-
-
Ad Space
(728 x 90)
Video
Best known for cofounding vintage-inspired accessories company Patch NYC, Don Carney has returned to his illustrator roots by creating gallery-worthy pieces. His canvases bearing herringbone fedoras and serpentine pipes evoke wood-block prints and are currently commanding thousands of dollars at interior designer Jonathan Adler’s three NYC shops. Since Carney painstakingly wields an india ink–filled eyedropper for up to nine hours to complete just one of his works, he shares a simpler, similar technique that even folks who haven’t graduated from Finger Painting 101 can master.
What you’ll need
Pliers
Ruler
Scissors
Piece of cardboard
Pencil
Scrap paper
India ink*
Thin watercolor brushes*
Kneaded rubber eraser*
Frame
Small nails
Hammer
* Available at art supply stores like Pearl Paint (pearlpaint.com).
1. With a pair of pliers, pull out the nails securing the back of a vintage frame and remove any artwork inside. Measure the inside of the frame and cut a piece of cardboard to fit.
2. On a piece of scrap paper, faintly sketch in pencil an outline of the image that you’d like to paint (Carney recommends recycling Xerox paper).
3. Paint over your drawing by loading your brush with plenty of india ink so it completely covers the pencil drawing. Then begin painting lines inside the drawing (I created an etched effect inside my moustache).
4. Once you’re happy with your draft, repeat steps two and three using the cardboard.
5. Let your painting dry. You can also speed up the process with a hair dryer or fan—just be sure that the ink’s dry enough that it won’t run when held up vertically.
6. Insert the artwork into the frame and secure the frame’s back by hammering small nails around its perimeter.
Carney’s favorite frame sources
Splurge: Hudson City Antiques (150 Ninth Ave between 19th and 20th Sts, 212-675-8855)
Budget pick: Pearl Paint Frame Shop (58 Lispenard St between Broadway and Church St, 212-226-6966)
Worth a look: Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market (hellskitchenfleamarket.com)
Patrick
Wed, Apr 23, at 08:14pm
I've seen this artist's work and had no idea how he created his drawings. I'm so excited to try this technique!
Comment