Step-by-Step: Custom Artwork

Stuart Tyson/Studio D
Materials Needed:
- pencil
- ruler
- 24" x 18" stretched canvas
- seven disposable plates
- Red Tempera paint
- White Tempera paint
- mixing stick
- 1" polyester paintbrush
Step 1
Use a pencil and a ruler to draw a 2-inch border around the canvas so the painting will be centered. The pencil lines along the edges will guide your first brushstrokes.
Step 2
Pour red paint onto a plate; this will be your starting color. Mix the red and white paints together in the remaining plates so you have six more shades, from dark to light.

Stuart Tyson/Studio D
Step 3
Starting with the darkest paint, make a single brushstroke from top to bottom on each side of the canvas. Follow your pencil line for guidance.

Stuart Tyson/Studio D
Step 4
Wash the brush, pat it dry, then repeat with plates 2 through 7. The single center stripe will be the lightest color.