Creative Arts Painting Techniques

The Creative Arts trackers use several techniques to translate the artistic visions of the children and young adults at Hattie Larlham into art.

Laser

It is easy to identify the laser technique in Creative Arts paintings, as it typically produces large swooping marks in every direction. The laser is used primarily as a paint brush. It is featured most noticeably in the trap process—where paint brush follows the laser beam on the canvas.

Ironically, the laser is the least precise method of painting. It is, however, the best way to introduce new artists to the program. Nearly all of the artists begin painting using the laser technique, and many of the younger painters continue to use it regularly.

In the future, the artist may use the laser to make choices, with painters pointing the laser to the brush or color they want.

String

In contrast to the laser, the string is a much slower and therefore more precise painting technique. The string technique is the primary way to construct drawings on the canvas, especially among veteran artists. This may be due to the visual nature of this technique.

First the artist chooses a point from which to start. The tracker tapes a piece of string in this place. Next, the artist chooses the length and the direction the string will follow. Then, the artist chooses to use the string to create a line or an arc. They can do several in a row, or trace the shape and uses paint to fill it in. Leaving nothing to chance, the string technique allows painters to develop their work with deliberation.

Splatter

The splatter technique can be the most unpredictable painting method, but it can also be the most entertaining.

Generally, the splatter technique involves throwing paint on the canvas. Artists can choose to throw the paint from their fingers, brushes or anything lying around the studio. The artist chooses a point they want the splatter to hit. Then they choose their tools and colors. For even more control over the process, the artist can choose the placement of the tracker (close to the canvas, at an angle to the canvas) and the speed at which the paint is whipped onto the canvas. The splatter technique usually results in laughter.