How to Paint on Rice Grains

Painting on a single grain of rice requires concentration.

Painting on a single grain of rice is an activity done in counties as diverse as China, Japan, India, Pakistan and Turkey. Detailed, artistic rice grain paintings require skill and concentration and many years of practice. Some people just pick up a grain of rice and start painting, while others put more time into preparation. Create an art gallery piece or learn the basics of a new skill in a few steps.

Instructions

1. Organize your materials. Set up a workspace with good light. Natural light is best when you are working with something as small as a grain of rice, but a lamp will illuminate the area as well.

2. Take time to find a suitable rice grain. Long-grained rice is best as it offers more working space. Look for a piece that is long, oval shaped and has two smooth, flat surfaces. Scrape any ridges away with the utility knife.

3. Calculate the space you have to work with. Evaluate your skill level and determine a realistic design. You may want to paint a picture of your friend on the single rice grain, but your initials or a simple design -- like the Red Cross sign -- may be more realistic.

4. Pick up the scraped grain of rice with tweezers. Position the grain on a chunk of modeling clay as this will hold it steady while you work on it.

5. Place the magnifying glass between you and the grain of rice; one on a stand is ideal, but a hand-held one will also work. Turn on the lamp, if you need additional light to avoid squinting.

6. Outline the figure you want to paint with a calligraphy pen. Let the outline dry, as you don't want to smear it. If you make a mistake, it can be scrapped off with the utility knife or you can start over again with a new grain of rice.

7. Use a fine-tipped brush to fill in the design after the outline has dried. Use short strokes and concentrate on staying within the lines of the design you outlined.

8. Let the rice grain dry overnight. Handling the rice grain too soon could smudge the paint.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the rice grain is painted, store it in an oil-filled vial, as this helps preserve the grain. It also magnifies the image.

References

• YouTube: Rice Painting
• Ricepainter: Some of the world's smallest paintings and carvings done on single grains of rice
• Fine Art America: Pakistan's Flad Painted on Single Rice Grain