Laura Gyre has been a freelance writer for three years, primarily producing web content. She has also trained and worked as an illustrator, crafter, caterer, yoga teacher, and massage therapist, and is currently studying holistic herbalism. Gyre has a Bachelor of Arts in history and anthropology from Carnegie Mellon University.
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Art SuppliesWhat Is an Art Projector?
An art projector is a simple machine that projects an image from a small drawing or photograph onto a large surface such as a larger piece of paper or a wall. Viewing an enlarged image is useful for viewing art, for temporary decorative purposes or, in most cases, as a method to trace the outline and transfer the image onto the larger surface as the basis of a large-scale project.
How Does an Art Projector Work?
An art projector works in a very simple way. The open base of the projector is placed on top of a flat image such as a picture in a book. Inside the projector are a lightbulb and mirror. The lightbulb illuminates the image. The mirror, positioned at a 45-degree angle, reflects the image onto a larger surface through a lens. The operator can adjust the lens (moving the lens closer to or farther from the mirror) to make the final projected image larger or smaller, and as crisp as possible.
How Is an Art Projector Used?
Start with an image small enough to fit under the base of the projector. The image should have a lot of contrast in order to show up well; a black line drawing on white paper works well. If you want to transfer an image to a larger piece of paper, fasten the paper to a wall or other vertical surface. Turn on the projector. Adjust the lens and move the projector closer to or farther away from the paper until the image is as large as you want and as clear as possible. Trace the projected image onto the final surface with pencil.
