Painted Window Screen

1. Sketch out a design for the window screen on paper (figure E). A small thumbnail image will help with composition. For ideas use photos, pictures from magazines, books, cards, etc.

2. Whether using an existing screen or making a new one, ALWAYS mark the top outside of the screen with a piece of tape. This way the screen is oriented correctly and you won't paint the wrong side!

3. Tape off the edges of the screen to keep the frame neat.

4. Prime the screen with a light blue paint for the sky. Work the brush both horizontally and vertically to cover both directions of the screening grid. Paint with a fairly dry brush to prevent the screen holes from clogging.

6. Paint white clouds in a circular motion with a 1-inch paintbrush. Paint from the top down.

7. Paint the ocean area with a dark vivid blue (figure G).

8. Paint the sand area with a warm beige shade. Mix white, yellow, brown and a small amount of red paint to create a warm beige hue.

10. Paint the grass area a medium green mixed with a little yellow. Allow a few minutes to dry.

11. Outline the placement of palm trees and the boat with chalk.

13. Paint the trunks of the trees a dark brown and highlight the trunks (figure H).

14. Paint the palm fronds with a light green allowing a little black to show through. Highlight with yellow paint.

15. Paint one edge of the tree trunks with a very light brown.

16. Paint shadows on the sand and grass with a mid-brown.

18. Paint a few ripple lines for waves in the middle ground and along the shoreline with white paint and smaller brushes. Paint the mast, boom and deck of the sailboat and anchor buoy white.

19. Paint a black line for the anchor line and cockpit.

20. Hold the screen up to the light (looking through the back) to check for any plugged holes. If holes are plugged, pierce the paint from the front side of the screen with the point of a toothpick.

21. Allow the paint to dry and spray with clear polyurethane for added protection. Remove the tape and replace the painted window screen in the window.

Website: www.robindaviscopeland.com