Inspired Designs for Painting on Fabric

The fact of the matter is not all artists have the complete look in mind when they set out to create their beautiful designs for painting on fabric. In many instances the art just grows and develops. You may know the basic colors you wish to use, but a true artist is not held down by that either. One's thoughts must be open and creativity should be allowed to flow when painting fabrics.

An artist who is hard and fast on a certain design usually limits their creativity immensely and will soon find themselves feeling frustrated; as though they've hit a wall. Some of the most brilliant works of art were spun out of massive mistakes. That's one of the reasons I don't believe that we can really make a mistake in art. There is always something you can do to enhance, transform or minimize what you have done.

Art is often a reflection of what you feel on the inside. If you approach your work after a wonderful day of swimming and doing the things you just love to do your art will take on a more upbeat, positive form. Approaching it after a heated argument or experiencing a tragedy can produce a totally different outcome.

Your creativity is generally an expression of what is on the inside. Even that can change from day-to-day depending on your environment. So in contemplating your designs for painting on fabric consider what you would like to see in a general sense. If it is floral and spring time colors, then visit a flower shop or take a walk in the pasture. Maybe it's easier to go online and do a search on flowers and floral scenes.

Whatever you wish to create, do your homework; absorb the beauty and the elements of what you wish to convey. Research what colors your object may come in and how you may wish to present them. Realism is not the only way to design, perhaps abstract is a better approach for what you have in mind.

With all the research under your belt just go for it. You may be inspired to create something totally different from what you had in mind midway through the design but guess what, there's no law against that.

Teri M. Bethel specializes in creating painted fabrics for designers as well as teaching do-it-yourselfers how to paint fabrics with texture. Teri has been involved in manufacturing painted garments, handbags and fashion accessories for over two decades. She is the designer of Teri Monique Handbags, a line of custom made art purses for ladies.

Sign up for Teri's free "Designing Fabrics With Dimensional Paints Mini-Course" today.

Visit us at: http://www.paintwithtexture.com/how-to-paint-with-texture-painting-on-fabric/

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Creating Designs for Fabric Painting

There are a number of formulas, designs and concepts circulating for creative fabric design. Many of these teach folks how to duplicate designs that others have already made. For some that is a good starting point as they develop certain skills and techniques in fabric painting. For those who wish to be creative and original, the paint by pattern route can only serve as a springboard to creating their own designs for fabric painting.

A great start in this venture is to recognize the awesome talents of the artists you admire; perhaps there is something in their style that grabs you. Blending what you have seen with the influences from your surroundings and cultural background can be a positive springboard to your creative expression.

Notice I said blend or merging of styles and concepts. It's quite natural for artists to be influenced to some degree in their area of interest; however to be a copycat artist is not at all a flattering position to take. In fact it really should be shunned especially if there is any interest in developing as a serious artist. The majority of art lovers love what they love for the originality and uniqueness and generally do not indulge in purchasing wannabes's or counterfeits.

So where do you start? Well you'll be amazed to know that you have already begun. There is beauty all around you, much of what you see, wear and do will continue to be communicated through your designs. Familiarize yourself with the basic painting tools and techniques and experiment to see what they can do. It's absolutely amazing the textures, patterns and techniques you can develop with just items around your home.

What colors do you find impactful? Work with those initially. Are there any shapes or themes you are particularly drawn to? Then start designing with these; a design does not have to be busy or elaborate to be effective. In many cases it is the simplistic designs for fabric that people are drawn to.

Knowing the basics of fabric painting will enable you to work on different types of fabrics as well as exotic fabrics to create elegant and unique pieces. Your designs can then be applied to clothing, shoes, costumes, bed sheets, table mats, or you can even design custom fabrics to be produced for interiors, drapes and upholstery.

Keep in mind that fabrics being prepared for this kind of art should be paint friendly; a fabric that holds the paint and is not saturated with chemicals to cause a conflict between the two. Some fabric paints require heat-setting for the paint to properly adhere to the material. If the fabric had to be pre-washed to remove any chemicals or reduce the shrinkage, iron it to remove all wrinkles and creases.

Once your fabric is ready for painting you can begin working on your design. Perhaps the skin of wild animal or colorful frogs will inspire your colors and patterns. Remember, you can get your inspiration for lovely designs for fabric painting by simply looking around your environment, getting ideas online and most of all from within you.

Teri M. Bethel specializes in creating painted fabrics for designers as well as teaching do-it-yourselfers how to paint fabrics with texture. She is the designer of Teri Monique Handbags, a line of custom made art purses for ladies.

Visit us at: http://www.paintwithtexture.com/

View the original article here