Face Painting Patterns


We all need a little help when starting out, some guidance and handy tips from those who have had experience. Face painting, although fun, can be very daunting. We find that it's sometimes difficult to create a design on a face from scratch, looking blankly without inspiration; similar to an artist staring at a blank canvas not knowing what to paint - what face painting patterns to use.

All you need is to be able to paint on a face confidently, and sometimes we need help or a guide to start us off. The answer is simple, similar to using a pattern to sew a dress; you can use face painting patterns to help paint a design.Using these face painting patterns as an exact copy or just as a base that you can add your own flare or style too.

If you are planning to face paint at a party or fete, it's a good idea to have your face painting patterns or designs that you are confident with. These patterns can be displayed using a drawing or a photo of a face you have already painted on. Face painting patterns can also be created by you. Once you have used others you may find a desire to create your own face painting design.

To make a simple face painting pattern you must start with a face outline:To create a face, you need to draw lines to dissect the oval. This will enable you to know where to place your nose, eyes and mouth.

-Draw an oval.

-Draw a faint vertical line down the center of the oval, then another line horizontally across the center. (An oval with a cross through the middle)

-Now draw two faint lines equally spaced, one above the center line and then another below. (One vertical line and three horizontals lines)

-Nostrils placed just below the center line, eyebrows in the top line and the middle of the lips on the lower line.

Now you have you template you can photocopy this or use tracing paper over the top to create your own face painting patterns. Some people like to have the outlines of the design and then creating the color and shading on the actual face, others like to experiment with color and variety of color with the same design.

Perfecting the idea on paper first rather than getting someone to sit for hours while you paint, wipe and re-apply. Using a pattern on paper is also cost effective, since you can fit over 6 designs on one piece of paper, and only having to worry about the cost of crayons, pencils, pens, or acrylic paints, instead of your fabulous face paints.

The only objective that can be said about creating face painting patterns is to have fun. Enjoy trying to create your own style, ideas and designs. Any form of art can be frustrating, but it also can be very rewarding when that one face painting patterns turns out exactly the way you imagine it only better.


Pauline is a professional face painter, and co-author of “The Comprehensive Guide to Face Painting” -- Which has 50 fantastic step-by-step photo face painting patterns/designs and all the info you need to become a professional face painter. You can also subscribe to her free face painting lessons! Copyright 2007 Pauline Keogh.


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