Beautiful Blending

Facepainting Tips For Kids Entertainers

Last episode we talked about the brushes for facepainting. This time it is all about beautiful blending…

The color background on your designs is as important as the brush techniques used on top to create the artwork. Blending techniques were greatly enhanced with the introduction of the Arty and Rainbow Cakes by Silly Farm Supplies in 2006. These consist of selected color combinations packed in a single container.

The rainbow cakes help you organize your colors and come up with creative designs by mixing and matching the wide range of colors available in one place and helping the artist to speed the execution of the design. However, many painters still choose to sponge one color at a time or use a combination of a brush and sponge to accomplish the same results.

Let’s talk first about the tool itself, the sponge. Not all sponges are created equal and painters now have a variety to choose from.  Some different types of face painting sponges are:

1. High density sponges
2. Hydra sponges
3. Stipple sponges
4. Natural Sponges
5. Sponge Stamps

Sponges are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are usually round, and can vary in diameter and thickness. Some are soft, others are stiffer and each one will work differently in the painters hands. Face painters often cut them into half or in quarters but now they are being sold already cut and even in shapes such as petals that make designs like butterfly wings faster and easier to do.

There are many techniques used for blending. When using the Rainbow Cakes I like to spray the paints with a small water  bottle and place the sponge on top pressing down to retrieve the paint. Some painters spray the sponge while others dip the sponge in the water squeezing out the excess. All these methods work well. When applying to the skin instead of using a sliding motion, pat down on the sponge to allow the paint to release onto the skin. This method give a more intense result.

The Arty Stroke Cakes are made for using with a brush. This is an old technique call “One Stroke” that allows the painter to ad background color with ease and speed. Painting flowers, butterflies, hearts and many other design elements become fast and practical using this method. Check out the video corner at www.sillyfarm.com where you can find lots of  instruction videos.

The petal sponges are wonderful for butterflies, fairies or any  other design that requires a round shape. Because of its shape they are the best for use on the eyelids, corner of the eyes and large flowers for bodypainting.

Blending with a brush is the easiest way to get great results because of how much control the brush allows. The think to remember is to pat down where the two lol irs meet before the paint dries. This gives a really nice airbrush like effect.

Stay tuned for fast and easy design ideas with a WOW effect!