Transferring Your Image to the Canvas

An image may be transferred to a canvas in many ways. One easy and successful way is using an Opaque Projector. The projector for the artist is like water to fish. It makes oil painting easier and especially with portrait or an image that has to look perfect.

Projectors are very expensive. Some are table models and some have stands. Some are overhead projection. Some studios have projectors that they will rent to you or will put on the image for you for a fee. Make sure that the canvas is completely straight or your image will be distorted. Using your terra cotta pencil outline the image you see on the canvas. Make sure to get in all the details.
After the image is transferred to your satisfaction, spray it very lightly with a can of hair spray. This sets the image.

I use the cheapest aerosol can of hair spray I can find. There is a fixative you can purchase but it has an odor and is expensive.
If you have a pattern of an image and no projector, the image may be transferred on to the canvas using graphite paper under the image and tracing the image with your stylus. Spray the image when completely transferred.
I have also projected an image from a slide projector. Of course you have to have a slide for your subject.

Free hand drawing is also a possibility. This method gives you great satisfaction with your painting.

Another method of transferring an image is to make a grid from Plexiglas, and hold it so you can see the subject through. Use a grease or china marking pencil to mark the image and details. Now transfer the information to a grid on your drawing or canvas. The grid may be wiped off and reuses again.

Using live models or props will create a painting you will be proud of. A camera is a must for the Artist inventory. Use fabric, rock, jars, plants jewelry, and much more to create your original painting.