Face Painting
Whether it be a party, festival, school play, or just a rainy day face painting is a fun way to create fantasy that can be enjoyed by both the painter and the model. There is always a line waiting for either a quick drawing on the cheek or something more intricate and character-like on the whole face. You can use lots of colors, iridescence, glitter, stamps, stencils and fake hair for effects.
Thanks to my model and good friend Jake who always patiently lets me paint new characters and fake tattoos all over his face, back, arms and legs that he so proudly displays to everyone, everywhere we go. Bless you kiddo.
Materials:
Water-soluble makeup
Most of the makeup can be found at theatrical supply stores or costume shops. A special thanks to The Wizard's Chest in Cherry Creek, Colorado, Guiry's Art Supplies in Denver and Klutz Press for their generous donations.
Water based face paints by Kryolan come in palettes of 6 to 24 colors, single pots in both large and small sizes and 2 oz. bottles of liquid "Aqua Color". Kryolan has been tested and is non-toxic however red is still not approved by the FDA, and therefore not to be used around the eyes.
Ben Nye Makeup has MagiCake Aqua Face Paint, Magic Color liquid paint, great Fireworks Fantasy Wheel, as well as brush on glitter.
Then there's Schmink Creme by Thaliona. A highly iridescent water resistant cream that comes in a tube for special effects. You can apply these creams with a sponge or your finger.
Water-soluble crayons are available from Caran d'ache of Switzerland, Johnny Brown and Lyra. You wet them a bit and draw. Just like using crayons these might be easier for children to paint each other.
Glitter should be purchased at the makeup supply store or art supply. Choose fine and extra fine glitter that is made from exposy coated polyester. Be sure to keep away from the eyes and don't use on small children who tend to rub their face or eyes.
Brushes and sponges etc.
I used Robert Simmons Expression E85 Round #5 & 8 for my demonstration. They cost approximately $6-$8. Available at Guiry's Art Supply. If you are really going to get into face painting for festivals, then purchase several brushes in different widths both flat and round point to create bold as well as fine lines. Use natural sea sponges, stipple sponges, and inexpensive latex sponges for applying makeup to larger areas.
Duo eyelash adhesive to glue on stars, and stencils. (optional)
Spirit Gum to glue on crepe hair (optional)
A few jars of water to clean your brushes as well as change colors.
Wear old clothes, or a t-shirt and have one on hand for your model, especially if the children are painting each other.
Wet Wipes for clean ups
Towels, paper towels and tissues for wiping the brushes and clean up
q-tips (optional)
Books
There are several books about face painting and all of them have wonderful examples, instructions and tips. Take your time, going through the designs both simple and intricate and remember there is no wrong way of painting. Use the examples to practice or create your own. Try some simple designs from memory. Be creative and don't forget ... no matter what you've done, to the child it will look wonderful when he or she looks in the mirror.
Face painting by Klutz and Body Painting by Klutz, Klutz Press
The Usborne Book of Face Painting, published by EDC Publishing
Fantastic Faces by Snazaroo, published by Kingfisher
Getting Started:
Either sit facing the child or stand and have the child in a tall director's chair or stool. Keep the paint brushes wet and press and roll them into the paint until the consistency is creamy. Then paint away. Experiment with different brush strokes. See what the flat point will do as to a finer or fatter round point. Use a fine point brush for more precise lines.
Children are moving targets ... as well as adults who are talkative. Gently, hold your model's head to keep it steady or brace your hand or elbow on something.
Add the glitter while the paint is wet. Don't use glitter around the eye area, or on small children who rub their faces.
Use your sponge to paint the whole face white as in the Dracula makeup on Jake. Wait until it dries and then with a clean brush add black and red. This was a Halloween makeup for Jake's first grade class. Jake's mom provided a wig that I chose not to use and instead slicked his hair back with gel, colored with Roux Temporary hair color stick in black (it washes right out) and painted in the widows peak, brows and side burns.
The Bat above is done with yellow sponged onto the whole face. Using a fine brush or crayon outline the bat starting from the nose bridge up to the temple. Work on the side of the face that would be the hardest. You don't have to match exactly so relax. Get the wings done and then work down the cheek to the jaw. Add the body of the bat from the nose bridge down to the chin. When the black is dry, add an iridescent gold for the eyes, and veins of the wings.
I love to paint full characters, however when there's many children waiting the best thing is to ask what they would like and paint a quick cheek, forehead, top of hand, shoulder, or arm. They'll love coming up with their own creations. Or keep the books or copies of designs available for them to choose.
Airbrushing is another way to paint faces, with spectacular results. It's more costly and a real commitment, so we'll get into that in another session of "makeup 101".