A "Ghosted Underpainting" is a painting design. This means the design is printed in light shades, not in gray scale, but using a full range of color. It is a complete picture that is "faintly" visible on each canvas. This serves as a color guide so the artist can brighten, blend, shade and highlight the painting with either the suggested color choices or color variations of their own choosing. This lighthouse picture is an example of an Artist Color Guidetm both "before and after" painting. Notice the upper left is ghosted colors compared to the lower right which is completed with rich vibrant color.
What is included with each package?
Each Artist Color Guidetm includes one 8 x 10 quality double primed canvas sheet with underpainted design; a color guide; instructions; for acrylics, oils, and Genesis Artist Colors®; and a color mixing wheel with blending tips. Also included is a list of suggested colors with TCS identifiers so you can use your favorite brand of paints, and the type and size of brushes needed to complete the design. For additional painting techniques and color tips, see the complete list of Artist Color Guidestm here.
What supplies will I need to complete the painting?
You will need paint and brushes. Recommended colors and brushes are outlined on each package. You will also need paper towels and standard painting supplies.
What type of paints should I use?
The Artist Color Guides™ are purposely designed to allow you to choose the medium and brand of paints you prefer to use. Each package includes instructions for acrylics, oils, or Genesis® "Heat Set" Artist Colors. Expanded instructions also include six (6) different brands of exact color names so you can use your favorite brand of paints. This specific brand / color name information is included for every design with the "expanded instruction sheets". They can be printed, along with full color swatch representations, if you have a "color" printer.
What is the "TCS® Identifier" and how does it help me?
The TCS® identifier is the industry standard solution for matching colors between brands. It allows you to use your favorite brand and colors you may already have. For instance, the Yellow listed below is the same color in seven (7) different brands, but some have different color names.
TCS YE-5-1-5
| Genesis Oils: |
Bismuth Yellow 07 |
| Americana: |
Yellow Light |
| Delta Ceramcoat: |
Bright Yellow |
| Folk Art: |
Yellow Light |
| Jo Sonja: |
Yellow Light |
| Winsor/Newton: |
Winsor Lemon |
| Permalba Oils: |
Cadmium Yellow Light |
So, the same TCS® # in any brand is a matching color. Find the color name and TCS® identifier in any brand, then locate that same number in any other brand and these are always matching colors. Learn about the TCS Color Match Sourcebook from this link.
How do I prepare my completed artwork for framing?
For framing, we have included instructions in a "printer friendly format" from this link:
Stretching Your Completed Canvas.
If this link does not open automatically, the free Adobe Acrobat Reader can be download: 
Besides framing, what else can I do with my completed painting?
There are several ways of displaying your finished painting. For instance, you can create a memory box using the painting as the center of interest. To do this:
Purchase a wooden, bentwood type box.
Trace around the lid onto a piece of wax paper
Cut out the pattern
Center it over the canvas design, then trace on the pattern and cut out the canvas to size.
Then, simply glue this to the top of the box.
The sides of the box can be painted, or you can cover it with a compatible wallpaper. Small rolls of wallpaper intended for dollhouses are found in the "Miniature" department of most craft stores. It is available in a variety of small patterns which will work most appropriately with your design. When gluing on the wallpaper and the canvas picture be sure to use an acid-free glue. This can be found with scrapbook supplies in craft and stationary stores.
Add a small ruffle or trim to cover the raw edge of the canvas, and you will have a beautiful Memory box to display or give as a gift to someone special.
You can also display your canvas on other objects. For instance, you could put the Winter in the Country scene on a sleigh. Fold and glue the unfinished sides of the canvas under to create a finished edge. Glue the canvas onto a sleigh. Paint or ink an appropriate greeting, add a big bow and display in front of you house to greet your friends and neighbors.
With this in mind and a little thought, you will think of many ideas for displaying your works of art.
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© 2002 Amaco Inc. & Tru-Color Systems Inc. All rights reserved.
