How to Paint with Smoke

Reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson

Last Updated: May 13, 2024

Maybe you’ve painted before, but did you know you can paint with smoke? This art known as “fumage” has been practiced by many visionary artists, including well-known surrealist Salvador Dali. We’re here to teach you how to start using this delicate medium to create exciting new textures and patterns. Read on to learn how you can create your own smoke-based masterpiece.

Steps

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If you do not have a work area that you can afford to mark with wax drippings, lay out a covering (such as an old tablecloth) to catch the dripping wax.
You'll need to work from beneath the canvas most of the time, so you may want to hang it from an elevated position, but if you can manage to hold it with one hand, you can use your non-dominant hand to change its angle as the candle's flame moves across the surface.^{[1]
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Slender candles work best, but feel free to experiment. It's helpful to keep a pillar candle lit nearby to quickly re-light the one in use.^{[2]
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As you guide the candle just beneath the canvas, you will see dark shapes forming on the surface of your canvas.
The best way to "learn" fumage is to experiment with it. See what effects you can get by using tilting the canvas or the candle slightly, or by moving the candle at different speeds or in different patterns of motion. For more information, see the "tips" section below.^{[3]
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When you are satisfied with your design, apply the fixative (a stabilizing or preserving agent, such as varnish) to keep it from smearing. Before you do so, you may wish to intentionally smear some of the soot marks with your hand, a brush, or some other implement.
Wolfgang Paalen, the father of fumage, quickly progressed toward using fumage as a catalyst for his artworks, the seed from which the whole work would spring forth. With the fumage work providing his starting point, he would then add layers of oil paint, for example, to fully express his artistic vision. You can apply other media to the canvas either before or after you apply the fixative.

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Would it not burn the paper?

Community Answer

No, smoke alone will not burn it, as long as the heat source is kept a safe distance.

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Tips

Vary candle width/length and wick length. Longer wicks allow for more fluid patterning. Short wicks are good for darker applications, filling in certain areas.

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Vary the angle at which you hold the candle. For example, when the flame is directly perpendicular to the surface, it will make a circle.

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Before you apply the fixative try using different-sized erasers to create patterns in the smoke design. Using this apply/erase method, detailed layering is possible.

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Warnings

Always be aware of how close the flame is to the surface. This is why it is best to work from below, or at an angle where the surface is always visible to you. Otherwise, you can easily burn the surface.

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Spray fixative in a well-ventilated area, away from all flames.

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Keep flammable items away from your work area.

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As always, when working with fire, be careful of flames as you run a risk of getting burned.

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Never attempt fumage without adult supervision.

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To avoid fire or scorching, do not hold a flame to canvas for a long period of time. If you are using paper, you'll need to be especially careful.

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Things You'll Need

Fire extinguisher.
Candles.
A "canvas" or base of some sort: paper (at least 100 lb. weight, preferably heavier,) illustration/Bristol board, Masonite (gessoed to make the surface more receptive), wood, or fiberboard, etc.
Fixative (Fixatives used for charcoal or pencil drawings are appropriate, and may be purchased at your local art supply store).
Matches/lighter.
Flame retardant floor covering/workbench.