Tips for belly paintings

I put out a request on facebook for a pregnant lady about 8 months along to sit for me and I actually got 3 takers within a few hours! I'm doing it tomorrow evening for the first one because she's being induced next week so we have to hurry before there's no bump to paint

This will be my first. Any tips ya'll can give me? I'm bringing black sheets to put underneath her on the couch so we don't get paint on it, and I told her to wear clothes that she wouldn't mind getting paint on. I plan on letting her stand up and walk around every 20 minutes or so. Anything else I need to know?

I rest my hand on the belly to help keep things steady - but not so great when you've painted where you rest your hand! I ended up grabbing a hand towel to lay under my hand, and avoided smudging that way

Have fun and post pix!

Thanks Kristal! I'm so looking forward to it. I've wanted to do one for a long time but never knew anyone who was even pregnant. Then I thought of just putting a request on facebook and I almost got overwhelmed! So now I know there's a market for it in this area. I wasn't sure before. For this one I'm just going to take pics with my little digital camera, but for the next one, I have a professional photographer going to come and take some shots. I'm hoping we can work together on future projects. And I'll definitely post pics when I'm done... I'm just hoping it comes out good.

If you are going to do some nice shots, have something in mind for mommy to wear. Like a flowy skirt that she can tuck under the belly. And a long scarf is good to make a top out of, like bandeau (did I spell that right?).

Be prepared for baby to move underneath your brush, it's not much, but it's wonderful!

Hopefully you'll make some repeat customers... 1st birthday party, 2nd birthday party....

Make sure mom gets lots to drink and she goes to the bathroom before you start

I've not done a belly painting before, but don't you usually have the mom sit, slightly reclined? I was thinking standing for a long time might be very uncomfortable for the mom. Any advice is this area from some belly experts?

You'll want her to stand when you "sketch" the layout, cause the belly elongates some when she's standing, then reclining for painting to get the most access to the belly.

reclined with a slight tilt onto her left side if you can, better for the baby that way

Great tips ladies. I haven't ventured into prenatal land myself for various reasons. Would like to one day.

Clean her belly before you start - moms love to rub coco butter in constantly to avoid stretch marks.

Great tips everyone!

You might want to pack a small pillow or roll a towel to reduce the stress for the space between her lower back or one at the neck area to make it more comfortable on the recline.

Decorative props and a backdrop for your photo shoot. Perhaps bring a CD for ambiance!

GOOD LUCK & HAVE FUN it's an amazing experience to work on a suberb canvas, quite relaxing for the mother-to-be and therapeutic for the painter. Can't wait to see the results

I just finished! I had so much fun! She was a joy to work with and never even wanted to take one break. Her husband was there as well and they just both giggled at everything and thought it was such a wonder!

I was very nervous so the painting didn't come out quite as I had planned, so I'm glad this was just a practice run... although the mom thought it was perfect! The nursery was all in pink ballerinas, so I had the baby sleeping on a bed of roses and leaves, wearing a pink tutu

It's very nice! Great layout, and I love the words! Your roses are phenomenal. Wasn't it so much fun! It looks really good.

Great Job!

That looks awesome!

I'm amazed at how well moms do. The ones I've done only needed one break after a couple hours. I put them on those zero gravity chairs and they love it because it's so relaxing. I sketch out the design in white paint (very basic) just to figure out placement. Every belly is a slightly different shape. I don't refine my planning (paper) sketch too much because it's original art and will naturally flow. This will also increase your personal satisfaction if your paper sketch isn't too finished. I find it kinda spiritual because there's so much emotion wrapped up in the 'canvas'.

well done! looks good...

Beautiful! I know mom & dad were pleased! I love the tutu! I'm always feaarful of words:-)
You did great!