Painting Tools - Sketch Book

Having an assorted set of sketches is vital to creating your designs and organize your portfolio.

Setting your images on paper gives your window clients and yourself an idea of what you have to offer them in design choices. By having a complete set of images set on paper you also have a way to demonstrate your talent. Pre-draw images to use in the holiday theme you are working with. Compile a sketchbook for each of the major holidays.

Sketchbooks

Sketchbook entry - Candle and
Poinsettia Theme - Image M Burgess

Detail the sketch for an idea of what the complete image will be when finished so you also have an idea of how you want the image to appear when you paint it.

Create single sketch images out of elements you will use for the complete design. I started off my sketchbook with personal favorites. The candle and poinsettia theme is dear to me and a fun, but tedious scene to capture in window paint. I sketched it out so I may see where I need to place the flowers properly and achieve a sense of balance with the structure of the image.  

The candy cane is another of my favorites. I love the broad, red stripes and the overall appeal of these sweet candies. (I'm a mint fanatic, by the way!) The colors may vary, but the structure is similar whether you are doing a full cane or a starlight mint. The basic shadowing is similar in either creation. I love adding a bow for color contrast. It seals the deal for me. This is a more cartoony version of what I do now. Once a sketchbook is started, the progress and the quality will improve. 

Sketchbook entry - Candy Cane Theme - Image M Burgess

For Winter Themes
Sketch These 
Individual Images


Holly Leaves and Berries
Candy Canes
Poinsettia Flowers (My Favorites!)
Candles
Snowmen
Santa (Of Course!)
Reindeer
Stockings                                                                           
Snowflakes
Presents or Gift Boxes
Christmas Trees
Ornaments
Bows
Bells
Teddy Bears
Dolls

With these single images, you can create a host of designs.

Create the sketches first, then add photos of your finished designs to create your portfolio!

For additional information see: So, You want to paint Holiday Windows?

A Christmas Wreath incorporates several holly leaves and a bow for a colorful decoration on a door top. Holly leaves can trim and decorate difficult window areas and accent your greeting scene. Learn this and more in The Essential Window Painting Guide at www.holidaywindowpaint.com. The PDF download is available for $9.99.