adult painting and there was just one person that drove me crazy. She would copy a photograph
exactly and one time I gave her one with my fingerprint right in the middle.. you guessed it!
@@cindyoverall8139 haha! that's is hilarious! Nice, subtle way to make your point :D