NTNA Pre Challenge #2 - Unlocking Color

Prep the nails.  

Apply tips and lay acrylic. File and buff nails. Apply gel top coat and cure under UV light for 2 min.  

Apply first color to nail with fine brush using acrylic paint. Let dry completely. Apply gel top coat and cure under UV light for 2 min. Repeat these steps using multiple colors. After each color apply gel top coat. Each layer will create shadows and depth within the nail.  

After you have the base colors finalized, begin applying metallic paints using a toothpick. In this design I used a dot formation.  

Using a silver metallic paint, begin creating your design element. Outline in black and highlight with a silver glitter paint. I chose to paint a lock and key symbolizing the release of color in this piece.  

Here is the view of the finished lock and key design. Once completely dry, seal with a gel top coat and cure under UV light for 2 min.  

Next I worked on the thumb. I applied several dots of gel using the same color palate as on the fingers. Swirl the design together using a toothpick. Cure under UV light, then apply gel top coat. Then hand paint the artist's signature. Once completely dry, seal with gel top coat and cure under UV light for 2 min. I followed the same process to create the white and silver lines on each finger. I feel these lines bring the whole piece together.  

Here is the final product! The nails together represent an Alter Egoz work of art on canvas. The thumb is representing the artist’s signature at the top.