Wood burning art, also known as pyrography, is a beautiful and unique way to create art on wood surfaces. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there are a few tips that can help you create a great wood burning art design.
This post is all about creating an amazing wood burning art design!
Here are some points I consider when choosing a new subject for my wood burning artwork:
1. Personal Interest
I wood burn images that I enjoy. An artist will often create better work when they are passionate about their subject. Remember, art is supposed to be fun!
2. Use a Quality Reference Photo or Pyrography Pattern
I generally work from photographs and can speak from experience that a reference photo with poor quality will produce an artwork of poor quality. In my opinion, the higher the resolution, the better: especially when burning large pieces.
3. Select a Pleasing Composition
I'll spend a lot of time searching for the right composition and design. In my opinion, it can make or break a piece. It shouldn't be confusing or distracting. There should be no question as to what you're looking at, therefore there's no guessing on the part of the viewer.
4. Remove the Distractions
If there are confusing areas within your reference photo, try to remove them using artistic license. Removing branches or grass in front of the subject will make it stand out in a more crisp and clean manner. You can also add elements at your own discretion, but don’t allow minor elements to hide the most important features of your composition.
5. Great Light Source
I prefer a strong sense of light in my work. It creates more depth and realism and brings more life to the subject. It is also more visually striking.
6. The Pose of the Wood Burning Subject
When creating a woodburning of a person or animal, I take careful note of how they’re posing. Is the subject standing in a funny pose that makes them look distorted? Can I see all the important features of the subject or are some of them hidden?
7. Cropping Out the Bad, Focus on the Good
Cropping is a great way to draw your eyes to the key elements of an artwork. Have I cropped out too much of the subject, or do I have too much dead space and need to crop out the extra fluff? Avoid splitting your composition directly in half. This is especially important with landscapes… If you’re burning a mountain scene with a river, you need to decide which part of the painting should have the most focus. If the mountains are more important, make sure they take up more than half of your composition.
8. Sizing of Your Wood Burning Art
When composing an image with several subjects, I decide which one is the most important and make sure that it takes up the largest area of my “canvas”.
Here are Some Extra Tips for Creating an Awesome Wood Burning Art Design:
Choose the Best Wood for Wood Burning
The type of wood you choose can have a big impact on the final result of your wood burning art. Basswood is a light-colored wood that is a favorite of many artists and allows for a full range of values and details. Other great types of wood for pyrography include birch, maple, cherry and poplar. Avoid using wood with a heavy grain, such as pine.
Sketch or Create Your Pyrography Design First
Before you start wood burning, it's a good idea to sketch your design on paper first. This will help you get a better sense of the composition and proportions of your design, and it will also help you make any necessary adjustments before you start burning.
Transfer Your Design onto the Wood
After working out the initial design, transfer your wood burning art project onto the wood using graphite paper. This ensures that the design is correct before burning.
Use the Right Temperature
Wood burning tools come with different tip sizes and temperature settings. Using the right temperature for the tip size and the wood you are working on is crucial.
Work in Layers
When burning your design, it's best to work in layers. Start with the darkest areas of your design, and then work your way up to the lighter areas. This will help create a sense of depth in your design and it will also prevent you from accidentally burning areas that you didn't mean to.
Take Breaks
Wood burning can be a time-consuming process, and it can also be hard on your hands and eyes. Make sure to take breaks every so often to rest your hands and eyes, and also to give your design a chance to cool down.
Experiment with Different Techniques
Wood burning offers a wide range of techniques, such as hatching, cross hatching, stippling, and shading. Experimenting with different techniques can give you more control over your design and add more depth and character to your work.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
The best way to improve your wood burning skills is through practice. The more you burn, the more comfortable you will become with your tool, and the better you will become at creating beautiful designs.
In conclusion, wood burning is a beautiful and unique art form that can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels. By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be on your way to creating great wood burning designs that you'll be proud to display. Remember to choose the right wood, sketch your design first, use the right temperature, work in layers, take breaks, experiment with different techniques and practice, practice, practice.
Happy burning!
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