GETTING READY TO PRACTICE
Here I will show you how to layout lines on masking paper for
practicing purpose’s. I like to use a good grade masking paper
in nine inch or twelve inch widths. For ruling the lines it’s best to
start with two and a quarter inch too three inch spacing leave-
ing a space of about a half inch between your layouts. You don’t
want to get in the habit of working real small or real large. That
will take more experience and you will need different size brush-
es. Don’t worry about paint wrinkling the paper this is common
on thinner paper. In this example I have made the layout lines
with a dark felt pen. As an alternative to masking paper you can
still use newspaper if you like. If you can buy the same type and
brand of brushes that I have mentioned. If you can’t make sure
it’s this same style of brush. Many people purchase the wrong
brush because the person in the store knows nothing about let-
tering, you now know better. Thin your paint as needed. I like to
use two ounce paper cups I fill them about half way with paint
and add a few drops of water as needed.
Mahlstick
I also use a Mahlstick (pictured).
This is used to help you control
your strokes. It is also how many
traditional sign painters paint.
Some people like using them,
and some say they are too hard
to get used to. I use them as
needed or just use my other
hand to guide me.
VERTICAL STROKE
For this I am using a Mahlstick and start at the top line. Hold to practice with you need to work fairly fast because the paint
your brush perpendicular to the paper and use an even light dries fairly quickly. If you have any kind of Mahlstick around or
pressure and pull the brush straight down to the bottom line have made one try some exercises with it and some with out
and lift the brush up. Sometimes with practice you can get to see which works best for you. As far as how many exercises
a nice sharp top and bottom edge on the stroke. If not you you should do many people do these several hundred times
need to clean up each of your strokes. On vertical strokes like before they are ready to do the actual letters. Like I have said
these you clean up the top and bottom by pulling a light left to there is no set rule. Just take your time, enjoy the painting, and
right “chisel” stroke. You see I painted four strokes for you to
make it as clean as possible.
compare yours too. When using paper and water based paint
issue26.indd 19 11/4/2009 9:29:19 AM
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