Wellford - The art of rock painting: techniques, projects, and ideas for everyone

Copyright 2006, 2018 by Lin Wellford

Originally published by ArtStone Press in 2006

First Racehorse Publishing Edition 2018

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief excerpts in critical reviews or articles. All inquiries should be addressed to Racehorse Publishing, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018.

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Cover design by Michael Short

Editor: Skye Pifer

Interior Designers: Lin Wellford, Skye Pifer

Editorial Assistants: Erika Kupfersberger, Kira Kupfersberger, Kristen Helams

Photography: Lin Wellford, Kira Kupfersberger

ISBN: 978-1-63158-294-3

E-Book ISBN: 978-1-63158-296-7

Previously published as Rock Painting Fun for Everyone (978-0977706501)

Printed in China

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Art, nature, and writing have numbered high among Lins passions since childhood. Combining those interests into a satisfying career has turned into an exciting and unexpected adventure. Her previous rock painting books are considered a phenomenon in art and craft publishing, with nearly a million copies sold in the US and in foreign editions. Lin has appeared on HGTV, MTV2, and Lifetime television and has been featured in numerous magazines, including Birds & Blooms, National Geographics World, Grit, Artist Magazine, Family Circle Home Crafts and Painting Magazine.

Lin has published seven books with North Light Books, as well as publishing titles under her own imprint, ArtStone Press. She welcomes questions and comments and would love to hear from you. Email her through her web site, www.linwellford.com. Lin is the mother of three grown daughters and grandmother to Cameron and Catelin (so far!). She and her husband, Klaus, make their home on one hundred wooded acres in the hills of northwest Arkansas.

When not collecting and painting rocks, taking photographs, or writing about rock painting, Lin likes to share her techniques and easy painting style through workshops and demonstrations. She also enjoys walking with her terrier-mix dogs, swimming laps at the community pool, and talking family and friends into kayaking and camping with her.

DEDICATION

To Wandra Dees, Betty Haynes, and so many other wonderful friends Ive gotten to know through our mutual love of painting on rocks. Thanks for the support, the inspiration and the good times!

Special thanks to Janell Robertson and Elaine Floyd for their help and advice. And, of course, to my husband Klaus for his patience and encouragement.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

The Art of Rock Painting takes the mystery out of making art. Like the fairy tale about spinning straw into gold, there is something magical about turning a commonplace object into a unique and appealing work of art. These pages are packed with projects simple enough for beginners but designed to appeal to more experienced artists as well. Easy-to-follow instructions and loads of photos guide you every step of the way. But why paint rocks? Rocks arent intimidating the way more formal art materials can be. Even people with no art experience of any kind find that this is a fun and easy way to be creative.

Painting on something that already has a shape is like discovering a shortcut to success. Just think of all the skills and practice it takes to create a lifelike image on a flat surfaceforegrounds, backgrounds, perspectiveno wonder so many people get nervous when it comes to making art! But none of that applies to rock painting. Simply choose a rock shape that suggests a certain subject, and you are halfway there before even picking up a brush. The skills and techniques you learn while painting rocks can easily be applied to other kinds of art as well. People all around the world have shared stories about how rock painting served as the key that finally let them unlock their hidden artistic talents.

MORE REASONS TO ROCK

Other kinds of painting require expensive matting or framing before they can be displayed. Painted rocks are ready to show off as soon as the paint has dried. And rock art can decorate your world in a multitude of ways: on a desk top, mantle or hearth, on a porch, bookshelf, or in a windowsill. Because they are solid and sturdy, you may use your painted rocks as doorstops, bookends or paperweights, and even as jewelry and ornaments. Think of painted rocks as artwork that works.

As you try your hand at painting your own rocks, keep in mind that you simply cannot ruin a rock! Just wipe off or paint over any mistakes. You learn far more from figuring how to fix those mistakes than you ever would if you got everything perfect the first time out. Creativity flourishes when you adopt a playful, fearless attitude.

I wish you many happy hours of rockin fun!

GETTING STARTEDSUPPLIES AND TECHNIQUES

When it comes to inexpensive art activities, rock painting is hard to beat. Around the world there are rocks just lying around waiting to be picked up and painted. In fact, looking for interesting rocks and stones is as much fun as painting them! Once you become rock aware, you are likely to notice rocks wherever you go. If not, local sportsmen can often point you towards promising sources of rocks. Not all areas have rocks in useful sizes and shapes. In that case, check your phone directory under stones or rocks to find local rock yards. Such places often have a variety of rock types sorted into bins and will usually let people choose ones they like and buy them by the pound at very reasonable prices.

Water tumbled pebbles are often sold in plastic bags at garden centers. You may not be able to use all of them, but there should be plenty of good ones to paint. Once your friends and family know what you need, they may begin to collect rocks for you as well.