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Question:
Name: Dawn G.
I want to begin handcoloring black and whites of my own. (Just for fun, not business). I tried a few products from the local craft store. One product that was easy to work with, was far too dark but looked pretty good with a wash from another product. I'm really just looking for advice on products (not expensive). Are finished photos usually treated chemically before handcoloring? What is the usual chemical and where can I find it? Thanks so much.

Answer:
Dear Dawn,
The easiest way to start is to work with a matt surface paper. Either RC ART or any matte surface fiber paper. They take any type of material you want to use, while most glossy papers are more difficult to get things to stick evenly (although not impossible.) Marshall photo oils come in packages of oil paints as well as pencils. Berol Prismacolors are good soft pencils that are not very expensive.

I do not treat my paper with anything before or after I paint. There are a lot of good books on hand painting (there is a chapter in my book, Photo Imaging*) out now as well as good web-sites to look at that will help you with more tips. Check out www.handcolor.com which has contests for people working in this medium.

*Ms. Enfield is referring to "Photo Imaging, A Complete Guide To Alternative Techniques" Item #53997.

Best,
Jill Enfield