How To Do Inspirational Word Paintings With Acrylics

Hearing Your Inner Vocalization: Words in Art

Inspirational Art Quote | Vincent van Gogh | ArtistsNetwork

Sometimes, all it takes is a unmarried give-and-take, like "conclusion," to spark our artistic fire. Other times, motivational quotes, such as the one to a higher place, seem to ignite an unceasing flame in usa to achieve our goals.

We all have them: words, phrases and sayings that inspire, motivate and drive us to exist better people and artists. And, we most likely all have a favorite artwork that as fuels our passions. So equally artists, why not combine our favorite words with our paintings for the ultimate inspirational tool?

After all, "painting is a visual language and, when paired with words, becomes fifty-fifty stronger in communicating our inner world," says creative person Mati Rose McDonough. She is the co-writer of Painting the Sacred Within, forth with her friend and fellow artist, Faith Evans-Sills.

Choosing a strong word to include in a painting tin bring together the "theme" of that specific fine art piece and what you are trying to communicate overall through your fine art and in your life. Below is a fun demo pulled from McDonough and Evans-Sills volume, then you tin can start getting your words and brushstrokes on the same page (pun intended). Enjoy!

Lettering with a Castor

We each take a unique signature that carries a powerful weight along with its bulletin. Lettering is your natural mark marker. When yous combine your script with your artwork, you bring tremendous meaning to your painterly expressions.

In this demo, you will choose a strong a word to use equally a continued theme and reminder of what's meaningful to y'all. Here'south what you lot will demand to get started:

Acrylic paints
A marking
Paintbrushes (modest with make clean, crisp tips)
H2o

1. A Helping Paw

Yous may want to have a friend or family member write your own word or a quote on your hand to fully embody the word(due south).

2. Tiny merely Mighty Tools

Using watered-down or fluid acrylic paints (sometimes I use water-resistant black Bharat ink), start writing your word or words with a small-scale castor.

3. Writing Words in Mode

Begin the script, adding calligraphic elements like curves to the words. Think virtually where compositionally it works to paint the discussion in the painting — if there'southward a perfect clearing for the word or if yous want to create 1 before you begin with a swath of paint.

4. Through Thick and Sparse

Information technology'southward helpful to vary the width of the letters from thick to sparse for visual interest.

5. Carrying On

Go on lettering in a fluid, cursive fashion.

6. Attention'due south in the Details

Go over the script multiple times. And treat the lettering as a word, but also as a painting by paying attention to the curves and varying the lines.

vii. Adding the Final Touches

Finish your word, making certain it reads well and takes up infinite beautifully.

If you want more words to inspire your next creative project, here are a few paintings made by Mary Wangerin. She often uses exquisite hand-painted lettering in her art, inviting the viewer to experience words in a deeper way.

We asked her how she chooses the works she works with. "I love to incorporate words or quotes into my work. Often, the words I cull tend to reflect how I'k feeling that mean solar day," says Wangerin. "They serve as gentle reminders, inspiration and guides. I believe in the dazzler of imperfections and messes, so nearly all of my lettering mirrors this. I grab a small-tipped paintbrush and become for it, rarely ever using a pencil starting time. The process is so freeing."

Impact Upwardly on Your Lettering

If you're new to calligraphy, or just want a refresher, then check out Jen Wagner'south new North Light Book, Happy Hand Lettering. This volume is filled with lettering tips, techniques and tutorials to help you bring your words to life.

Intrigued? Enjoy this teaser trailer for Happy Paw Lettering before getting started!