When someone mentions art, rock painting may not be the first thing to spring into mind, but rock art has carved its own little niche in the hobby world. One doesn't even have to be an artist to paint rocks. Rock painting can be as simple as painting an inspiring phrase or as complex as painting an animal or nature scene.
The only things required to begin rock painting is a rock, paint brush and paint, and some good old fashioned creativity. For those who need a little help in the creativity department, there are resources available. Artist and writer, Lin Wellford, has written several informative books on the subject of rock painting, complete with insightful how-to instructions.
Finding the Right Rock for Rock Painting
Not everyone lives where rocks are abundant, so where can they be found? The lawn & garden section of the local hardware store is a good place to start, as well as landscape supply companies. They can also be found while rock hounding on vacation, at rock shows, or ordered online. The rock itself lends an interesting facet to rock painting, and unusual shapes can really make a painting stand out.
Once an appropriate rock has been selected, it must first be cleaned thoroughly. Use soap, water, and a good scrubbing brush to remove any debris from the rock. When painting rocks, always begin painting with as clean and as dry a surface as possible. Having a dry rock is as equally important as having a clean one, and after washing it could take several days for all moisture to be released from the rock. Oven drying is not recommended since some rocks have a tendency to shatter.
Acrylic paints seem to work best for rock painting. Painting on rocks is hard on brushes, so any inexpensive synthetic brush will do. If the rock is to be displayed outside, use a weather resistant paint. No matter which paint is used, a clear acrylic sealer should also be applied to the entire surface of the rock after painting is complete to help protect it.
Painting the Rock
After selecting a rock, it's time to choose a subject. The shape of the rock itself can sometimes help with this. Does the rock look like it will lend itself better to a subject such as a character or animal, or would a scene fit nicely? On a dry rock apply a light colored primer to the entire surface and allow it to dry. Next, apply a transfer if one is being used, or if comfortable sketching, sketch an outline onto the rock surface.
Begin painting, allowing time for each color to dry before applying the next. This is especially helpful since the paint is being applied to an uneven surface.,There may be a need to shift and rotate the rock in various directions to get into difficult areas and the chance of smearing the paint will be significantly reduced.
When the painting is complete, remember to coat it with a clear acrylic sealer. This prevents chipping and weather damage, increasing the longevity of the artwork. Now the rock painting is complete and ready to be displayed either in the home, on a desk, or perhaps as a garden accent, and then it will be time to start on the next rock painting project.
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