The Most Common Four Methods to Transfer Your Image for Painting
1. Oil Sticks (Do not use for acrylic painting)
2. Draw directly onto the canvas-again this can be done with a light pencil, oil bar or paint. Use caution with pressure and fine points to prevent puncturing canvas.
3. Trace the image onto tracing paper or use or graphite paper to transfer to canvas
4. Project the image with a projector
This is what one of my recent paintings, "As The Beat Goes On" looked like as I transferred it onto a dried painted background.
*Note, some artists recommend and use workable fixatives to keep smudges from occurring, but that is a debatable issue and you may want to do your research prior to attempting this method. I do not use them.
I do not recommend Charcoal because of how easily it will smudge and get into your paint.
3. Note: some artists use and recommend using pastels, but there is enough controversy regarding this method that I avoid using this one. It is said that the oil pastels are formulated with wax and never dry.
Let's take a look at these 4 methods.
1. Oil Sticks/Bars:
Pros: Many professionals claim these are the best bet and safest method. Manufacturers claim they may be used in combination with oil paint. Simple clean-up.
Cons: They are thick and bulky and can be a challenge to get detail in small areas. Oil bars and sticks are made with wax and oil. The concern with the pastels made with wax applies here too. The archival effects should be considered when layering paints.
2. Drawing directly onto the canvas:
Pros: This is obviously the simplest and easiest way to get your image onto the canvas
Cons: Little room for error and correct proportions could be a challenge.
Note: It's a personal preference for me, but studying art since the age of 11, through secondary school, there has always been a heavy focus on drawing, therefore, I prefer to draw my work by hand either directly on the canvas or transfer it to the canvas.
Of course, some artists just go directly to the canvas and paint, but that leaves little room for correcting errors. This method works best for abstract painting. I do practice this on occasions when it just feels right.
3. Transferring with Graphite Paper
Pros: This has been effective with me. It's simple easy, affordable and effective. Graphite paper can be reused several times.
Cons: but the image still has to sized unless you have sized the drawing properly prior which can be a challenge for large paintings. You will want to draw lightly as not to transfer the graphite into your color causing dull muddy colors. Also, you will want to secure your transfer paper and drawing so that it does not move during the process.
4. Project your image: This is my by far my favorite approach
Pros: Your drawing can be sized as needed and see viewed exactly as you like on the canvas. Use a sharpened light artist pencil such as an HB to trace your image.
Cons: This requires a more expensive investment of a projector. Use caution your pencil does not puncture your canvas. Secure your canvas and projector so that they do not move during the transfer process. It can take some tinkering with the projector to get it sized to the canvas.
In summary, it's up to you to decide which method works best for you. Hopefully this information will helpful for those wanting to understand the process.
Written by Tina A Stoffel
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