How to Clean Your Paint Brushes

How to Clean Your Paint Brushes



By Marion Boddy-Evans, About.com Guide




Your brushes are an investment. By cleaning them thoroughly and properly at the end of a painting session, they will last longer.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Time worth spending

Here's How:

1.Wipe off any excess paint using a cloth or soft tissue. Gently squeezing the bristles from the ferrule edge outwards with your fingers, or with a cloth, will help remove paint from the brush. But be careful to avoid pulling on the bristles.

2.Rinse the brush in turpentine or oil if you've been using oils or lukewarm water if you've been using a water-based medium. Never use hot water as it can expand the ferrule, causing the hairs to fall out.

3.Wipe it on the cloth again to remove the last of the excess paint.

4.Wash gently using a little bit of mild soap (rather than dishwashing liquid). Dab the brush gently onto the piece of soap, then work up a lather in a small container (or the palm of your hand if you're not using any toxic pigments or solvents).

5.Rinse and repeat until there's no trace of any color coming out. Over time a brush may become stained, but don't stop rinsing until you're sure there's no paint left.

6.Rinse once more in clean, lukewarm water to remove any traces of soap. Shake off the water.

7.Use your fingers to gently shape the brush head into its correct shape.

8.If necessary, wrap the bristles in a piece of tissue or toilet paper while the brush is still wet. When the paper dries it'll contract, pulling the bristles into shape.

9.Leave brush to dry at room temperature. Ensure it's not resting on its head as it will then dry misshapen. Standing it on the back of the handle works well.

10.If you're worried about the toxicity of the paint you're working with, wear gloves while painting and cleaning your brushes. Also if you find the paint is drying out and cracking, or staining your skin.

Tips:

1.Always use separate brushes for oil painting and water-based medium. After all, oil repels water. Also use separate brushes for varnish, gesso, and masking fluid.

2.Don't let acrylic paint dry on a brush as its water-resistant when dry. But also never leave a brush standing in water.

3.Never use a lot of pressure to force paint out of a brush. Be patient and rinse it several times.

4.If your brush is made from natural bristle, you can soften it by dipping it in clean oil (the one you use as a medium) after you have cleaned it.

5.Misshapen synthetic brushes can sometimes be reshaped by soaking them in hot water (not boiling).

What You Need:

•Luke-warm water

•Mild soap

•Patience
 
http://painting.about.com/cs/paintingknowhow/ht/Howto_Brushcare.htm
 

I paint the background first -- what do you do ?

I like to paint the background  first -- don't know why -- just do -- a color or landscape -- whatever I decide the subject will be.

Then I go from there -- sometimes the whole idea for the painting shifts -- and it becomes something totally different -- I can't wait til it's done -- just to see what I have accomplished !

I never know how the project really will turn out -- so much fun and quite an adventure -- just to create something someone else will display in their home or place of business is a big thrill for me !

Fidostudio Original Abstract Paintings

2 New paintings -- 8x10 inch on media paper -- such fun !!

1---   " Color Burst " unique acrylic painting 8x10 OOAK

2--- " Climbing Gecko " acrylic painting 8x10 OOAK lizard

great artwork for Southwestern Native American Indian decor !!

I just posted them on Ebay -- 7 day auction -- but if you are interested in a buy it now -- feel free to make an offer through Ebay messages.

Thanks!!

http://myworld.ebay.com/cwrightartgallery

I take a few hours to dream up a painting !!

I take a little while to decide what I should paint -- then I take a few hours to design it in my mind!
If I am lucky, I won't change my mind by the time I get my painting supplies out and ready !!
This is why I have decided not to get too technical about what I will paint next -- I seem to change my mind in midstream !!
So far -- next thoughts are aimed at mosaic style -- painting -- but in mosaic style -- if you know what I mean !
Wish me luck and please feel free to follow my journey as I practice and learn and paint away !!

Run Run Rudolph - Lynyrd Skynyrd

Merry Christmas All !!

VEGEMITE on TOAST SPEED PAINTING: TheHill88's Portrait

Great resource site -- artist info here ---

http://wwar.com/artists/

In case you are a starving artist -- like me !!

Just ran across this blog -- really a cool place to visit -- get your recipes , etc.
http://onedollardietproject.wordpress.com/recipes/

My Etsy Shop

Check out  the Etsy shop and let me know what you think -- I am always looking to improve things !!cwrightartgallery

Check this out for fun -- paint recipes !

This would be fun for the kids, too !
Have a fun rain or snow day -- like today here in Virginia !
Paint Recipes

REDNECK ART made with BBQ RIBS - Speed Painting

Beyonce - Speed Painting by S. Maguire

National Gallery of Art Video Podcasts

http://www.nga.gov/podcasts/index.shtm

Aaronu paintings 'Angelina Jolie'

Picasso

If an elephant can paint, anybody can !!

This is so cool -- great idea for space decor or just for fun !!

This is a great idea for someone to use as a space room decor project or a quick painting idea for crafts, etc.

The 1 Minute Painting

Time Lapse speed painting --- Abstract Landscape --so cool !

Time Lapse speed painting Abstract Landscape by Maine Artist Tim Gagnon www.timgagnon.com

Check out the cool time lapsed video of an oil painting !!

Learn as you go and by watching others -- this is so cool !!

I found this here -- http://denverartsygal.blogspot.com/

 Landscape painting of a snowy mountain

So I go with the flow and let it become it's own !!

This is always my problem .

What do I paint next ??

I have to be inspired -- all it takes is a color or an idea hits me all of a sudden and then I start to paint.

Sometimes I  am surprised with the outcome -- because an idea will get turned once I start painting .

It is like  the painting has a mind of its own!

So I go with the flow and let it become it's own !!

Have a very successful and wonderful weekend !!

" Blue and White Flower Vase " 16x20 original painting

OOAK

one of a kind painting

" Blue and White Flower Vase "

by

C. Wright

12-2--09

16x20 inch acrylic painting on stretched canvas .

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I got an idea and went with it -- I like it !!

Blue and white vase with blue flowers and blue table -- looks clean and fresh .

The background is white .

A lot of people will decorate with blue and white but that is not what gave me this idea . I saw a show on old chinese pottery -- the blue and white -- and it looked so neat !

This will go with anyone's collection , paintings , blue and white decor , floral decor .

colors -- blue and white acrylic paint

I like to add interest to the paintings with texture !!

**********************************

** This is a one of a kind OOAK original 16x20 inch painting on stretched canvas .

** signed on front and back

I will include a certificate of authenticity .

**********************************

A gift of original art is one of the most special gifts you could offer someone .

My art is not perfect -- I don't think anything or anyone is perfect -- so my paintings will never be an exact painting -- you will see as you follow my art .

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I seem to be having too much fun with this painting hobby of mine !!

You never know what I will paint next !!

If there are any questions about any of my listings, please feel free to contact me.

Please keep track of cwrightartgallery !!!

Always leave feedback!!!

**************Thank You!!!**************

Hang Your Canvas Painting .

You want to display your recent purchase or your talent and sometimes this can give you grief because it just won't look straight.

Canvas paintings can be heavy -- so you need to make sure what you hang them with will hold the weight.

One way to hang a canvas is with nails into the wall .

Measure the dimensions of the canvas painting especially the width of the canvas.

Use a level -- Mark the wall with a pencil. 1 -- far left edge, 1 -- in the center and 1 -- at the far right. Make sure the level measures straight across so the painting sits straight.

Hammer a nail into each of the marks on the wall at least 1 inch and leave 1/2 inch out to hold the painting .

This is just a simple way for you to hang a canvas -- one nail seems to cause more problems because it allows the canvas to tilt when there is a vibration or movement of the wall.

I hope this helps you -- I know there are many ways to hang pictures, etc. but this is the simple way -- cheaper way -- my way !!

Yes , I have gray hair -- I earned every strand !!

Just to lead you into a picture I took for my ME page -- so hard to take a picture and paint or pretend to paint at the same time!!
check out my ME page on Ebay for cwrightartgallery -- http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=cwrightartgallery

" My Patriotic Heart " acrylic painting 16x20 original

OOAK

one of a kind painting

" My Patriotic Heart "

by

C. Wright

11-29--09

16x20 inch acrylic painting on stretched canvas .

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I really like this one !

A patriotic heart for the Americana , heart and/or patriotic collector .

An interesting background -- I actually mixed red , black over white -- turned out very nice sponge rolled dark dusty rose ? maybe ?

Red , blue heart with white stars and stripes.

The American patriot will love this in their room or Americana decor .

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A gift of original art is one of the most special gifts you could offer someone .

My art is not perfect -- I don't think anything or anyone is perfect -- so my paintings will never be an exact painting -- you will see as you follow my art .

*****************

some of the colors -- blue , red , white , dark dusty rose ?

acrylic paint

I like to add interest to the paintings with texture !!

***********

I seem to be having too much fun with this painting hobby of mine !!

You never know what I will paint next !!

**********************************

** This is a one of a kind OOAK original 16x20 inch painting on stretched canvas .

** signed on front and back

I will include a certificate of authenticity .

**************Thank You!!!**************

Painter's Block ??

Okay -- here I go again -- what a dilema -- I want to paint and can't get any ideas -- painter's block?

I am doing some research and trying to get some inspiration -- oh my -- I need help !!

Leave you suggestions here -- I need some inspiration !!

Thanks !!

Why I like to paint ?

Why I like to paint ?

I just like to create -- and painting is a way to do that.
I have thought about my life and can look back over the years. I have a blast making something out of almost nothing . I remember making a fake fireplace on my wall one year for Christmas. It really looked good -- I look back on the pictures and say " Man I was good!".
I love to create  -- plain and simple -- but I don't like to do the same thing twice -- so -- I have fun with painting --originals and one of a kind -- I don't get bored that way !!
I tease my kids -- I will be a famous painter one day -- they laugh!
My game with pencil and paper is to see what you can make out of a pencil scribble -- I can do that easy -- and people are surprised because I see stuff in the scribbled line.
Well, that's my story -- and I'm sticking to it !!
Everyone that reads this -- please let me know with a comment. Tell me your story while you are at it.
Thanks,
Cathy


Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art. ~~Leonardo da Vinci

Where can you find my bargains ??

Right now -- these are the 3 places for my art sales and mystore4u is the other items .

Etsy --- cwrightartgallery --- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28209628

Ebay --- mystore4u --- http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZmystore4uQQhtZ-1

Ebay --- cwrightartgallery --- http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZcwrightartgalleryQQhtZ-1

" Simply Floral " 11x14 original canvas painting red

original

OOAK

one of a kind painting

" Simply Foral "

by

C. Wright

11-15-09

11 x 14  inch  acrylic painting on stretched canvas

 I just finished this -- paint still wet !!

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I enjoyed painting this one, too !

Great painting for today's decor colors!!

I onlyhave one good picture -- the others were not true to color.

I tried to take many pictures but the color wasn't right -- so I will try again and when I get it right -- I will add to this description.

this is a simple flower -- in my own style -- for todays rich red , rust and yellow colors.

There is texture in this one, too , because I sponge rolled the background and made it very interesting with the pretty texture.

A fun painting for table top or wall -- hang as is .

This painting will work with country decor , southwestern decor and the rich red orange rust color decor  !! 

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some of the colors --  all shades of red , yellow  and a very interesting mix of both with a touch of black in the background color .

acrylic paint

I like to add interest to the paintings with texture !!

**********************************  

** OOAK acrylic painting  on 11 x 14  inch stretched canvas  **

signed on front and back

I will include a certificate of authenticity .

**********************************

Advertise your artwork here for free -- right now anyway !!

Please feel free to follow my blog -- while you are at it -- advertise your artwork, too ! It is simple -- comment here and soon we will have a bunch of artist and we can keep in touch and follow other's fantastic work !!
Thanks !!
Cathy

Where am I ??

Etsy--- cwrightartgallery --- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28209628
Ebay --- mystore4u --- http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZmystore4uQQhtZ-1
Ebay --- cwrightartgallery --- http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZcwrightartgalleryQQhtZ-1


Follow me on Twitter , too -- http://twitter.com/mystore4u -- I post my items for sale there -- for art and mystore4u -- I am doing too much !!

" Christmas Tree in Moonlight "

SOLD 12-2-09


" Christmas Tree in Moonlight "
11x14 original painting
original

OOAK

one of a kind painting

" Christmas Tree in Moonlight "

by

C. Wright

11-9-09

11 x 14 inch acrylic painting on stretched canvas

I just finished this -- paint still wet !!
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I enjoyed painting this one, too !

What an interesting painting -- I surprised myself with this one !!

Christmas tree in the moonlight and snow is one of the most beautiful sights one may see.

I purposely put the top of the tree on the top side of the canvas -- why ? I have no idea -- just for fun and to make this painting more unique than the next .

There is texture in this one, too , because I sponge rolled the dark blue and made it very interesting with the pretty texture.

A fun painting for table top or wall -- hang as is .

*****************
some of the colors -- all shades of blue , green , yellow , red, and white

acrylic paint

I like to add interest to the paintings with texture !!
**********************************
** OOAK acrylic painting on 11 x 14 inch stretched canvas **

signed on front and back

I will include a certificate of authenticity .
**********************************

" Little Church in the Wild Woods"

Not a winter theme -- but Fall -- and really nice --

original

OOAK

one of a kind painting

" Little Church in the Wild Woods"

by

C. Wright

11-1-09

18 x 24 inch acrylic painting on stretched canvas

**This painting is larger than it looks in the pictures !!

*****************

I enjoyed painting this one, too !

WOW!!

A tiny little church in the awesome woods -- wild and untame !!

This church is open to all who wander upon it .

I added a few colorful birds flying in the sky .

A beautiful day .

The trees are turning and losing their leaves.

I really enjoy the fall season -- don't you ??

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some of the colors -- blue , green , yellow , white and gray

acrylic paint

I like to add interest to the paintings with texture !!

**********************************

** OOAK acrylic painting on 18 x 24 inch stretched canvas.**

signed on front and back

I will include a certificate of authenticity .

**********************************

Hurry to bid or buy on Ebay !!

Just started next painting !!

Okay -- I got the background of the next painting -- it will be a winter theme -- can't wait til I figure out what it will end up like -- I create as I go !!

I like to create -- not just paint but create a design for clothes or putting things together for display -- all things really. But they are unique because I don't like to repeat the same thing -- so you can trust my paintings will be different -- may have the same theme but will all be unique !!

Wish me luck on this next painting adventure !!

Have a wonderful and successful day !

Cathy

Still waiting for an inspiration !!

Well, I am still thinking about what the next painting will be -- just no ideas yet.

It will come to me one day -- so I am not worried -- glad I don't paint for a living -- I would truly be a starving artist !!

I think it will be a christmas theme -- maybe winter scene or subject -- just a thought.

Leave some ideas here -- go ahead -- comment -- please !

What type of art do you love ?

I like all kinds of music and artwork -- don't know why -- just do .
If you have a specific artwork you love more than another -- what is it ? and why ?
Help out by leaving your comments here !
Thanks !!


Etsy--- cwrightartgallery ---  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28209628
Ebay --- mystore4u ---   http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZmystore4uQQhtZ-1

Again -- what should I paint next ??

Always looking for something to trigger that art bug in me!

What should I paint next?

I was told to think of something else besides seasonal or holiday themes -- okay -- then what ?

I like old buildings and nature -- so we will have to see what I can come up with .

Wish me luck -- leave your ideas with me so I can get a spark from your suggestions.

Have a very successful weekend !!

Etsy --- cwrightartgallery ---    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28209628

Ebay --- mystore4u ---     http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZmystore4uQQhtZ-1

Ebay --- cwrightartgallery ---     http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZcwrightartgalleryQQhtZ-1

" Fall Colors "

OOAK

one of a kind painting

" Fall Colors "

by

C. Wright

10-2-09

 

18 x 24 inch acrylic painting on stretched canvas

Buy it now on Ebay !!

Buy Now !!

I think I will paint a fall floral and pumpkin scene for the holidays !

Just thought I would paint a fall scene -- with mums and pumpkins -- sounds good to me -- let me know what you think!

Bought some blue paint yesterday -- soooo----

What do I paint with it??

Blue -- blue -- something with blue -- what ??

Hmmmm--- think ,Cathy ,think !!

I am not worried -- I can use blue for just about anything -- so I will think about it -- you can help me -- jump in with suggestions anytime -- I love the input !!

Thanks !!

I will catch up with you guys later on !!

Have a good one !!

Just bought more canvases -- what should I paint next ??

Okay --I just purchased 2 more canvases.

Now I need to think of what I should paint -- fall scene maybe ?

They are 18x24 inches so a pretty good size .

I am a little diappointed because I didn't have a coupon for Michael's craft store -- but i will hit them next time with a coupon for sure !!

I need to buy more paints too -- oh well -- I can make do with what I have right now .

Man -- I gotta sell art just to purchase supplies !!

What's wrong with this ?? When will I be able to turn a profit ?? Help me get buyers -- will ya??

Have a wonderful evening guys !!

" Colorful Ocean " by C. Wright 9-27-09

OOAK

one of a kind painting

" Colorful Ocean "
by

C. Wright

9-27-09

18 x 24 inch acrylic painting canvas panel

**This painting is larger than it looks in the pictures -- I just finished this -- paint still wet !!

*****************

I enjoyed painting this one, too !

This is a many color ocean scene -- interesting !!

Different size fish and seahorses all doing what they do best -- swimming through the ocean .

The fish and plants are so colorful it makes their world a beautiful place to live !!

on Ebay -- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250505330373

Showing off my artwork -- such fun !!

Hi all !
My name is Cathy Wright and I sign my work C. Wright . All my work is original -- I don't want to paint someone elses's work -- I create my own !

I am just setting this blog up for my artwork gallery. Have patience !!

I will be showing you all sorts of things -- art on canvas, art on clothing and much more !! You'll never know what I will splash a little paint on -- when I get time that is .
Self taught -- no experience -- just doing my own thing kind of artist and hoping someone likes it as much as I do !

Right now I am selling art on Etsy --- http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7684200 and Ebay -- http://myworld.ebay.com/cwrightartgallery&ssPageName=STRK:MEFSX:SELLERID

So feel free to check them out -- both have the same seller id -- cwrightartgallery -- I am easy to find !!

Please do not hesitate to critique my work -- I am open to all the help I can get -- remember I am self taught !! I started from scratch -- really, not joking, begging and borrowing so I could purchase supplies -- some I had but not much.

I sell to buy more supplies -- and go from there.

Painting is one of those things I need to do to keep going -- maybe some of you out there will understand -- this is my therapy -- and it works !!

Have a wonderful weekend and I will try to keep the blog going --- enjoy !!