Creating Smoke And Mystery With Charcoal And Paint

Painting a smoke disappearing effect with charcoal involves using the smoke from a lit candle to create images on a canvas. This technique, known as fumage, was popularized by Austrian-Mexican artist Wolfgang Paalen and famously used by Salvador Dali, who coined the term sfumage. To create a smoke disappearing effect, prepare your work surface with a flame-retardant covering and prop up your canvas to work from below, tilting and moving the candle at different speeds and patterns to create the desired smoke effects. Once you're satisfied, apply a charcoal fixative spray to keep the design from smearing and experiment with additional media like oil paints or charcoal to enhance your smoke painting.

Prepare your work surface and materials

To prepare your work surface and materials for painting a smoke-disappearing effect with charcoal, follow these steps:

First, ensure you have a suitable work area. This technique involves using fire, so it is crucial to take precautions. Work on a flame-retardant surface, such as a fire-retardant workbench or floor covering. If your work surface is not flame-retardant, consider laying out an old tablecloth or a similar covering to protect the area from wax drippings and potential fire damage. Make sure your work area is well-ventilated, and keep flammable items away from the immediate workspace. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby as an added safety measure.

Next, gather your materials. You will need a canvas or a piece of paper to serve as your painting surface. If using paper, opt for a heavier weight, such as 100-pound paper or illustration board primed with gesso. Gesso is an acrylic primer that enhances the surface's receptiveness to smoke and other media. Allow the gesso to dry thoroughly before proceeding. Additionally, select a candle for your smoke painting. The thickness of the candle will impact the amount of smoke produced and the darkness of the marks; thicker candles generate more smoke and darker images. Choose a candle size that aligns with your desired effect.

Before beginning the smoke painting process, prepare your canvas or paper. Experiment with different candle sizes and angles to determine the most pleasing smoke effects. Hold the lit candle close to the surface without touching it, and guide it in varying directions and speeds. Observe the shapes and patterns that form as the soot interacts with the surface. Practice on a separate canvas or paper before moving on to your primary surface.

Finally, have your fixative ready. A fixative, such as a charcoal fixative spray, is used to stabilize and preserve your smoke design, preventing smudging or smearing. It is important to apply the fixative in a well-ventilated area, away from any open flames, to ensure your safety.

Use the right candle for the desired effect

To create a smoke disappearing effect with charcoal, a technique called "fumage" is used. This involves holding a candle beneath a canvas and using the smoke to create patterns and textures. To achieve the desired effect, it is important to select the right candle.

The type of candle you use can impact the appearance of your fumage artwork. Different types of candles produce varying amounts of smoke and soot, which can affect the intensity and darkness of the marks on your canvas. For example, beeswax candles tend to burn cleanly and produce less soot, resulting in lighter marks. In contrast, soy wax candles may produce more soot and therefore create darker marks.

Additionally, consider the size and shape of the candle. The width and length of the candle, as well as the length of the wick, can influence the size and fluidity of the patterns you create. Longer wicks allow for more fluid and dynamic patterning, while shorter wicks are better for darker, more filled-in areas.

The colour of the candle's flame can also play a role in the overall effect. A candle with a brighter, bluer flame will produce less soot and result in lighter marks. Candles with a more orange or yellow flame tend to produce more soot and will create darker marks.

Experiment with different types of candles to see the variety of effects you can achieve. You can also try tilting the canvas or moving the candle at different speeds and in different patterns to create unique textures and designs. Remember to always work safely when using candles and flames, and protect your workspace from wax drippings and potential fire hazards.

Move the candle to create different patterns

The fumage technique of painting with smoke involves using the smoke from a lit candle to create images on canvas or paper. The technique is thought to have been invented and popularised by Austrian-Mexican artist Wolfgang Paalen. One of the most famous practitioners of fumage was Salvador Dali.

To create different patterns, you can move the candle around in different directions and at different speeds. You can also vary the distance between the candle and the canvas. The closer the candle is to the canvas, the darker the soot. The further away the candle is from the canvas, the lighter the soot.

Before you begin, prepare your work surface adequately. Protect your workspace if you do not have a work area that you can afford to mark with wax drippings. Lay out a covering, such as an old tablecloth, to catch the dripping wax. Prop up your board or paper so that you are looking up at it. You can hang it from an elevated position or hold it with your non-dominant hand and use your dominant hand to guide the candle.

When you are satisfied with your design, apply a fixative to keep it from smearing. Before you do so, you may wish to intentionally smear some of the soot marks with your hand, a brush, or another implement.

Experiment with different candle sizes, as this will affect the amount of smoke produced and the darkness of the resulting images. Thinner candles produce more delicate and transparent images, while thicker candles produce more smoke and darker images. Longer wicks also allow for more fluid patterning.

Experiment with different techniques to create layers and depth

To create layers and depth in your charcoal smoke painting, you can experiment with different techniques and tools. Here are some tips to achieve that:

Firstly, prepare your work surface by priming it with a Gesso primer, which will make it more receptive to the smoke and charcoal. This step is crucial if you want to ensure the smoke adheres properly and creates distinct layers. Once the primer is dry, you can start experimenting with candles and smoke.

The thickness of the candle you choose will impact the amount of smoke produced and the darkness of the marks. Thicker candles produce more smoke and darker marks, while thinner candles create more delicate and transparent effects. You can also experiment with different candle sizes to achieve a range of smoke effects.

When you're ready to start, light the candle and guide it underneath the canvas in varying directions and at different speeds. You'll start to see the smoke forming soot patterns on the surface. Play with the speed and movement of the candle to create interesting shapes and textures. For instance, you can tilt the canvas or move the candle in circular motions to create swirls of smoke.

To add depth and dimension to your smoke painting, use your fingers or brushes to manipulate the smoke patterns. Drag the edges of the smoke outwards or smudge certain areas to create highlights and shadows, giving the illusion of three-dimensional smoke. You can also experiment with different eraser sizes before applying the fixative to create detailed layering and add depth to your artwork.

Additionally, you can introduce other media, such as oil paints or acrylics, to enhance the sense of layers and depth. This technique was favoured by Wolfgang Paalen, who would use fumage as a starting point and then add layers of oil paint to express his artistic vision fully. You can also explore using different colours to represent the internal and external light within the smoke, such as grey for the smoke and orange hues for the flame, creating a dynamic and eye-catching effect.

Fix your work with a fixative spray

To fix your charcoal smoke painting with a fixative spray, there are several steps to follow. Firstly, ensure that any loose charcoal powder is removed from the drawing before spraying. You can do this by gently tapping the drawing on its reverse side over some newspaper, and then using a soft brush to remove any remaining particles. Be careful not to smudge your artwork.

Next, prepare your fixative spray. Always shake the can for at least two minutes, especially if you are using a matte finish, as there is a matting agent that requires additional mixing. Spray a few short bursts onto a scrap piece of paper to clear the nozzle, then turn the can upside down and spray until only air comes out. This prevents clumping.

Now you are ready to apply the fixative. Hold the can at least one foot away from the paper and use a continuous arm movement to avoid over-saturating any one spot. Spray beyond the borders to ensure the entire piece is covered, and keep the can moving at all times. It is better to apply several light coats rather than one heavy coat.

Once you have sprayed the first coat, wait at least 30 minutes before touching or spraying again. For darker areas, you may need to apply more coats. If you wish, you can then add further layers of paint or charcoal, depending on your desired effect. If you are finished, you can apply a second coat of fixative from the opposite direction to ensure full coverage.

Some other things to keep in mind: fixatives come in gloss and matte finishes, and also in ''workable' and 'final' options. A workable fixative allows you to continue working on your piece, whereas a final fixative acts as a varnish and should only be used when the artwork is complete. Always use fixatives in a well-ventilated area or outside, and consider wearing a respirator mask to protect yourself from fumes.

Frequently asked questions