How to Paint Porcelain Dolls Faces

For those new to the art of doll making, painting porcelain dolls faces can be a real challenge. The trick is to use the right materials and paints. You will need paint especially designed for porcelain. Most of today's porcelain dolls are made from bisque, which is a matte looking material that is smooth and hard. It is more realistic when it comes to the texture and color of real skin. Most people who paint dolls buy the head already colored in the proper skin tone and add the features.

The first thing you will need is the right brush. Go to your local craft store and find the very smallest brushes possible. These tiny brushes can be used to outline details and paint the main features. You will need a variety of colors. Black is a must for painting the iris and eyelashes. Then you will need the brow color, which should be slightly darker than the hair color of the doll. The most natural brow shape is one that is painted on with feathery strokes and is not too thin or thick, with a gentle arch. Lip color will vary depending on what kind of doll you are painting. An adult doll can carry off red lips while a baby or young child's lips should be painted soft natural pink. Many doll painters like to highlight the cheeks with pink wash that provides a simple blush effect. For this you will need a soft round stippling brush.

You may want to use stencils until you are confident about your painting abilities. If you are a newbie, taking a class, reading books on the subject or watching an instructional DVD is a great way to get more confident and learn new skills. One of the best DVDs out there is Porcelain Dollmaking with Judy Orr. The second part of this DVD set is devoted to painting the doll. You will watch a professional go through the process, which is often the best way to learn for yourself.

Another idea is to look at as many hand painted porcelain dolls as possible and have a few on hand for reference when painting your own dolls. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you practice your painting skills, the better you are going to get. One day, your handpainted dolls could be prized by collectors everywhere!



Doll Doctor

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Artifacts from Banks dig site have familiar ring - Cincinnati.com

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