How to Paint a Maple Leaf on My Face

Use water-based paint to paint a maple leaf on your face.

Painting in general takes time and talent, but painting an object, such as a maple leaf, on your face takes even more of those traits. In addition, you will need to have a lot of patience and time. You will also need to purchase a good water-based paint so that you can easily wash it off your skin.

Things You'll Need

• Maple leaf
• Small paint brush
• Water-based paint
• Smock or old T-shirt
• Clip for long hair
• Mirror

Instructions

1. Obtain or find a maple leaf or a photo of one to use as a guide. Study it for a few minutes if you feel it will help. Get accustomed to the size and shape of the leaf.

2. Apply a smock or put on an old T-shirt to protect your clothing from paint. If you have long hair, pin it back or put it up in a ponytail or bun if needed.

3. Choose an appropriate place to perform your painting, such as the bathroom, where you will also have a mirror above the sink. Cover any areas you wish to protect from paint with newspaper or old towels just in case it might splatter as you are working.

4. Select a paintbrush with a tip that has a fine, soft brush. Dip the brush into an appropriate color of the water-based paint and trace an outline of a maple leaf shape where you want it on your face.

5. Continue to study the leaf and decide what color(s) you would like to paint on your skin. Mix colors with another paintbrush as needed, adding detail as you progress. Blend in different paint colors as you wish to get a more realistic effect.

Tips & Warnings

• If you make a mistake while painting, have a washcloth or damp sponge handy to wipe at it. You can always start over if you have the time and patience. If you don't wish to use actual paint on your face, you can always go to a costume shop or even a drug store to purchase Halloween makeup, which is also water-based and very easy to remove with baby oil or soap and water.

• Water-based paint is the only kind that is advisable to use on skin. Avoid getting any in your eyes, but should that happen, it is best to be close to a sink. If paint gets into your eye, rinse it thoroughly with a warm water-soaked washcloth.

References

• Let's Paint Nature: Let's Paint an Autumn Maple Leaf