Camouflage – it’s a rather funky pattern, isn’t it?
But let’s face it, it looks rather daunting. Lots of colours blending together – Where the heck do you start?
Well, that’s where I’m hoping to help. By no means am I claiming to be an expert here! I just figured if I could help make at least one person slightly less confuddled on the subject – well then, this tutorial will have been a success!
Right now, are you ready? (don’t worry, there’s no exam at the end of this!)
Let’s begin!
- Now, I know this step seems blindingly obvious, but..
Sanding! Now I know this is obvious, but making sure your woodcut is well-sanded will help make your painting a whole lot easier. Don’t forget to brush off the dust, or you may get clumps in your paint (I sometimes use a wet-wipe to get off extreme sawdust)
(Also, If you aren’t painting on woodcuts, please ignore these sanding tips! Your sketchbook or canvas will thank you)
Next.. choose your undercoat!
- I chose a sandy yellow
But you can choose any colour you like! Pale green or grey would be good choices. Though make sure the base colour is the palest, as the darker = the harder it will be to paint over. After the first coat, it may need another sanding. That’s natural (the paint can sometimes raise the wood-grain). Just give it a quick sand once it’s dry, and then another coat of the base colour.
- ..now for the second layer..
Deep breath! Time to apply the second layer! This layer should be darker than the first 
I chose green, but again, feel free to use any colour you like. When painting this on, think – Splodgey.
You want long blobs, round blobs, wiggly blobs.
Thin bits, thick bits, bobbly bits..
This isn’t a science! Just make it nice and wavey and not too angled. You want an almost equal amount of base coat and second coat on display. I think I ended up with more second than first, but no problem.
- check out those curves..
Next, your second layer needs a second coat! Don’t worry if you go over your lines on the second coat – just round it out and make it part of the pattern.
I won’t tell if you don’t
- ..the third layer begins
Now it’s your third layer! You won’t be using as much of this as your second layer. You could go darker here, but I decided on a lighter green.
Whatever floats your boat!
(..or flies your plane..)
- try to keep those splodges an equal-ish distance..
And don’t forget that all important second coat of paint Before we begin…
The fourth layer!
- Fourth and final!
This one should typically by the Darkest of them all! I chose a dark green – though here it kind of looks black! Keep those splodges going!
Don’t be afraid of making a mistake. Just work in wavey lines.
Isn’t it nice to let loose?
- ..reminds me a little of Rorschach ink blots..
Give it a good ‘ole second coat of paint..
And there you have it!
- ..and if you’re like me..
..don’t forget to paint the edges! (If you do edges, of course)
- The finished work!
I like to finish mine with a quick spritz of laquer, just to seal the deal
Hopefully, that’s cleared things up a little! Now you can go paint camouflage in any colours you like! Why stop at yellows and greens? I’m sure there’s somewhere where purple and pink camouflage would come in very handy!
- …just don’t camouflage it too well..
Good luck!
Happy painting ! ♥
