My god. Thank you so much. I was at my wits end the other day trying to make straight lines on a boat painting. Damn near snapped my brushes and put my knuckles through the canvas…. You just may have saved my work Jim!
Thanks 1 million Jim. I’m a lady who has been painting all of her life and now I am getting many years on me and find that I no longer have a steady hand. I thought I might switch to abstract painting but it’s really not my thing. Thanks to your fabulous tool, I can now paint beautiful straight lines or curved lines once again thank you thank you thank you. By the way, I will be 80 in September.
This is wonderful. Im so glad to hear from a painter who is still passionate about it all these years later. Thank you for sharing this, as a young person starting out its rly inspiring
As a younger artist I know I don't have the same experience, but perhaps you could lean into the aspect of your shaky hand, Money got cataracts that got worse as he aged, and it changed the way he painted, but it added a certain quality that made his later paintings unique
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much …. I’m doing a acrylic painting of an aircraft engine and I’m a new painter this is wonderful ( gift for my son in the military) Can’t wait for more Dar
Hey cool. Be sure to spend some time practicing first. Get comfortable with it before you tackle the painting for your son. The practice time will really pay off.
Great use for foam core squares but Im using bottle caps to save the time and expense of shopping for it. Im painting an eagle sign with 2 flag poles on it and this was a lifesaver thank you so much.
Wow… Why didn’t I think of that 😂…. I am headed to do some painting today, but first I need to make one of these!! You have a new subscriber, and when I have a little more time later today, I will look at more of your videos! Thank you so much for this hack!,!❤😊
Wow! This is a game changer! Just made mine with some scrap basswood cubes and an antique 40 inch wooden ruler. Planning to use it for some upcoming Holiday window painting projects! Thanks for the tip!
I use a ruler because I can use as a tactile surface on my paper to map out my border and landscape . A useful tool for the sight impaired artist like me
When I was an illustrator and worked mostly on illustration board i used the ruling pen a lot. They were particularly good if you need to paint a circle. Could just insert it in the compass, load it with paint and spin a perfect circle. I have tried it on canvas but the texture doesn’t allow for a very clean line. I usually just concentrate hard and paint circles by hand now. Thanks for that tip though. It is a great idea for when working on a smooth surface.
Wow! I put a search in to how to paint straight lines and this came up first - I can’t thank you ENOUGH!!!! I have been looking for an answer like this for years!!!!!! I can’t believe it’s so simple but I couldn’t think of it myself. Of course, I have tried a ruler but that gets paint all over the ruler and the top of the line is rarely smoothly straight. I would really like to know what EXACT BRUSHare using to give you such consistency of paint along the line - such control!! Please let me know…. Thanks
Hey Elsiegreer826 I just realized I didn't fully answer your question. I usually use "liner" brushes to for something like this. I like how much paint you can load on them. But you can actually use any brush for this. Liner brushes can be found at most art supply stores including craft places like Michaels or Hobby Lobby. Hope that helps.
Oh my God this is one of the best videos I watched, thank you so much for this. I was having a gard time trying to paint straight lines, was about to cry how bad they were turning. Ouf thanks again !!!!!!!!!
Hi! Any suggestions painting straight lines with kids? Going to try this with them. Now…how can I make perfect circles of different sizes…again, with kids
Depending on how young the kids are you may be surprised how they pick up the technique. It might be easier for them to have it flat on a table rather than upright. This way they don’t have to support the ruler and handle the brush. They can just hold the ruler in place and use the brush. Hopefully they will have fun trying to learn it. Painting circles is a tricky one. I don’t really have any good advice for painting circles other than lots of practice. In the past Ive used a draftsman’s inking compass loaded with paint but that wouldn’t be for kids. Might be able to use a cup or a can to stroke the paint around. Sorry I’m not much help with this part.
I made one, cheers... I wonder why only floppy rulers are sold locally, a thick rigid plastic ruler should be cheap to produce... as a substitute, I bought a pack of 'gigantic craft sticks' that look like large popsicle sticks lol
I usually use what is called a "Liner" brush. they are about an inch or inch and a quarter long and hold a lot of paint. You should be able to find them at any art supply or craft store. Hope this helps.
Love this idea. I actually have several of those rulers, plus longer metal ones. I like the feel of wood though. I'd have to say, the tool I don't care to be without is a very good pencil sharpener. I do a lot of color pencil work, and having a nice sharp pencil, with out breaking lead, is so less frustrating. Also, good tiny brushes.
@@DtroitDinosaur I'm going to try the liner brushes. By the way, I try to go alternative to Amazon, turns out the only other place I've found to get the 24" ruler is from Wescott! Wild.
@@scooby428 I don't know why certain things should be so hard to find. I guess it's easier to pump out plastic rulers. Oh well. Thanks for the heads up on that.
@@DtroitDinosaur Yeah, I like that wood one with the metal. I have 12". Found a 18" Keuffel & Esser Co. at work... will try it's wood with beveled edges.
I have found it useful for painting all kinds of things including 3D objects. Really it’s great for any project that requires a steady hand. I hope you find it handy.
Hey there James - I love this video. I've been practising with oil paints and find I can't get enough on my (liner) brush. Although, more fat medium helps. May I ask what you use, please?
I’m glad you enjoyed it. The medium I always use is Galkyd. It is a drying medium. It helps your paint dry quickly and also thins and smoothes out the consistency of the paint. Hope this helps.
@@MelanieMaguire Take some time and lay down a couple sheet of practice lines. It takes a little to get your muscles used to it but once you do it will work well for you. All the best. Jim
@@DtroitDinosaur I have it made and am already using it to edge the inner corners of photo frames!!! I used an old cheap 12-inch wooden ruler but it didn't have the metal edge. It worked well enough so I ordered one like yours on Amazon for $7! After struggling with this for years, this was so easy, I couldn't believe it!
Hello. I remember trying something like this many years ago. The only problem I had was. It didn't have the blocks on the end. That's why it never worked as well. Thanks for the tip. I'm a fairly new channel. Anyway I'm definitely going to follow you.
@@Brightsupernova Hey that is a great idea. Or two half moons. If you test that idea please share your results. Thanks a bunch for sharing that terrific hack. Love it.
Hi Marleen. I do prefer a wood ruler with a metal strip in the edge. It doesn’t have to be wood it just needs to not flex and be comfortable in the hand. I think it best to have a metal edge so the feral of the brush can slide easily. Hope this helps.
I always use a liner brush. They have extra long hairs. You should be able to find them at any art store. Also depending on the length of line you may need to refill your brush. Hope that helps.
Take my Dad's hat off please. Its a beautiful hat but guarantee it you will get paint on it. Go get a nice haircut. Problem solved. Thanks for the lesson. (PS I love the vintage look. My Dad had the brown cashmere 1950 coat to go with it. I sold the set. woohoo!)
My god. Thank you so much. I was at my wits end the other day trying to make straight lines on a boat painting. Damn near snapped my brushes and put my knuckles through the canvas…. You just may have saved my work Jim!
Man I’m so glad it was helpful. I use it every time I sit down to paint.
Thanks 1 million Jim. I’m a lady who has been painting all of her life and now I am getting many years on me and find that I no longer have a steady hand. I thought I might switch to abstract painting but it’s really not my thing. Thanks to your fabulous tool, I can now paint beautiful straight lines or curved lines once again thank you thank you thank you. By the way, I will be 80 in September.
I’m so happy to hear this will help you!
This is wonderful. Im so glad to hear from a painter who is still passionate about it all these years later. Thank you for sharing this, as a young person starting out its rly inspiring
As a younger artist I know I don't have the same experience, but perhaps you could lean into the aspect of your shaky hand, Money got cataracts that got worse as he aged, and it changed the way he painted, but it added a certain quality that made his later paintings unique
Painting a 32 ford grille and thank God I found this !!! Thanks so much
Possibly the best painting tip I've seen, thank you!
@@pink3blue6 Thank you. Hope you find it useful.
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much …. I’m doing a acrylic painting of an aircraft engine and I’m a new painter this is wonderful ( gift for my son in the military)
Can’t wait for more
Dar
Hey cool. Be sure to spend some time practicing first. Get comfortable with it before you tackle the painting for your son. The practice time will really pay off.
Indeed. I am “old” enough to have taken to using the ruling pen. And love the metal edge on a wooden ruler! I may try painting on board instead.
Genius! Brilliant idea, thank you so very much.!
I have disabilities that often give me a shake, spasm or jerk this is an absolute miracle for me.
Hi Debra. I am so happy this will be of help for you.
The Owen bridge! Wow what a tip 👏👏👏👏 you've just solved this old granny's problem! Thank you dear 😊🇦🇺
You are so welcome!
Thank You Jim. Your tips are priceless. I have had so much trouble painting boat rigging. This should help.
Hey great. Once you spend some time practicing this you'll tackle that rigging with ease. And thank you for the kind words.
Great use for foam core squares but Im using bottle caps to save the time and expense of shopping for it. Im painting an eagle sign with 2 flag poles on it and this was a lifesaver thank you so much.
Wow… Why didn’t I think of that 😂…. I am headed to do some painting today, but first I need to make one of these!! You have a new subscriber, and when I have a little more time later today, I will look at more of your videos! Thank you so much for this hack!,!❤😊
Glad to hear it. Have fun painting today.
Wow! This is a game changer! Just made mine with some scrap basswood cubes and an antique 40 inch wooden ruler. Planning to use it for some upcoming Holiday window painting projects! Thanks for the tip!
Took me long enough to discover this classy artist. Learned so much in 9 mins. I usually put tutorials on x2 playback speed until now. Thank you Jim!
@@JonesFlores Thank you for the kind words. I hope you get a lot out of the videos.
Love it!
Thank you.
Thanks a lot for this idea.
You are quite welcome. Hope it serves you well.
VERY clever James
Thank you. But I cannot take credit. I learned this from some old time illustrators that taught me in Detroit.
I use a ruler because I can use as a tactile surface on my paper to map out my border and landscape . A useful tool for the sight impaired artist like me
This is awesome!
Thank you.
Running out to the store for foam and a ruler immediately!
Right on! Hope you dig it!
So good, Jim! You did a great job explaining this, and with your sense of humor making it even more enjoyable!
Hey thanks buddy. I appreciate that! Hope you are well.
Wow! Thanks. I've been trying to paint loads of straight rail tracks without success. This is just what I need, your a star!
@@smezley50 Right on. Much success with the technique.
I use a maul stick. I can letter paint straight or arched lines and I can letter with it too!
Right on!
Great stuff! Have you played with a ruling pen? Classic drafting tool. Not sure how it might behave on canvas. Thanks Paula
When I was an illustrator and worked mostly on illustration board i used the ruling pen a lot. They were particularly good if you need to paint a circle. Could just insert it in the compass, load it with paint and spin a perfect circle. I have tried it on canvas but the texture doesn’t allow for a very clean line. I usually just concentrate hard and paint circles by hand now. Thanks for that tip though. It is a great idea for when working on a smooth surface.
Wow! I put a search in to how to paint straight lines and this came up first - I can’t thank you ENOUGH!!!! I have been looking for an answer like this for years!!!!!! I can’t believe it’s so simple but I couldn’t think of it myself. Of course, I have tried a ruler but that gets paint all over the ruler and the top of the line is rarely smoothly straight. I would really like to know what EXACT BRUSHare using to give you such consistency of paint along the line - such control!! Please let me know…. Thanks
So glad you find it helpful. Funny how certain things make you say “why didn’t I think of that”. Ha.
Hey Elsiegreer826 I just realized I didn't fully answer your question. I usually use "liner" brushes to for something like this. I like how much paint you can load on them. But you can actually use any brush for this. Liner brushes can be found at most art supply stores including craft places like Michaels or Hobby Lobby. Hope that helps.
Thank you so much.. awesome
You are quite welcome. Hope you find it useful.
More Please!
It's in the pipeline! Thanks Ed.
Oh my God this is one of the best videos I watched, thank you so much for this. I was having a gard time trying to paint straight lines, was about to cry how bad they were turning. Ouf thanks again !!!!!!!!!
Glad it helps. Thank you.
Brilliant! is that oil?
Yes oil is my favorite to work with.
Thank you James ! A real shame you don't have the audience you deserve !
Thank you. I appreciate that.
Love this. You should sell these!
Hi!
Any suggestions painting straight lines with kids? Going to try this with them. Now…how can I make perfect circles of different sizes…again, with kids
Depending on how young the kids are you may be surprised how they pick up the technique. It might be easier for them to have it flat on a table rather than upright. This way they don’t have to support the ruler and handle the brush. They can just hold the ruler in place and use the brush. Hopefully they will have fun trying to learn it.
Painting circles is a tricky one. I don’t really have any good advice for painting circles other than lots of practice. In the past Ive used a draftsman’s inking compass loaded with paint but that wouldn’t be for kids. Might be able to use a cup or a can to stroke the paint around. Sorry I’m not much help with this part.
Epiphany from above indeed - this is genius! Wow thank you so much. Simple, cheap and extremely effective!
Thank you Tammy. Yes Simple,cheap and effective are my favorite art supplies. Ha.
TY I’m painting a typewriter at the moment for a friends that’s a writer and I need to get the keys uniformed and in line
fantastic! Thank you!
Love these ideas. I will be putting them to use. Thank you for sharing them.
that was EXACTLY what I needed!! thank you so much James Owens!!!
Right on. Glad to hear it. Thanks.
I made one, cheers... I wonder why only floppy rulers are sold locally, a thick rigid plastic ruler should be cheap to produce... as a substitute, I bought a pack of 'gigantic craft sticks' that look like large popsicle sticks lol
Great tips, never thought of that think ill use it
Cool. I hope you find it useful.
Thank you, James 😊
Useful. Creative. And entertaining. Well done, as one (former) Detroiter to another.
Hey thanks a bunch.
Thanks! I really needed it but one thing is that my brush runs out of paint so early so I have to dip it in paint again....how do you do that???
I usually use what is called a "Liner" brush. they are about an inch or inch and a quarter long and hold a lot of paint. You should be able to find them at any art supply or craft store. Hope this helps.
@@DtroitDinosaur Oh I see, I will look for it next time I went to the store, Thanks a lot!♡
WOW!! Fantastic tool! I’m totally going to make one!!
Man I can’t work without one now. I’ve used it my entire career.
Great ideas. I want to paint some fine straight lines.
Awesome thank you so much 😊
My canvasses are 10 times that size, sometimes 30 times. I need a bigger ruler.
Good work. Greetings from Scotland
@@mongolmcphee7791 Thank you.
sir Jim , you are amazing 👍 thankyou for this technique
Ha. Thank you. I hope you find it helps.
Great stuff - thanks so much!
Thank you.
Hi Jim, VERY COOL!! I'm not an artist but I loved learning the ruler trick. Hope you are well, Marilyn sez hello!
Thank you John. Hope you are well also.
Love this idea. I actually have several of those rulers, plus longer metal ones. I like the feel of wood though. I'd have to say, the tool I don't care to be without is a very good pencil sharpener. I do a lot of color pencil work, and having a nice sharp pencil, with out breaking lead, is so less frustrating. Also, good tiny brushes.
Right on! I'm a big fan of electric sharpeners. For small brushes I like to use liner brushes.
@@DtroitDinosaur I'm going to try the liner brushes. By the way, I try to go alternative to Amazon, turns out the only other place I've found to get the 24" ruler is from Wescott! Wild.
@@scooby428 I don't know why certain things should be so hard to find. I guess it's easier to pump out plastic rulers. Oh well. Thanks for the heads up on that.
@@DtroitDinosaur Yeah, I like that wood one with the metal. I have 12". Found a 18" Keuffel & Esser Co. at work... will try it's wood with beveled edges.
@@scooby428 I found that if you work on large canvases you'll eventually want a 24 inch ruler. Just makes life easier when you have long lines to run.
What an awesome tip! You got a new subscriber for your trouble :D
Thank you. I hope you find this a useful tool.
I have a big body of work to make for a Halloween show, and this is going to help so much! Thank you for the awesome tips! Love your channel!
Thank you for the kind words. I hope the tips serve you well. All the best on your work for the show.
Brilliant!
Thank you.
Very useful James, will try for small-scale modelling!
I have found it useful for painting all kinds of things including 3D objects. Really it’s great for any project that requires a steady hand. I hope you find it handy.
Great to see you on my friend!! Excellent content and Funny at the same time!
Hey thanks. Glad you 're diggin it!
Great idea, thanks!
Thanks man. Hope it is helpful.
Genius!!!Thank you!🥰
Thank you.
Thank you, Sir.
Made one of these on the suggestion this video, turned out great thank you!
Right on! Glad to hear it. Once you get used to using it you'll never do a painting without it.
Wow tysm... I needed this ❤️
Hey there James - I love this video.
I've been practising with oil paints and find I can't get enough on my (liner) brush. Although, more fat medium helps.
May I ask what you use, please?
I’m glad you enjoyed it. The medium I always use is Galkyd. It is a drying medium. It helps your paint dry quickly and also thins and smoothes out the consistency of the paint. Hope this helps.
Great video! Very well produced and such a great trick!
Thank you bro,
it really helps.
Hey great!
Im 10min away from having one of these! Ok mayne 20min cause I prolly have some adjustments my ocd makes me do!
Brilliant! Thanks for sharing this. :)
Thank you. Hope you find it useful.
@@DtroitDinosaur I hope so too! I have to paint some guitar strings onto a guitar - gulp!!!
@@MelanieMaguire Take some time and lay down a couple sheet of practice lines. It takes a little to get your muscles used to it but once you do it will work well for you. All the best. Jim
Genius! Thanks so much!
You are quite welcome. Hope you find it useful!
@@DtroitDinosaur I have it made and am already using it to edge the inner corners of photo frames!!! I used an old cheap 12-inch wooden ruler but it didn't have the metal edge. It worked well enough so I ordered one like yours on Amazon for $7! After struggling with this for years, this was so easy, I couldn't believe it!
Hello. I remember trying something like this many years ago. The only problem I had was. It didn't have the blocks on the end. That's why it never worked as well. Thanks for the tip. I'm a fairly new channel. Anyway I'm definitely going to follow you.
Thanks!
thank you!
You are very welcome.
What if you taped a half a ball on each side instead of straight cubes, that way you could easily rock your ruler for those parallel lines?
@@Brightsupernova Hey that is a great idea. Or two half moons. If you test that idea please share your results. Thanks a bunch for sharing that terrific hack. Love it.
...grazie, grazie, grazie!
Thank you so much for the tips! What is the brush you are using? Can you share a link? I need to draw a thicker straight line on the canvas.
I don’t remember the brand but the style brush is call a “liner”. You can pick them up at just about any art store. Hope that helps.
Thank you so much for this tutorial. One question: why do you prefer a wooden ruler? Is that because of the weight…?
Hi Marleen. I do prefer a wood ruler with a metal strip in the edge. It doesn’t have to be wood it just needs to not flex and be comfortable in the hand. I think it best to have a metal edge so the feral of the brush can slide easily. Hope this helps.
So amazing. ❤❤. What brush do you suggest with the ruler or does it matter?
Thanks a bunch. I use "Liner" brushes. You can get them at any art supply or craft store. They hold a lot of paint.
Excelllent
Thanks. I hope you find it helpful.
Great idea! I was trying to paint straight lines recently so this is perfect! Thanks.
Glad you found this Gary. Hope it helps.
Subbed for that
Usually when I paint a line that long I run out of paint. What's your secret?
I always use a liner brush. They have extra long hairs. You should be able to find them at any art store. Also depending on the length of line you may need to refill your brush. Hope that helps.
@@DtroitDinosaur Thank you
I order my 18 ' at Amazone ...
👌👌👌
Thanks!
😂 after watching this - the first comment that came to mind- was “the only thing missing is a Tommy Gun” 🤣 ❤- perfect content
LOL! Thanks.
Do you find it hard to paint these lines over already painted shapes ?
Never had that problem. I guess it depends on the texture you’re working on. You may need to go back and touch up any goofs.
@@DtroitDinosaur thanks , what would be the best brush to use for black outlines of already painted shapes
@@guinessdrinker_azc29 I like to use what are called “Liner” brushes. You should be able to find them at art stores and craft stores. Hope that helps.
@@DtroitDinosaur thanks mate appreciated
Toothpaste to clean paint from brushes hands/fingers. Clothing.
Great tip! Thanks for sharing.
Hey, when did Tom Papa start painting? haha jk great tip
Ha! I had to look him up. I can see it.
you're a menace
Hahahahahaha!
Take my Dad's hat off please. Its a beautiful hat but guarantee it you will get paint on it. Go get a nice haircut. Problem solved. Thanks for the lesson. (PS I love the vintage look. My Dad had the brown cashmere 1950 coat to go with it. I sold the set. woohoo!)
You are the best
Thank you for those very kind words.
Great idea! Thanks.😊
Thank you!
You are very welcome. I hope you find it helpful.
Thank you!