Painting Hack Practice Sheet Magnet Hold Down

When painting I like to practice before I start my actual art work. I paint a lot on metal, so I needed a surface to simulate the surface tension. Also, I like to work based on a grid patterns. I use to draw grids on dollar store cookie sheets then practice paint on them (see step 2 for old set up example).

To save time: I came up with using clear overhead sheets over a paper grid held down with magnets on a cookie sheet. (see step 1 for new practice sheet)

It really works out great.

Supplies

4X 1/4 inch diameter by 1/8 inch height rare earth magnet

1X cookie sheet

1X 8.5 inch by 11 inch paper grid

• ruler
• sharpie / dark marker

As needed 8.5 inch by 11 inch clear overhead projector sheet

Step 1: New Set Up Practice Area

With the blank white paper - I made a grid pattern on paper using a ruler and sharpie (dark marker).

After the grid it is as simple of putting on the cookie sheet,

put the clear over the top and hold it down with magnets.

(I use cookie sheets because they are made of steel and magnets stick to them: plus the are great to keep the paint area cleaner)

Can use either side of cookie sheet to stick on.

Nice thing about using these sheets is that I can paint on them, pull the magnets off and set aside to dry and put a new sheet on and keep practicing.

Also note, if you want to see what multiple colors or designs will look like - you can just overlay them when dried.

Also, also note. You can put patterns under - instead of the grid paper to practice.

Step 2: Old Practice Area

Just wanted to show an old practice sheet, I use to have to degrease / wax remove these sheets. then I would draw a grid with water color pencils. I would paint let dry then wipe pencil marks away. I would do both sides. some I gave away, but people can only take so many. Now in my workshop I have painted cookie sheets everywhere. It makes me happy.

Oh, I thought having clean metal to paint on for 1 dollar was a good deal.

the new practice sheet costs less and is faster to set up.