From Sketch Book To Bottle.

The process of creating art in a bottle requires several steps. In my previous blog post I talked about my creative process, finding inspiration, learning about the client, and turning ideas into sketches. After this steps are completed, it is time to execute. 

 Step #1

Covering the bottle with Gesso paint to obtain a white, paintable surface. 

First step, Painting the bottle with Gesso

 Step #2

Drawing on paper - Many people might wonder how I transfer sketches to the bottle. Today I’m going to tell how I do that. My secret material is tracing paper. It is easier for me to draw on paper, it allows me to express and transfer my ideas better than any other surface, which has taught me the importance of following a well structured process. 

 Step #3 Tracing, tracing, and tracing

Tracing paper might be one of the most important materials during the process of creating a bottle art. After I am done illustrating the design on paper, I trace it using tadaaa! Tracing paper! Now you might be wondering, what does tracing paper got to do with getting the illustration into the bottle. There is a trick that I learned in illustration class that has become very useful. It’s a little tedious, but here it goes. The idea is to trace and then trace and then trace again:) First trace the paper into the tracing paper, then turn the tracing paper around and trace the back, and finally, place the tracing paper on top of the bottle and trace it again. The graphite on the back of the tracing paper will be transferred to to any surface once a pen or pencil passes over it.

 Step# 4 Painting

 Now here comes the fun part. The yeso allows a smooth white surface, perfect for drawing and painting. I truly enjoy this part of the process, it makes me happy and I make it with a lot of love and joy. 

 After the painting is done, I send it to the client for him to revise. Once it is approved, I spay a sealer, and wait an hour or two for it to dry. 

I enjoy every part of the process. Okay maybe not so much the tracing, but it is as important as any other part of the process. What I have learned is that every part of the process is equally important!