Patio Chair Painting Ornamental Leafs - Artist Help Needed

[oliver2-44 9,689]

I'll start out with I'm no artist.

But we have an old metal patio chair that came from a deceased close family friend.  It's quite comfortable, with a little bit of spriny ness in the legs, so you can rock a little in it.  I've stripped off the multiple layers of paint and this is it with flat black primer.  The top color coat will be a dark walnut brown to match our other patio table and chairs.

.  

it has some fancy leafs and stems that I would like to dress up.  I think adding some color to them would really make the old chair stand out. here's a closeup of the leafs and vines.

So I need some simple artistic color suggestions.  I know some of you are closet artist, or maybe you wife is artistic and you can get here involved.

Thanks for help.

[stevasaurus 22,710]

Dang Jim, when I 1st saw the chair, I was thinking that this isn't that hard.  You could tape off the leaf and spray paint it.  I was thinking a darker green for the leaf and then high-lite the vanes in the leaf...and then there is the black spot.  Then I started thinking about colors.  Maple leaves come in almost every color of the rainbow.  Type Google Images and then type Maple Leaves.  Here is one with black spot.  I now think you need to learn how to use an air brush.     I think the chair looks pretty good just as it is.  

 

 

 

[WHNJ701 4,165]

don't go crazy with the leaves, mask off all around it and just "dust" the whole leaf lightly with copper spray.  you want it to look black but with certain light the leaves will reflect the metal flake

[Yossarian 208]

I'm no artist either, but I'm married to one so I've picked up a few things over the years. Do you want them to look like Spring or Fall? The dark walnut gives you lots of options. *****Yosserian's wife here***** after you answer spring or fall I can advise you accordingly. 

 

[oliver2-44 9,689]

You and @stevasaurus both thought of Spring or Fall and have already surpassed my artistic though process.  My simple mind initially said leaves are green and stems are brown with maybe a little stain of some sort wiped across to vary them a little.  So I'd did good coming to this forum to widen my artistic approach.  @Yossarian wife, I'm liking the Fall idea. So lead me onward.   

[Pullstart 62,795]

What about just painting the color you want, then lightly distress the leaves to bring out the black?

[The Tuul Crib 7,336]

Cushions!!!

Edited November 25, 2019 by The Tool Crib

[stevasaurus 22,710]

One thing for sure, you can practice on a leaf...clean it off again and do over.  I'm kind of liking that copper color idea with the walnut chair.  Seal your art and the chair with Marine Varnish.  

 

 

[Yossarian 208]

Yossarian's wife here   My suggestions  may be too detailed, but I figure more info is better than less

 

 

  1:  get some throw away t shirt rags and chip paint brushes. 

2:  get the good spray paint in colors you want- rusty reds, oranges, yellows, a brown and some copper gold based on what you mentioned earlier.

3:  prepare your surface:  use a wire brush to knock off any loose paint

4:  practice on cardboard or something else metal that is expendable.----you can use hot glue to  mimic the veins in the leaves.

5:  application:  light strokes of paint sprayed in a variety of areas overlapping colors (or) spray your paint into a disposable container- this would be a dry brush technique.  Tap your brush into said container and lightly "kiss" the surfaces you want to paint in various layers until you are pleased.  You will have to pay attention to how the paint reacts with itself, thus the practice pieces.

6.  If you like a more antiqued metallic look, use the bronze paint as your finishing touch on the veins and vines.  Use the brown first.  Spray your paint into a container and use the chip brushes to get some paint- brush most of the paint off  on a rag before you touch your piece.  Swipe with light but confident strokes over the veins and stems.  Let dry completely.  Do the same with the copper but with less paint.  This will highlight the veins and give it an antiqued artisitic  appearance.

 

Hope this is helpful!!!

Fadra from 3 Dandelion Seeds

www.3dandelionseeds.weebly.com

 

[clueless 2,976]

she beat me to it 

[oliver2-44 9,689]

Ok, I won’t get to work on this with family here for Thanksgiving. But in a week or two I.ll post my painting attempt