3 - Getting dark backgrounds with acrylics (for use with stencils)

Example: Pink Osteospermum

I prefer the uniform texture that I get when I apply paint with a sponge rather than a brush. I need to work quite quickly to achieve smooth graduations of colour. With some of my flower paintings, I try to get colours radiating from the centre of the composition. Cutting the stencils has become a technique in itself. I start by tracing parts of my design onto clear acetate, using a permanent felt tip pen. With the Osteospermums, I divided the petals into two lots, alternating round the flower. I use a sharp scalpel blade and sharp scissors to cut out the stencils. And again, I use little home-made sponges to apply acrylic paint, starting with an undercoat of white. When that is dry, I apply some more white then delicately add the colours that I want. I am aware that acrylic paint has a tendency to darken as it dries. When all the stencilling is done, I apply some details using coloured pencils and/or diluted acrylic paint on a brush. Yes, I actually use a brush !