Painting on Denim with Dynasty Artist Tracy Weinzapfel

Do you always find yourself painting on the same sort of surface? Here is something that may take you out of your creative comfort zone--painting on denim! Dynasty Artist Tracy Weinzapfel recently talked with us about how she has ventured into making art that you can wear!
Dynasty Artist Tracy Weinzapfel 

What made you want to try painting on denim and what was your first denim project?  
"I live to love what I do. I was just about to throw out an old pair of pants and I decided why not upcycle them and paint some of my fun whimsical designs on them. I did not have any expectations of how they would turn out and also wondered how a 49 year old woman would look in them. I totally enjoyed the creative process and decided this was perfect for me. The result was amazing and I just love them again! They are a billboard of sorts for being an artist and art teacher. I recently wore them to Creative Painting in Las Vegas and was stopped by so many people at the show and on the Las Vegas strip asking about them." 

How does painting on denim compare to painting on other surfaces? 
"Fabrics such as denim are more three dimensional than say a canvas or art journal. Sometimes you have to manipulate to keep the fabric smooth while you are painting. In this case, I cut cardboard boxes the width of the legs to keep a smooth surface. Also, fabrics are more absorbent so that is why it is important to have the right tools for the right job such as awesome Dynasty Brushes and paints made for fabric."

Jacket painted by Tracy Weinzapfel
Do you need to prewash the denim prior to painting on it? 
"These jeans were used and worn so I did not have to pre-wash as you would new materials. I do recommend pre-washing any fabrics that you paint. I also recommend following the fabric paint directions on the bottle as all paints vary."

What special tools or paints do you use for your denim pieces?
"I used DecoArt SoSoft fabric paints which are great. They dry soft and pliable vs. a standard acrylic paint that would be hard and would crack. I also used my Dynasty Black Silver and Faux Sable brushes. The rest was done freehand I kept my drawings fun and easy."


Other news from Tracy:
"I also had the opportunity to teach a denim painting class in February at one of my local wineries. 20 students join me for an afternoon of painting and wine. I captured that fun here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v26P_z6bvOI&t=30s

I have a membership group called Your Artful Journey: www.yourartfuljourney.com.
This is for members only where monthly you get:
  • Monthly Art Classes
  • Monthly Art Challenges and Prompts
  • Monthly FB LIVES "Wine with Wein" - exclusive access to Tracy for Q & A
  • Private Facebook Community
  • ...and so much love and support! 

To get on the waitlist: https://www.yourartfuljourney.com/waitlist. You will be notified of all events including free ones coming your way.  
For more information please join me on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/tracyweinzapfelstudios Every Wednesday I am on Facebook LIVE from my Studio at 5:30 pm (PST). I have different topics every week to inspire you to be creative in all you do!

Our thanks to Tracy for sharing her expertise with us! To learn more about Tracy and all of our Dynasty Artists, please visit our website

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