ANTLERS: AN UNUSUAL PAINTING SURFACE

SOME ANTLERS ARE TOO BEAUTIFUL TO COVER...
THEY ARE LIKE FINE IVORY.

But if you live in an area frequented by deer, you might find their antlers shed in or near trees. You can also buy antlers on eBay!

 

A found object.

I'm unlucky enough to live in an area well-trafficked by hunters,
but I do often find antlers. When I wished to use some of them in a
decorative painting project, I tinted gesso with yellow oxide or simply
used the white gesso. Gesso is a primer that helps the paint to stick.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colored gesso is the first layer here.

 

I used stencils and spray paint on this example.

For an ombre or gradient effect I used spray paint in black, copper metallic, & brown.
I also masked off areas
with a stencil.

Another idea, especially if the antler is textured with ridges and bumps in places, is to drybrush over them with a contrasting color!
Or try gold leaf!

I prepared to do the stripes in the example below by adding

masking tape and burnishing it down thoroughly before

painting an area. I wished for some natural antler-color to show

in some places. I also wanted to include some Native

American-like symbols, drawn on with paint marker

 afterward. NOTE: When creating stripes next to

each other, let dry and seal with matte medium

first, before taping. This intermediate layer helps

keep tape from peeling off some of the acrylic paint.

 

Always let dry thoroughly between additions.

Altered Art

Ancient symbols add interest.

Seal when dry, using clear acrylic medium to help preserve your masterpiece.