Thursday, February 3, 2011

My second hand-painted backdrop

If you read back through my blog, you'll notice that I have a tendency to get a bee in my bonnet and I am not happy until I complete whatever idea is pestering me. I bought a whole roll of canvas intent on saving some money and also creating some unique backdrops. First, I painted the red barn door for Christmas photos and hopefully some little boy clients down the road. For the other backdrop, I wanted something very girly for my daughter's 2-year portraits. I imagined something pink with flowers. I didn't really know for sure what it would look like when I started and I am not completely sure it is exactly what I was wanting. But, it worked for the photos and I think I am fairly happy with it. I have more ideas for things that I want to paint but I think they will have to wait. My family has been patient as I've taken over the dining room with my projects but I think we all need a little break from the mess. :)

As with the last backdrop, I photographed my journey so that I could share the process. Ignore the poor quality images because it was just easier to grab the horrible little point and shoot camera... ;-)

I started out with a base coat from an old can of paint that I found in the basement. Canvas is pretty absorbent and I didn't want it soaking up all of the good paints.

Then, I began painting the background...lots of pink swirls.

Then, I added some brighter pinks and browns.

Then, it was time to decide where I wanted the flowers and I decided to just make an oval pattern in the center.

Then, I added in some darker pink washes to get away from the browns a little and I was also wanted the edges darker than the center.

The next step was adding more detail to the flowers and adding in some green.

Here is a close-up of the flowers.

For the final step, I added a light brown wash over everything to tone down the bright pink and to help the flowers blend a little more.

And the finished product with my daughter...more of her photos can be seen in the previous post.

And, since I NEVER take photos of myself, I posed in front of my new backdrop and took a photo. So, this is me...and my new backdrop. :)

3 comments:

  1. Darla - That is wonderful! I saw the picture of your daughter earlier but I had no idea you had done the background yourself. Great job!!!

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  2. Knowing the process makes that gorgeous photo of your little one even more beautiful!

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  3. Your backdrops are gorgeous i love this one..

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