| How to Prepare Canvas for Oil Paint Posted: 03 Aug 2021 05:00 PM PDT Canvas is one of the most popular surfaces to use oil paints on, because of its availability, affordability, and mild texture. Unlike painting with acrylic or watercolor paints, the canvas must be prepared (typically called "priming") before oil paint is applied to it. The process works the same whether you're working with a pre-stretched canvas or have decided to stretch your own canvas. All of the supplies you'll need to use should be available for purchase at a local art store. [Edit]Readying the Canvas - Clean the canvas's surface with a paper towel dampened with alcohol. Splash about of isopropyl rubbing alcohol onto a clean paper towel. Rub the damp patch across the surface of the canvas in long, vertical strokes. This will remove any dirt or dust that may have built up on the canvas.[1]
- Press lightly while you're cleaning the canvas to avoid accidentally tearing it.
- Put on a dust mask to avoid inhaling chemicals. Gesso and other products used when oil painting can be toxic if inhaled over a long duration of time. If you're working in an indoor room without a window, put on a dust mask to protect your lungs. Dust masks typically have a rubber band that stretches behind your head to hold the mask in place, and a metal tab that you can pinch in place over the bridge of your nose.[2]
- If you're working in a very well ventilated area—e.g., outdoors or in a garage with the garage door open—you can skip this step.
- Place a strip of artist's tape over the sides of the canvas. Most artists don't apply any oil paint to the upper, lower, and side edges of the canvas (the parts that are stretched around the frame). To keep the gesso off of the sides of the canvas, tear off 4 pieces of tape that are roughly the same length as the 4 sides of the canvas. Place the tape on the canvas's edges with the rear edge of the tape aligned with the back of the wooden frame.[3]
- You could use masking tape for this step, although it will stick to the canvas less closely than artist's tape would.
[Edit]Applying Primer to the Canvas - Dip a soft priming brush into a can of acrylic gesso. Low-viscosity acrylic gesso is ready to work with straight from the can, and doesn't need to be stirred or mixed with any other primers. Dip your soft-bristled brush into the gesso by about . Lightly tap the brush on the rim of the can to remove excess liquid.[4]
- Paint the gesso onto the canvas using straight, long strokes. The canvas only needs a thin layer, so you don't need to lay the gesso on heavy. Work across the canvas in 1 direction (e.g., horizontally or vertically) and paint the gesso on with long strokes. Apply consistent light pressure while painting to make sure that the gesso coat is even across the canvas.[5]
- Your brush may periodically run out of gesso, depending on the size of the canvas. If it does, just dip it back into the gesso and resume painting.
- Wait 2–3 hours for the gesso to dry. Priming a canvas takes some patience, since you'll need to pause and let the priming material dry. This usually takes at least 2 hours.[6] After 2 hours have passed, lightly tap 1 finger on the gesso. If it comes away wet, the primer needs more time to dry.
- If you don't wait long enough and move on to the next steps while the gesso is still wet, you'd risk messing up the entire canvas preparation.
- Make sure to cover the can of gesso while the canvas is drying. You don't want the can of gesso to dry out!
- Heat the gesso with a hair dryer to speed up the drying process. If you're feeling a little impatient, try using a hair dryer. Set the hair dryer on medium heat and hold it about away from the gesso-covered canvas. Move the dryer back and forth above the canvas to ensure that the gesso coating dries evenly.[7]
- With a hair dryer, the gesso may only need 5–10 minutes to dry.
- Sand the dried gesso surface lightly with 220 grit sandpaper. Move the sandpaper across the surface of the canvas in long, straight strokes. You don't need to press down very hard on the canvas while you're sanding it. Light pressure will be enough to even out the ridges that your paintbrush left behind.[8]
- Apply a second gesso layer with the same brush. As before, dip your soft priming brush into the can of gesso. This can be a little bit heavier, since you won't need to apply a third layer on top of it. Paint the gesso on the canvas in long strokes, as before. This time, though, apply the gesso in the opposite direction from the direction of the first layer.[9]
- So, if you applied the first layer vertically up and down the canvas, apply the second layer horizontally across the canvas.
- Let the second layer of gesso dry for another 2–3 hours. It's important that you allow each layer of gesso adequate time to dry before moving on to sanding and painting. As before, if you prefer to speed up the drying process, you can use a hair dryer on medium heat to dry the gesso.[10]
- Once the primer has dried, sand the second layer just as you did the first.
- Apply as many more layers of gesso as you'd like to use. Some artists have strong feelings about the ideal number of gesso layers that should be used to prime a canvas. Experiment with different amounts; you might like the way the canvas looks after 3, 4, or even 5 layers. If you're new to oil painting, though, stick with 2 gesso layers until you've become comfortable priming canvases.[11]
- Remember to let the canvas dry for 2–3 hours after applying each layer, and to sand down the layer before applying any more gesso or before painting.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Dust mask
- Artist's tape
- Canvas
- Paper towel
- Rubbing alcohol
- Low-viscosity acrylic gesso
- soft priming brush
- 220 grit sandpaper
- Hair dryer (optional)
- If you're a novice painter and would rather not have to prime your own canvases, most art-supply shops will also sell pre-primed canvases. While these canvases will be more expensive than unprimed ones, buying them will save you some time and trouble.[12]
[13] - "Gesso" is pronounced with a soft "j" sound, not a hard "g" sound.
[Edit]References |
| How to Trim Mens Curly Hair Posted: 03 Aug 2021 09:00 AM PDT When it comes to trimming curly hair, there are a lot of options for you to consider. Don't worry! There are a few tips and tricks you can try if you don't feel like heading out to the salon. Take a look at some frequently asked questions and answers and see if there's a solution that works for you! [Edit]How do you trim the top section of men's curly hair? - Use hair cutting shears to trim the top. Hair cutting shears will allow you to leave the top section of the hair a bit longer than the sides and back. Unless the person whose hair you're cutting wants a buzzed, even length over their head, definitely use shears to trim the top so you don't cut too much off.[1]
- Leave some length on top for a medium or long-length hairstyle. For a medium-length cut, you might leave the hair or so along the top. For a long-length hairstyle, you can leave the hair at least long, so it can frame the sides of the head.[2]
[Edit]How do you cut the sides and back of men's curly hair? - Use hair clippers to keep the sides and back short and tapered. Clippers are a great option if you'd like to achieve a clean cut look along the sides and back of the head. Whenever you use clippers, you'll need to pick out the right guard—this is a special cover that helps keep your hair a short, consistent length. The right guard length really depends on how short the person wants the back and sides of their hair to be.[3]
- Clipper guards are labeled with different numbers—the smaller the number, the shorter the hair will be. For reference, a number 1 guard will leave hair long, while a number 8 guard will leave hair long.[4]
- Use shears if you'd like the hair to be longer all around. Let the hair grow out all around the head, and make minor adjustments with a pair of hair cutting shears.[5]
[Edit]How often should you cut curly hair? - Trim hair every 3 to 6 weeks. Fine-tuned haircuts, like fades, can get pretty unruly if they aren't trimmed and adjusted regularly. Don't worry about trimming hair once every weekend—once a month or so is a good pace to keep up.[6]
[Edit]Is it better to trim curly hair wet or dry? - Dry haircuts have a lot of benefits. Overall, dry haircuts tend to be more precise, and make it a lot easier to spot any split ends. Sometimes, damp hair looks longer than it actually is, which can lead to some unwanted surprises once the haircut is done. Dry cutting makes it a lot easier to tell where the curls will naturally fall, and how they'll look in real time.[7]
[Edit]What haircut is best for curly hair? - Quiff the hair for a natural, wind-blown look. Quiffed hair is curled upwards, which creates a really posh, sophisticated look. Try out this haircut for a change of pace, or if you'd just like to look a little more elegant while you're out and about.[8]
- Keep the hair faded if you're working with an afro. Afros can be tough to work with and manage, especially if they're on the longer side. Instead, try a fade haircut, which keeps the afro longer on the top but shorter and sleeker along the sides and back.[9]
- Shave the sides to create an undercut. Clip sides of the hair so they're super short. Let the curls along the top of the head grow out, which creates a cool contrast between the top and sides of the head.[10]
- Watch YouTube tutorials so you can follow along with salon experts.[11]
[Edit]References |
| How to Start a Charity Posted: 03 Aug 2021 01:00 AM PDT Starting a charity might seem like a big dream, but if you're passionate about helping others, it can be a really rewarding path. If you're ready to take on this commitment, start by getting really clear on your mission and core values. Once you have that nailed down, you can start putting together the details of how you're going to operate. And if you need help along the way, we're here with the answers you need to get up and running! [Edit]What kind of charity should I start? - Choose something you're really passionate about. Running a charity is a big undertaking, so you need to be dedicated to your cause. If you could change anything about the world, what would it be—and how would you do that?[1]
- If you're upset by the sight of your town's crumbling downtown area, you might start a charity to raise funds locally to restore some of those buildings.
- If you know of a loved one who's suffering from a rare disorder, you might feel led to start a charity to raise money to help people with that disorder pay for their medical bills.
- You might also create a charity that supports the arts, wildlife conservation, animal rescue, disaster relief, or people in need.[2]
- Come up with an angle that will make your organization unique. There are a lot of other nonprofits out there, and if you're doing the same type of work as someone else, you'll have more competition for donors who care about that cause. Try to find your own angle for whatever you do—if you want to help the homeless population in your area and there are already organizations dedicated to providing food and shelter to people without housing, you might start a charity to collect clothing, instead.[3]
- If you're passionate about helping something that overlaps with other charities, come up with unique fundraising ideas that will help you stand out. For instance, the ice bucket challenge was a viral campaign by the ALS Association that raised money for research into ALS.[4]
[Edit]What should I name my charity? - Go with a name that clearly explains your mission. It should be something simple and easy to remember. Also, pick something unique—you don't want donors to get you confused with anyone else who's doing similar work.[5]
- For instance, if you're forming an animal rescue, you might name it something like, "Carrington Wildlife Rescue."
- Check with the Department of Commerce where you live to make sure you're not using a name that's already taken.[6]
- Keep in mind that you may not be legally allowed to include certain words in your name, like "Bank," "Federal," or "Insurance."[7]
- You might also consider naming your charity after a person. Some donors might find your cause more personal and relatable if you name the organization after a notable person in the field you're working in. You could name it after yourself or your family, someone who was affected by the issue you're trying to overcome, or a generous donor.[8]
- For instance, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was named for the founder's sister, who died of breast cancer at the age of 36.[9]
[Edit]How do I set up a charity? - Start by writing a mission statement that summarizes your goals. Write out a short, clear description of what your organization will do, who you'll help, why your goals are important, and how you're going to reach them. This is your mission statement—use it to help guide you and keep you on track as you get deeper into the planning process. Then, review it regularly as you operate your nonprofit to make sure you're staying true to your original vision.[10]
- You'll use your mission statement will to inform potential donors, state and federal officials, board members, and volunteers of the purpose for your charity.
- The nonprofit Feeding America has a great example of a short but thorough mission statement: "Our mission is to advance change in America by ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all in partnership with food banks, policymakers, supporters, and the communities we serve."[11]
- Create a detailed business plan for how to achieve your mission. In your business plan, explain your strategy for your first 5 years of operation, including how you'll make money, how you'll spend it, and how you plan to operate. Be as specific as possible when you're writing this out. Consider including things like:[12]
- What you're trying to accomplish
- A conservative estimate of what you expect to earn from fundraisers
- Plan B if your source of income changes
- How much you'll pay any staff members
- The role your board members will play in the organization
- Strategies for attracting new donors
- How you'll measure your progress toward meeting your goals[13]
[Edit]How do I register a charity in the US? - Work with legal and financial experts to navigate the paperwork. To register as a charity, you'll need to gain 501(c)(3) status, meaning you'll have tax-exempt status with the IRS. This is a pretty complicated process with a lot of red tape, so it's best to hire an attorney who specializes in nonprofit law, as well as an accountant who has experience incorporating 501(c)(3)s.[14] However, you can find the paperwork here if you'd like to check it out: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/application-process.
- In addition to registering with the IRS, you'll need to file paperwork to incorporate your charity with your state.[15]
- Once you've been incorporated as a 501(c)(3), you'll need to apply for your Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). To do this, fill out IRS form SS-4—your accountant will give you more information on how to do this.[16]
- Your lawyer and accountant will also be able to advise you on the ongoing paperwork you'll need to file to stay in compliance once your organization is running.
[Edit]How much does it cost to start a charity? - You'll need to raise enough money to cover all the expenses for a year. This includes all of your startup and administrative costs, so you might have to do a good bit of fundraising before you even get up and running. However, it's good motivation to keep your operating costs low—and that's a good practice to follow, even if the organization becomes really successful later.[17]
- It can cost close to $1000 to file for your 501(c)(3), but you'll also need to pay your accountant and attorney—those fees might be anywhere from $2000-$4000 initially.[18] You'll also need to find and supply your office space, and you may need additional permits and licenses from your city or state.[19]
- Once your startup costs are out of the way, only about 20% of your charity's expenses should go toward administration and fundraising. The rest should be dedicated to your main cause.
[Edit]How do charities make money? - Your primary income will come from fundraising. To keep your organization running, you'll need to reach out to donors, have fundraising events, and spread awareness about your organization online. This can take a lot of energy, but it's really the heartbeat of your organization. When you're doing this, it can help if you keep your mind on your reason for starting the charity in the first place.[20]
- Popular charity fundraisers include marathons, galas, silent auctions, dinner parties, golf tournaments, art sales, and charity concerts.[21]
- To raise money online, use your website and social media pages, make YouTube videos about your mission, issue press releases, or start a GoFundMe campaign.[22]
- Be sure to talk to your accountant or attorney before you start fundraising—there might be laws in your area that impact what you can do.
- You can also apply for grants. Research organizations that support charities similar to yours, and look for every grant opportunity you can. When you're applying for grants, really emphasize what makes your charity unique, how you're working to further your cause, and how you'll use the money you receive.[23]
- If writing isn't your strong suit, consider hiring a writer who can help you with your grant applications—the better you can show how well you fit the requirements, the more likely you'll be to get approved!
- Try looking for grants through websites like https://www.grants.gov
[Edit]Can I run a nonprofit by myself? - No, you'll typically need a Board of Directors to help manage things. In many places, in fact, you'll be legally required to establish a board in order to operate as a charity.[24] Your board should be made up of people who are experienced in fundraising and running a charity.[25] The board will be responsible for establishing committees to handle decision-making, managing the charity's finances, and steering the direction of the nonprofit as a whole.[26]
- As the CEO of your nonprofit, you'll typically sit on the board—but to avoid a conflict of interest, it may be best if you have a non-voting role. The Board of Directors will oversee your position, including your salary and your job duties.[27]
- You might also choose to have an Advisory Board made up of knowledgeable volunteers. The Advisory Board doesn't make formal decisions for the nonprofit, but it can make recommendations to the Board of Directors about things like fundraising, hiring decisions, and outreach.[28]
- You'll also need volunteers. Volunteers are an essential part of any charitable organization. They'll help with things like administrative duties, organizing and running fundraisers and events, and spreading the word about your mission. Remember, they're donating their time to help your cause, so treat your volunteers with respect—consider showing your appreciation by feeding them when they spend the day helping your organization, giving them free T-shirts, and recognizing them on social media or your website.
[Edit]Can the founder of a nonprofit receive a salary? - Yes, you can be paid for your work. As a nonprofit owner, you'll typically have to put in long hours. You don't necessarily have to volunteer your time, though; you can build a salary into your operating costs.[29] It has to be considered fair compensation, meaning you can't just pay yourself as much as you want—there's no set amount, but it's a good idea to check with your accountant and lawyer to make sure your salary wouldn't be considered excessive for the work you do, or your whole organization will be penalized.[30]
- To be in compliance with the IRS, your salary will need to be reviewed by your Board of Directors or a committee that they establish—you can't just determine it yourself.
[Edit]How do I get attention for my nonprofit? - Focus on your website first. Your website is a really important tool for raising awareness and attracting potential donors. Create an "About Us" page that clearly describes your mission and what you're doing to reach your goals. Keep your website up-to-date with information about upcoming events, recent accomplishments, and how potential volunteers can help.[31]
- When you're building your webpage, be sure to include a place where people can donate directly from your site.
- Increase awareness on social media. Stay active on your social media pages—get the word out about any upcoming fundraisers, share posts from similar organizations, and interact with your followers. That way, your social media—and therefore your organization as a whole—will continuously grow.[32]
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