Acrylic Hats: A Splash of Idaho Scenery

Acrylic Hats: A Splash of Idaho Scenery

Welcome to Artsy Bee! I just want to start out this delightful portfolio and blogging adventure to say, I thoroughly enjoy painting hats. They are one of my favorite things to paint. If you follow me on Facebook (shameless social media plug-- go follow me!) you would know that the more interesting the "canvas" the better the challenge. And I love a good challenge. I have painted on saws, enamel pots, bottles, shirts, coats, bucket hats, driftwood from Dworshak reservoir, a camera strap... and the famous cap. Dad caps, flat-bill caps, trucker hats, whatever style, whatever you call them. They are a versatile accessory. They have fun texture that cradles the paint in unique ways. Hats are a daily wear-er to show personality and character. Something you can show off at the store or a family gathering as a customized product to YOU; a conversation starter. Which I think is why I love them so much.

Idaho’s Inspiration: Nature’s Palette

I live in Idaho and cannot get enough of the natural world. I have an in-depth love for nature starting way back when I was a kid. I always loved animals and anything outdoors. I graduated Oregon State University with a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences with a specialization in Zoology for goodness sakes... Nature is where it's at for me! Sometimes I drive to work and take half-baked photos out the windows of sunsets, trees, colors, anything to remember that inspiration for later. I once drove to work (all that talk of loving nature and I am a high school art teacher) and 1st hour, my students were painting. I love doing projects with them and they love it, too. I saw THE best snowy scene with the perfect colors and tree placement and knew I just had the paint it. So, I sat down and painted the scene that had caused me so much happiness just moments before. Since, it has been one of my favorite pieces.

Brushes and Colors: The Magic Begins!

Okay, back to hats. Anyone want to know how the process of painting a hat goes?

1. Sketch the Scene: Just kidding, I have a problem of just what the kids call "full sending" these days. Basically, I have a theory of art that everything can be fixed in some sort of way. "There's no mistakes, just happy accidents." -The Great Bob Ross.

2. Base Layer: I like to start with the skies. If you don't have a good sky, you have nothing in my opinion. The sky is everything in a nature scene!

3. Add Details: Next, bring those mountains to life, fluff those trees, let those flowers bloom.

4. Seal the Magic: Seal it with some poly spray and you're set! You can wear and tear and wash the hat with the best of them.

Conclusion: A Hatful of Dreams

Thank you for taking time to read through my story, my artwork, my process. I hope this helped you embark on the journey of me. Of Artsy Bee. A journey to continue through many mediums, many many more hats... and a ton more Bob Ross references, I am sure.

Artsy Bee

Sam Collinsworth