How to Paint With Cattle Markers on Canvas
Used to mark cows, pigs, sheep, and other livestock, cattle markers also are a great alternative to oil pastels, oil paint and oil bars for painters. Similar to oil pastels, cattle markers are made of pigment blended with non-drying oil and wax, giving them a greasy appearance and making them a good medium for experimenting with solvents. They can be used with the same solvents used with oil paints, including linseed oil and thinners. Working with a cattle marker is like drawing with a giant crayon. They have all the same benefits of oil bars but are much cheaper.
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Instructions
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Tear the paper off of the cattle markers before you begin. There are some brands of markers that come in plastic twist tubes. You may find it easier to remove the marker from the casing prior to working.
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Draw on canvas or wood as you would with a pencil, creating any design you like.
Colors can be drawn over one another and blended. The same rules of color theory apply to cattle markers as any other painting materials. -
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For a watercolor effect or smooth blending transitions, dip a paintbrush into turpentine and brush the thinner directly onto the cattle marker paint. A palette knife can also be used to chop up the marker for thick applications and texture.
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For a thicker paint that goes on smooth, dip the cattle marker directly into the turpentine and draw onto the canvas. Make certain to separate the turpentine for each color so colors don't accidentally mix.
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To layer paint without blending colors, allow up to 24 hours for the cattle-marker paint to dry before adding more color. An impasto effect can be achieved by layering the paint liberally.
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Tips & Warnings
Use gloves to avoid staining your skin. Store any unused markers in a plastic, air-tight bin.
Cattle markers have a limited choice of colors. Make sure to wash brushes immediately after use with thinner or vegetable oil.
