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Tortoiseshelling
This finish was inspired by the far east and their use of the tortoise shell effect in furniture veneers.
Today, acquiring genuine tortoise shell is illegal, and as a result, artists have sought to recreate the look using paints. This finish is particularly suited to smaller objects. While painting, remember that real tortoise shells come in an infinite variety of colors and designs. Almost any combination of raw sienna, burnt sienna, burnt umber, crimson and black can be used.
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It is best to experiment on a prepared surface with different color combinations, for example, paint a large area of raw sienna with small areas of black and burnt umber.
Traditionally, this effect was created then softened with a badger hair brush. These brushes, however, are environmentally unfriendly and expensive. An alternative to the badger brush is a good quality soft dusting brush, as pictured below. Delicate handling of this type of brush enables the artist to delicately soften the painted effect.
Before you start, ensure that the working surface is as smooth as possible. Prepare the surface with a coat of golden yellow oil based eggshell. Protect the finished effect with at least 2 coats of satin or high gloss, oil based varnish.
Tortoiseshelling:
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Paint a clear glaze over the the primed and base coated surface. Then, using a small brush and an artist's oil based raw sienna, paint diagonal brush strokes as illustrated.
Using the same brush, repeat the previous steps using burnt sienna, covering more of the blank surface areas.
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Again, repeat the process using burnt umber, filling in even more of the blank areas.
Soften the effect with a wide, soft bristle brush.
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Depending on the look you want to achieve, you can use either a crumpled newspaper page or, for a softer look, a crumpled rag. This will further soften the finish.
Then, once again, soften the effect further with the same soft bristled brush.
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One of the last steps is to flick droplets of paint on the finish by using a old toothbrush with the tip having been dipped in black oil paint that is thinned slightly. This will add depth to the overall consistency of the final finish.
Enhance the final effect by painting in small areas of black using a small brush. Work with care and be sure to use a SMALL amount of paint on your brush.
To summarize:
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Tortoiseshelling
is a paint effect that works best on smaller objects, due to the detail
involved. Here we have a old mirror that was on it's way to the trash heap
or the basement, and have transformed it into a gorgeous bathroom mirror
above the sink. Good enough to fool even the most experienced antique
appraisers on first glance, this finish always looks expensive and luxurious
when applied properly. Have fun with it!
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