Thursday, February 12, 2009

techniques and sources


Here is the result from the painted background technique on the ICE Altered Book Yahoo group.

Used in my altered book "Master Keys of Life" Key #2 Love with all your heart!


Note: Lots of neat free vintage images available at http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/


AND here's a simple idea for recycling old art work and creating new background papers.


Watercolor and Mixed Media Background Technique #1

1. Choose an old watercolor painting you know longer wish to keep.

2. Cover with Gesso (an acrylic prep medium). Run a texture comb or plastic fork through the wet Gesso in various patterns. Dry thoroughly.

3. Paint over the textured Gesso with various watercolors. Use at least 2 colors that work well together. No more than three is recommended. You don't want a muddy color. Dry again.

4. Stamp with a color similar to the paints used. Dry thoroughly again.

5. Stamp with the same or similar themed stamp using Gesso as you stamp ink. (Spread a thin coat of Gesso on a palette and press stamp into it just like a stamp pad and press on surface. Clean stamp thoroughly with a damp toothbrush when you are finished to protect your stamp surface.

6. Dry the sheet completely and use like you would any other decorative paper. Punch, cut, layer and make collages and backgrounds for collages. The images will be original and exclusively yours.

7. This idea works with any media you are already using, acrylics, inks, paste paints, collage, etc. Have fun and don't try to have any preconceived ideas.


8. Use your paper for notecards, altered books, collage and any all mixed media creations.

1 comment:

Linda East said...

This is beautiful Chris...great job. I am going to try it...Luv Mum

Create & Share

Linda (Okla)