What do I use to transfer a photo onto an acrylic painted canvas?

Question

I want to transfer a photo..not on paper yet...how do I trnasfer the picture to a canvas painted with acrylic paints and have the picture take on the texture of the painting?

Answer 1

There's an easy method of doing this. Make a photocopy of your photo. I have to repeat, PHOTOCOPY, NOT a laser or inkjet print from your home printer - this will not work unless you use a PHOTOCOPY. Get a few made to practice with.

Place the photocopy face up on a piece of wax paper. Using a wide soft brush, paint 2 to 4 layers of a good quality gloss acrylic gel (like Golden) onto the IMAGE side of the photocopy, waiting until the last coat is completely dry before applying the next coat (1/2 hour to an hour). The gel will go on milky and dry clear. Brush each coat in alternate directions - one east-west, the next north-south.

When this is completely dry (at least 4 hours) run it under the tap using cold water and rub all the paper off with your fingers. The photocopy image will be embedded into the sheet of clear gel.

Cut the image if you need to, and adhere the sheet to your canvas using a coat of clear gel on the back as glue.

This is a great technique - have fun!

Answer 2

it will be complicated. the traditional way is to map out your photo onto the canvas. the more 'modern' way is to project your photo onto the canvas with a projector linked to your computer. from then, you cant trace it.