Experiments

I've been experimenting, again, with color, style and subject. Let me know which you like best.

Backgrounds

When I was only painting in watercolor, my biggest difficulty was always the backgrounds. In watercolor, you can't cover a background with out seeing it through the painting. For a portrait, this was unacceptable to me. Many times I just left the backgrounds out, but the painting always seemed unfinished.

However, with collage, you can always put paper over the background and have something fresh to paint on. My collage teacher gave us an assignment to create a watercolor background using several easy techniques and it opened up a whole new dimension to my artwork. Now, I experiment with just about everything and I love it.

If you are interested in mixed media work, I encourage you to try some of the following for a background that is more than paper. These techniques work well for watercolor, but can also be used for thin acrylics.

1. Salt: Put a wet wash of color on your paper (dark or bright colors work best) and sprinkle with salt while the paint is still wet and let dry, then dust off salt. I use table salt, but many people prefer kosher salt as the effect is more dramatic.

salt and paperclips

2. Plastic wrap or bag: Again, put a wet wash on your paper. While the paint is still wet, lay the plastic wrap/bag over it and press down slightly. The idea is to leave in some wrinkles. Let the painting dry and remove the wrap. This technique is especially good for painting foliage or rock formations.

plastic wrap (right side) and stencils

3. Stencils: This technique can be used after the painting is dry and at anytime in the process. You can stencil with paint, gesso or molding paste for varying techniques. When using watercolor, you will have to be sure that your paint is not too wet, as it will leak under the stencil. I just hold my stencil down with my hand, but I imagine you could use a light tack spray (just test it first to make sure that it doesn't leave a residue.

4. Stamps: Various mediums can be stamped onto your painting at anytime in the process. I've used watercolor, watercolor pencil and marker. To use watercolor pencil, just wet the stamp lightly and rub the pencil over the stamp. I find this technique works better than plain watercolor on intricate stamps. I've also stamped into molding paste and gesso. Make sure you clean your stamps after use. In addition to rubber stamps, you can stamp with various bottle caps and other found objects.

Spatter and found object stamp

5. Placed objects: For this technique, use a dark, wet wash and lie objects it and allow to dry, removing the objects afterwards. Slightly heavy objects work best, particularly paperclips, keys and other metal objects. (see above photo under "Salt")

6. String: Use string on a wet wash. Wet the string prior to laying it on the wash. You may want to add additional wet paint on top of the string. Let it dry completely for best results.

string an found object stamps

7. Splatter: This can be used on wet or dry surfaces for various results. You can use a toothbrush, paintbrush or special splatter tool to apply the paint splatter.

These are just some of the various techniques I use and I'm always experimenting. I encourage you to try some, even if they don't "fit" your style. It's always good to shake things up.

A great resource is Surface Treatment Workshop by McElroy & Wilson. This book uses acrylics as their main medium, but most of the techniques can be applied to watercolor as well. It can be found at amazon.com.

Another reason I love Fridays

Every other Friday my AVON orders are delivered. I love it. It's like getting a present. The first thing I do, after opening the box, is take out a new catalog and all the Rep. brochures. Then I look at all the wonderful product. I'm always slightly disappointed that I can't break the seals all my clients product and try them out; especially the body washes and bubble baths. Luckily, there are no seals on the jewelry, so I always take a peek. I go through the catalogs and pick out all the things I want to order. I am my own best customer...thank goodness for representative discounts!

It amazes me that people don't appreciate the real quality behind AVON's products. I'm always educating potential clients to the fact that AVON has a huge research facility in upstate NY. AVON was the first company to develop alpha hydroxide, retinal and other super skin care chemicals for use in their products. That many of the high end companies have copied their products...even their packaging. That they've been in business for over 125 years and are a Fortune 500 company. Our CEO, Andrea Jung, is the first women CEO of a Fortune 500 company. AVON was the first multilevel marketing country in the USA...before AMWAY. Plus, they are the largest contributor to breast cancer research in the country (possibly the world). AVON also supports anti-domestic violence programs and, with their "Hello Green Tomorrow" program, environmental causes. Reese Witherspoon is our spokeswomen and wears our products. Fergie, Patrick Dempsey and Derek Jeter all have fragrance lines with AVON. Jillian Dempsey (Patrick's wife) is AVON's Global Color Director with her own line of cosmetics.
Their products have won top awards from such fashion magazine as "Allure" and "Marie Clarie." Too many people seem to equate low cost items with low quality, but AVON products are low cost because the are sold by independent representatives and not department or specialty stores. AVON sells more than cosmetics. We sell hair care products (Fergie is the hair care spokes person), sun screens, bug repellants, fragrances, custom and sterling silver jewelry, watches, shoes, clothes, the best priced and best smelling deoderant anywhere (only 99 cents) and, just recently, Tiny Tillia infant clothing. Ummm...sorry, I get a bit heated about this. I just can't understand why someone would spend 2-3 times the price for a similar or lower quality product.

Anyhow, I love Fridays.

some of my collages