Overhead projectors can be used to increase the scale of a design, allowing you to copy it easily onto a larger surface. You can use this technique to copy your own images or those of other artists onto large-scale paper or canvas---or even directly onto your wall, if you want to make a more permanent decorative statement---and you can make large-scale works for much cheaper than the cost of photo enlargement, adding your own creative touch to any space.
Instructions
Setup
1. Place the paper or canvas onto which you will be copying your design. You should select a large, smooth wall or similar place where you can lay the paper or canvas flat so that it will not wrinkle. Make sure to attach the paper or canvas firmly to your surface so that it will not slide around while you are drawing or painting on it.
2. Locate your overhead projector in front of the surface onto which you will be tracing your design. Check for angle and placement, making sure that you will be tracing your design at the right scale and onto the correct part of the paper or canvas.
3. Draw or place your design on the projector. It is best to use a ready-made design---either your own or one you have found---as you won't have to worry about being blinded by the projector or using excess energy, but it is also possible to create your design directly on the projector. Turn the projector on and center the image onto your projection surface.
Tracing
4. Using your tracing tool---a pencil, a marker, paint and brush, whatever you choose---and begin to trace the outline of your design onto your surface. To save time, work with one color or on one part of the design at once.
5. Allow wet areas of the image (if you are working with paint, paint markers or other wet tools) to dry so that you do not smudge them while working on other parts of the design.
6. Repeat the first two steps until you have a complete tracing of your image.
