It's Suzanne here again today with a step back in time. This is from a swap we had way back in 2008. Artist Wendy Klassen contributed this technique for glorious backgrounds. The original article is here. Supplies:
Hot Press Watercolour Paper
Gesso
Newspaper
Fluid Acrylic Paint
- Paint a small patch of gesso onto the watercolour paper. I usually do a 2"x2"square or triangle. Use enough gesso that it won't dry immediately, but don't put it on too thick, either. The good old trial-and-error method will show you how much is too much
- Lay the newspaper over the painted patch, and rub gently to ensure full contact with the gesso. Leave in place for a slow count of 10-15. Again, trial and error will show you how much time you need.
- Slowly peel back the newspaper. If you've done it right, you will see a mirror-image of the text left behind on the gesso.
If you've inadvertently left the newspaper on too long, some of the paper may be left adhering to the gesso when you pull the newspaper back. This is not a problem. It absorbs the paint differently than the rest of it, and looks interesting. Remember, there are no mistakes here, only opportunities :) - Repeat the above steps till the entire surface is covered with print/gesso. Remember to rotate the newspaper each time for visual interest. Also, try to use various sizes of fonts (headlines or ads, for example). Pictures usually look interesting too.
Let it dry for a while (although, if it's still damp in spots when you start painting, that gives an interesting effect too...) - Time to get out the paints. For this one, I used pthalo blue (red hue), quinacridone crimson, transparent yellow oxide, burnt umber (light) and iridescent copper light (fine). Also a nice big paint brush.
- Dilute a blob of paint with a lot of water. You want a very translucent coat of paint, so you can still see the newsprinting through it. Start painting! Leave plenty of white space on your first coat, so the other colours can glow through.
