Imagine a curled up cat, a sleeping dragon or a crouching tiger all contained within stone. Not carved in marble or jade but painted on a rock...
Painting in the round has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity over the past few years and many people are immortalising their much-loved pets in this medium. It's a great pastime for the hobby painter who is just starting out or the professional artist who is looking for a new and exciting avenue to further their art.
Finding rocks to turn into an animal is one of the most exciting parts of this craft. Taking a trip to the river or down to the beach can turn into a safari, hunting for just the right canvas. Stones that look like cats curled in a furry ball, sleeping puppies, rabbits, even hedgehogs, all lie waiting to be discovered by the imagination. Even flat rocks can be useful for painting 2D "portraits" where the picture is painted only on one side. If it isn't possible to find rocks "in the wild" then stones can often be purchased from landscaping businesses.
Acrylic paint is the ideal medium for rock painting both for its durability and quick drying time. Artist's acrylics can be used but there are also ranges of folk art paints that are suitable. If the stones are to be left outside exposed to the elements there are some brands that weather extremely well.
As rocks are unforgiving canvases synthetic paintbrushes are the best variety to use being both tough and cheap. The rough surface of the stone will eventually destroy any brush although washing them clean in water immediately after use and laying them on a flat surface to dry will mean that they last slightly longer. Some artists recommend soaking brushes in alcohol to loosen paint caking the ferrules and bristles although they should never be left standing in the solution. And even when the brush is reaching the end of its useful existence it can still be resurrected to create certain effects such as fur lines.
Before beginning to paint, the stone should be scrubbed thoroughly with detergent and water so that any dirt is removed. It is often advised that it should be left for several days to dry so that the paint won't eventually flake or bubble. To speed the drying process many painters recommend baking rocks in an oven but this should be undertaken with care.
If a smooth surface is preferred wood filler can be used to even out pits or imperfections in the rock. Otherwise they can be left to add character to the finished work or actually integrated into the design. Some painters prefer to base coat their stone with gesso or one solid color before beginning work while others prefer to leave the surface in its raw state. With a pencil or chalk the basic shape of the animal can be sketched in. Never use marker pens as it won't matter how many coats of paint are applied the lines will still bleed through. Paint can either be applied thickly or in many delicate layers in a watercolor technique depending on the effect desired. Fur is perhaps one of the most difficult effects to achieve as it takes practice to make a rock look "soft". Once the stone is finished it should be left to cure for several days before being sprayed with a clear varnish to protect the work. This medium comes in gloss or matte but it is a matter of personal preference as to which should be used.
For the beginning rock painter there are many excellent books containing patterns that can be copied. The American artist and writer Lin Wellford has written an excellent series of books with projects that are easily followed allowing even the most inexperienced painter to complete extremely sophisticated work. (Editor's note: this series is highly recommended, please see right sidebar!).
For the more experienced artist it is easy to work from photos, either from their own collection or other sources. The disadvantage with this in the case of 3D work is that the painter must use their imagination to fill in the unseen sides of their subject. It is actually preferable to have several views of the same animal so that a more complete image can be constructed.
Certainly the term "pet rock" has now taken on a whole new meaning. And apart from being beautiful they have many other advantages: they don't shed their hair, they're quiet and they cost nothing at all to feed!
This article was first published on Suite101.
About the Author
Jen's artwork has been exhibited within New Zealand and is currently in various private collections. Besides painting in watercolor and acrylic she uses pen and ink, often in the pointillist style. Her work can be bought as an original or as a limited edition print or card. Her subjects range from floral to animals with the bulk of her commissioned work being for pet portraits. Besides conventional 2D work Jen also paints in the round or 3D on rocks. Rock painting forms the major part of her output and besides undertaking private commissions her work is found in several retail outlets throughout New Zealand. Jen has Art for Sale here, and her web site Passion for Paint is well worth a visit.
Copyright Jen Longshaw 2000 Please do not copy in any manner, print or electronic, without permission from the author.
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Annroaix tks for the tip. can I also use the wash so it looks like water on the rock? Or anyone have any suggestions.
phyllis – Iowa
Jun 02, 2009 - 14:51
Diana,
just got back into the website. Have been painting different things. Painted flower pot for planter outside, Grasshopper on a rock, also a dragon fly. (not to Good) Would like a good pattern, also what kind of paint to look transparent for wings.
Keep in touch.
Reply to phyllis
annroaix – wells v.t.
Jun 08, 2009 - 10:12
hi hope you are well try to put color to wings then do a wash over them by diluting the same colar and water mixture ,to a thin consistency.
-Maria – canada
May 09, 2009 - 22:11
What type of base for the rock and the type of finishing for the rock to last in the garden?
Reply to -Maria
Lynn
May 12, 2009 - 09:57
I use "Patio Paint" by DecoArt sold in my area art stores.
This is used for concrete,Terra Cotta and wood - it is weatherproof and last a long time.
I also use latex paint with a clear sealer (mat finishing)
Good luck in painting.
Phyllis – Iowa
Apr 23, 2009 - 15:54
Has anyone made animal ears out of air dry clay.?
Is there a web site to get instructions?
Tks
arlene – colorado
Apr 21, 2009 - 16:52
Very unteresting. I paint all kinds of animals and wildlife on my rocks and I enjoy the chalenge of the rough rocks to .
phyllis – Iowa
Apr 20, 2009 - 19:04
I really got into this,love it.. Painted turtles,frogs,strawberrys and am looking for rocks for animals. Glad i found this web site. tks
mickie bailey – broomall pa 19008
Mar 30, 2009 - 21:16
very nice
Diana – Boise, Idaho
Mar 09, 2009 - 14:37
I was excited to find this page. I paint rocks too!!! Each year for Easter I paint a picture of what ever each of my 35 Grand Children are "into" for that year. I love it, they love them. I find pictures from Google images and print them out, I also use kids coloring books, adds, wrapping paper, any picture I find, I keep in a sheet protector and add them to my picture looseleaf to thumb through when I need an idea. Going to my rock painting room is going to my happy place. When a rock is done, I decopouge it,let dry and then spray with clear high gloss paint, they are wonderful. Happy painting ,
As rocks are unforgiving canvases synthetic paintbrushes are the best variety to use being both tough and cheap. The rough surface of the stone will eventually destroy any brush although washing them clean in water immediately after use and laying them on a flat surface to dry will mean that they last slightly longer. Some artists recommend soaking brushes in alcohol to loosen paint caking the ferrules and bristles although they should never be left standing in the solution. And even when the brush is reaching the end of its useful existence it can still be resurrected to create certain effects such as fur lines. 
For the beginning rock painter there are many excellent books containing patterns that can be copied. The American artist and writer Lin Wellford has written an excellent series of books with projects that are easily followed allowing even the most inexperienced painter to complete extremely sophisticated work. (Editor's note: this series is highly recommended, please see right sidebar!).
