How to Convert Americana Paint to Folk Art
Americana paint is acrylic paint, available in a variety of colors. The act of changing Americana paint into "folk art" is only a challenge because of the disarming simplicity of the nature of folk art. To create folk art, one must be open to the idea of creating simplistic yet meaningful art that conveys a message while still being decorative and attractive.
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Instructions
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Choose your design by drawing a rough draft on a piece of paper. Folk art is commonly comprised of a cute or meaningful phrase, combined with an image for decoration. For example, the phrase "God bless this home" could be combined with a painting of a house. Keep in mind imagery used in folk art is usually primitive in nature--meaning one-dimensional and overtly simplistic.
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Choose your materials, including the Americana paint. Bright colors are not normally appropriate for folk art--earthy tones are more commonly used. Any bright colors in folk art are used in moderation, and mixed with more earthy tones. Additionally, you'll need a painting surface. Natural surfaces and materials like wood and rusted metal, found objects like old signs and doors, or craft items like yarns and canvas, may all be used in folk art.
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Apply the paint to the surface you've chosen, according to your design. Keep in mind when you do this that folk art is not refined, even in its final stages. Do not concern yourself with achieving perfection. The very act of creating folk art is the act of creating something that is raw and genuine. Remain true to your instincts.
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Leave the art to itself for a time--walk away and do not return for a day or two. Then examine your handiwork and make changes as necessary.
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Resources
- Photo Credit gold and silver paint image by Andrew Brown from Fotolia.com
