Tips

Mary Hildesheim's One Stroke Painting

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Hi Everybody, I thought that I would share with you how I made my own paint shaker for all that dried up tacky paint. I spent forever shaking the bottles, dumping into cups and stirring it. Finally, my dear husband gave me an old battery operated saw. "Saw All" is the name and you can often buy the electric ones on sale at harbor freight for 19.95.

The blade is the right size so all you do is take an old prescription bottle that is larger than your 2oz paint bottle and tape it to the blade. That is where you will put your 2 oz bottle of paint. I also add a piece of old sponge so it doesn't rattle when it starts to shake and put the cap on.

Tape the part that moves where the blade goes in to keep it from moving...just one large piece of duct or electrical tape will do. (See Photo)

I hold it right side up but you can position anyway you like. It has loads of power and works very well. It only takes about 45 seconds to totally revive the old paint. I also put a drop or two of water in in it if it is really dried up.

Watch a free demo Paint a Rose <click

Tip for Double loader (see photo below)

When you use your double loader it is very easy to clean if you just use a sheet of press and seal to line it. When it gets ugly with lots of paint you can just throw it away and reline. Carol also mentioned that it is important that the loader be dry or the press and seal will not stick. I trim the edges after I put the press and seal in the double loader so that I always get nice snug fit. Remember that the tabs must line up when you close it and you must add water to the sponge :)

Rules & Tips for a successful class

1. Come on time. doors will be open 15 before class starts. When you are late everyone suffers because instructions must be repeated and you must be caught up.

2. If you sign up, please do not cancel at the last minute. When you cancel I usually do not have enough time to fill your spot. Let me know as soon as possible because I often have a waiting list and I can fill your spot. When I cancel a class because of insufficient student numbers others suffer.. they have scheduled their time to be here.

3. Smile! Have a good time. When you are negative it can bring the entire group down. Try to remember that your painting will change as we progress through the different steps.

4. The class is 3 hours. Try to finish up on time. I know that this is not always possible but I try to move you along so that we can finish.

5.Classes are for painters only. You may not bring your non-painting children, husband, or friend. Sign up early as classes do fill up quickly.

Please keep your cell phones off.

Finally, here is one of my favorite quotes:

”The seed of your next art work lies embedded in the imperfections of your current piece. Such imperfections (or mistakes, if you’re feeling particularly depressed about them today) are your guides -- valuable, reliable, objective, non-judgmental guides -- to matters you need to reconsider or develop further.” -- David Bayles and Ted Orland