49 Replies

Dear Karen …Ive dabbed a little in painting on cakes….Im no expert but Ive tried 2 to three ways of painting on cakes
U can melt cocoa butter and then use powdered edible colours and paint with that. It gives the effect of an oil painting. Or You can use edible gel paints with vodka. Hope that helpsx

Karen, I haven’t tried it either but I do have these tutorials:

http://www.craftsy.com/class/the-hand-painted-cake/180?ct=sbqii-sqjuweho-dum&ctp=2&rceId=1429906014682~biqsgin1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7qatLxwyaY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN6MlStBL1k

Hi Karen…. Please please do not be intimidated….. For more years than I care to remember I’ve been telling and encouraging people to paint if they feel so inclined to… I’ve proved it over again and have seen people paint, when they were convinced they weren’t artists… I did an online class for Pretty Witty Cakes, which is all on hand painting and all the tips and things need to know.. It’s been a great success and get loads of feedback on it… It was these I did the online class…step by step… I used cocoa butter for these. And I also show how I use it too.
Herecis the link: https://www.prettywittycakes.co.uk/projects/photorealistic-flower-cupcakes-project
I’m a firm believer and say it (as nauseum) that we are all artists, it’s just a matter of tapping into the right side of the brain… There is a book I have to someone, which I read as well as it brilliant for people such as yourself, wanting to bring out your creative side.. It’s called “The Artists Way” it’s a deep and meaningful book on so many levels, but it’s a big eye opener.. A good read on developing your inner artist. Here is just one link to source it… It is this book. http://books.google.co.uk/books/about/The_Artist_s_Way.html?id=N82aqC0P2rsC&redir_esc=y … I gave my book to someone who said she wanted to be an artist and is now painting away happily I see and gone on to do workshops… And yes, workshops are Another source of learning.
If you have the desire, and if there is something that inspires you, then you are already halfway there… The rest is just practise and study deeply what y are painting. Look close at the colours and don’t be afraid to play around mixing them as you’ll. e surprised what fabulous colours you can create.ckeep a log of these colours so y don’t forget. Make a colour chart as well. Take your time… And enjoy it. I was not trained as a painter, but as a graphics designer so only did Commerial stuff like textiles, posters, flat 2D stuff, stylised stuff…it was only in 2008 I picked up oils and a canvas and did two paintings… I have had no training in oils (only graphics and advertising and design) , but used to watch an artist friend of mine paint, and so started to practise.
I also use colour dusts with vodka to paint with too… .
Yes, follow Goreti’s advise and look at all the online videos available… There are many really good ones.. And Craftsy as well… It’s good to look at them all as each shares their own technique.. And from there you can develop your own style and understanding of colour.. Get a few boards, cover them with fondant and practise… You soon will be one familiar with the painting and using brushes…
Please feel free to contact me any time… More than happy to help… I get messaged all the time and love sharing what I know..
Here is a pic of cupcake toppers I did for an online class…

Hi Karen
I sure am no expert, i’ll allow myself to answer you for the colors.
For a start up palette, the main colors you might need are the 3 primary colors (red, blue, yellow), and some white and black.
Red + Blue = Purple
Red + Yellow = Orange
Blue + Yellow = Green
Good luck with your paintings
Serena

My lovely ladies xxx I knew I could depend on you all. Thanks Simrin for your information on mediums that’s a great help, and thanks Goreti for the links which I’m going to look at now. Calli, you are awesome and I’m inspired now to cover some boards and give it a try. When I was young I was reasonable at art. I was going to do an O level in it (that’s how old I am!!). I loved art and design and my dream was to be a window dresser for Harrods!!…….But Dad had other ideas and wanted me to get to work and bring home some board. So I became a machinist in a local factory, then through the years I worked as a pattern cutter and now work in my ‘day job’ as a Senior Garment Technologist on the retail side of fashion for a TV shopping channel….so I did well, but not at what I wanted to do……..anyhoo……..my artwork got shelved for MANY years, until I found fondant!! And now I’m itching to know if I can still draw and paint. So with you lovely ladies encouragement I’m going to give it a whirl. I just worry what happens if you make a mistake? Do you just take it off with Vodka? I’m going to stop trying to put barriers in front of me and just have a go. What’s the worst that could happen……at least I can just eat it and hide the evidence!!

Serena, thank you for your help on starter colours. I’m going to order some asap x

Ahhhh Karen, you are so welcome… Yes, starting with the basic colours and mixing them will create a bigger palette.
You see, that artist is still there… I only started art classes at school in my OLevel year (Yep showing my age too hahaha) as it was only then I decided that I did not want to persue a piano career… But as I loved to draw at home, from very young, art became my next focus.. By some Miracle I passes art and went to graphic college. The rest is history…
Please feel free to ask any questions and happy to help with what knowledge I have to share..
There are many artists here on Cakes Decor.. So between us all, we can give you advise… You’ll be painting in no time at all
Hugs xxx

Thanks Calli, I can imagine you as a pianist. There are some amazing artists on CD and I love to see everyone’s work xx

Goreti the links are a great place to start, thank you, I know I’ll visit them again and again xx
Calli the course looks great, I’ll look into that with Pretty Witty. I was a member with them before, but needed to cut back on outgoings and they were getting expensive. The Artists way looks really inspiring. I’ll definitely look into that. I did an Angel course last Summer which helped me to tune in and understand some of the things I always suspected about my spiritual side. And I now have a greater understanding and calm. I know I’m never alone, and my Angels are definitely coming up with the goods these days. I know that sounds weird…but I’ve started to open my mind and I’m learning nothing’s impossible if you just ask and believe. It’s the believing in me that’s the hard bit..lol xx

OMGosh Calli! Wonderful detailed answer. I love your work and will have to come back and study your reply, in detail.
I am yet to try cocoa butter, but it is on my list of “things to do”.
Karen, I have mainly used progel colours mixed with vodka. I just love their range of colours. Other than that, my inspiration just comes from canvas artists that I recognise and love.
No training or classes (although they are also on my “to do list”)!
Have a crack at it! You will love it!

I won a book at my cake club Karen. Perfect for me. Has the basics, well explained, lists all tools etc. needed. Painting flowers on cakes.
Pasted below. Hope this helps.
Search Press | Painting Flowers on Cakes by Stephanie Weightman
www.searchpress.com/book/9781844489510/painting-flowers-on-cakes

Ladies you are awesome!! Thanks Julez, I’ll look and see if you can get progel in the uk. June this book looks interesting. I’ll try Amazon and see if they have it.
Thanks again everyone. I’m feeling very inspired xxx Bring it on!!

I just bought “The Painted Cake” by Natasha Collins. I think it gives lots of good info on mixing colors and so forth. A great way to encourage yourself to paint on cakes is to start on paper. Start with an image and paper the same size. Fold both in fourths. Then keep with me, fold the image till only one square of the four can be seen. Paint each square individually. To make it even easier trick your brain by making sure the picture is being painted upside down. Part of intimidation with painting is the thought of painting the whole thing. If you trick your brain and paint it upside down your brain sees shapes vs say a cat. Once you realize you can paint then you will have more confidence and will see shapes instead of a whole to paint. Hope that makes sense.

Oh Jamie what a FANTASTIC tip!!! xx I love this and going to give it a try today. If I can detach myself from the finished image it’ll be more like doing a jigsaw… Love this!!! And thanks for the tip on the book too xx

I also use gel colours with vodka, any brand will do (and yes you can get progel here) I’ve used sugar flair, Wilton and progel.

I used to be so scared but now it’s one of my favourite things to do…the most relaxing way to decorate a cake! I’ve found some helpful tips and techniques by reading art blogs found via Pinterest. It’s not specifically for cake but it seems to be transferable. I’m not amazing by any means but my confidence is growing. Do have a try!!!

Dusts and cocoa butter are on my wish list :)

Jaime that’s a fabulous tip… Yes, working with negative shapes creates more accurate as your not looking at the actual object. I learnt that at college when trying to draw a model in life drawing.
It’s wonderful to read all you artists tips and ways to create here… I’m leaning too, thanks all… Artists are always learning.. Great topic to raise Karen. Awakening all artists :)

I’m loving this thread!! Feeling really prepped up and ready to go xx
Thank you Custom Cakery, for confirming mediums, and your work is beautiful. You’re last cake posted is sooo pretty, and I’m going to be looking out for everyones painted cakes even more now!! xx

Enjoy it Karen.,, well I know you will. :)
We all learn from each other all the time… And… The best thing is we are all learning new things every day too, I’m all aspects of cake and art and confecfionery creativity …Hugs xxx

Karen I’m thinking of running a beginners painting workshop on that meadow cake and I’m not a million miles away so will let you know if I do (its about me being brave enough more than anything! Haha!)

I tried to do some painting on a cake but was not very satisfied with the result, so I was going to take some classes in water colours as someone told me that it is the closest technique to painting on cakes. Karen, are there any classes you might take just to get a grip on the basic techniques?

Thanks Custom cakery, hope you pluck up courage……yes Marlene, looks like I might do a course with Custom cakery………or perhaps a night class in watercolour!!

That is great!!! Sadly I am too far away from the UK to attend the course planned by Mel!!! Good luck to Mel for your planned beginners course and good luck to Karen on your painting projects!!!!

I’m running and intermediate/advanced course for a private group set up in Wokingham, but happy to set up one for the Northern region. I teach locally on general cake decorating stuff and do regular one to ones.
If anyone is interested in a one day painting workshop , please email me. :)

I’d happily host you here in Doncaster Calli as you know x

Oh Mel, that would be wonderful!! Thanks so much!! We can pick up convo on an email xx

I’m definately going to read back and click on links. I am always trying to get more realism with my painting. I enjoy reading and learning. My only issue is it’s harder for me to learn with the white gel. It is very different than white paint in properties and it throws me off.

What a great thread, thanks to Karen for posting and everyone who answered… I’m tempted to try too now!

Go on Sawsen xx If I can give it a go…………we all can!!!

Well my lovely ladies xx After much help, inform information and encouragement…here is my 1st attempt at what hopefully will be a new skill for me in the field of cake art.
I don’t think it’s very good, but it’s early days yet so I’m not going to work on cake yet……first things first. It is on fondant though.
Its sugar dusts mostly dry, with some details put in by using vodka to damp the brush. I got so carried away, I did it far too quickly, but didn’t know when to finish, so took a photo, then added the fence because I thought it need more depth to get the perspective (get me….talking like I know what I’m talking about!).
Don’t know why, but I felt like I was being naughty and doing something I shouldn’t be. But I did enjoy it. Probably broke all the rules too. But can’t wait to have a go on a ‘proper’ cake now. Come on ladies!! It’s fun. Thank you ladies for all your kind help. especially those lovelies who messaged me with tips and encouragement xxx Love you all so much xxx

Oh my Karen, this is lovely, lovely. You did a wonderful job.!!!

Wow! Karen that’s amazing! First go?! Just imagine what you’ll achieve in time. I’d love to see this on a cake! Really so impressive.

Totally agree. Its beautiful!! First time…. Wow!
Karen you have not in any way been naughty!!! Hahaha…. When it comes to art there are no rules. You’ve followed your heart and put yourself into it and creates your own style. My early cakes I also did “dry” painting. Creates a subtle airbrush effect. Love the fence as it adds perspective and distance.
Besutful and hope your going be doing a LOT more!!! Thanks for sharing with us and hope you enjoyed it x

Karen as you know I didn’t dare comment on here before because I am so awful at painting!!! Lol but it was a fantastic thread and amazing advise from Calli I loved reading it so much!! You have done an amazing job!!! I can’t believe thats your first painting!!! I couldn’t do that in a million years :-( I love it well done!!! xxx

Oh my treasured cake friends xx I’m humbled and proud.
The more I look at it, the more I think I might be able to do this.
I’ve had such fun this afternoon, and can’t wait to do more.
I think I’ve just started something that I think will help me to appreciate cake in a whole new way. Thanks again to each and every one of you and please use this thread to add your artwork too if I’ve inspired you to try it too xxxxxx

Oh wow! What an amazing job. I have a feeling we will now be seeing some beautifully paint cakes from you. Can’t wait.

Oh my goodness Karen!! This is absolutely stunning!! You are a wonderful artist! I did giggle at the ‘doing something naughty’ bit haha!! That makes it even better! :) I can’t wait to see your next painting projects. Well done Karen and full credit to you for taking the plunge!! :) Fantastic!! :) :) :) Love the fence, by the way. The whole creation is excellent! :) xx

Karen, this is beautiful, no one would/could have thought this is your first time. I wish i had 1% of your talent.
Can’t wait to see your next cakes.

Thanks Goreti, Fifi and Caprice xxx I’m gobsmacked at how supportive you all are, and REALLY. Give it a go xx
Special thanks to Calli and Fifi who’ve been my ‘virgin cake painting’ mentors for this initial project xxx

squeeeezie hugs Karen, keep ‘em comin’ :) :) :) xx

Wow what an amazing job!!! Love both versions, but prefer the one with the fence!!! Great job and keep up the good work!

Oh, I’m no mentor… Goodness me… I’m just a simple granny that is passionate about art…, you dont need a mentor anyway Karen. I, like some of the others here, encouraged you with a few guidelines. Youre already clearly an artist. A natural artist at that and already recognised colour and design, without training… I might add… Well done sweetpea. Can’t wait to see your next project :)

Oh Goodness Karen …you are a natural at it…this is soooooo good ! Woo hoo ..cant wait to see what u do on cakes now ! Brilliant !

I believe craftsy has a free painted cake tutorial. Showing the basics of gel and vodka/extract painting.

Calli there is nothing simple or granny about you my darling xxx
And you’re all very special to me xxx Thank you everyone so much xxxx

Karen that is brilliant :) I am definitely going to follow some of these links. One good tip I remember is squint your eyes so you basically see the outline before you put in the detail. The fence definitely adds something :) xx

Hahaha, sending hugs and loads of smiles, Karen x

Really beautiful job! !

You did an amazing job. Landscapes can be very hard and you nailed it. If you want stronger colors and for it to dry faster try lemon extract. You might love it more.

You’re welcome Calli x Thank you Ellie, Ann and Jamie, and thanks for the lemon tip Jamie too xxx x