Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Preparing a Painting Background

I've had a few questions about the painting backgrounds I prepare, so I thought I'd take some step-by-step photos as I play with a new one here. At first, I cut out papers I like (these are from scrapbook pads, but you can use anything you like) and sort of arrange them on the page.

Because I don't sketch out my image before I start, I don't plan where I adhere the paper. I just sort of arrange it as I like it. I took the picture above and then decided to add another couple of pieces.
Then, I put a large piece of cardboard over top of my watercolor block and flipped the papers over. That gives me an idea of how I had them arranged. The flip side looks interesting, too...
I then take the Golden Soft Gel (Matte) medium and cover the watercolor paper and start gluing on the different pieces of paper (watch out for air bubbles), making sure I also go over them with the glue so that everything is completely covered by the end. That gives this layer a nice protective cover and won't allow the paints to seep into the paper. That will help to preserve the color if I decide to let it come through later on.
When I had it all done, I added yet two more pieces of paper and then it looked balanced to me. I was thinking how funny it is that I take such joy in selecting and arranging the paper even though when the painting is all done, you may not see any of it anymore. But I guess I still know it's there...
After I let that dry thoroughly, I crumpled up tissue paper and applied a layer of that over the pretty papers. I love the muted look and also the texture I get from the tissue paper. This time, I had used up all my gel medium, so I used Matte Modge Podge, which is a sealant and glue and works quite well for this. It's a little more liquid and sometimes easier to handle, especially with delicate papers.
As I keep taking pictures, you'll see that I work additive as well as subtractive. Here, I decided to take a few corners of the tissue paper and tear it away to allow a nice contrast between the muted, covered papers and the brightly colored ones. I like that - it'll make for a nice effect and great texture when I start adding paint.
That's how far I got today. I hope you find this interesting. I should say that I don't have anything in mind for this painting, I'm simply going with the flow and doing what I feel inspired to do. Next, I'll apply some color. Stay tuned...

23 comments:

  1. thanks for showing your process, it's always good to see how others start off a painting :)
    Micki x

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  2. Wow this was interesting.Im not an artist but its great to know.I do some sketching once in a while when I have some time,lol.Nice to see you on my blog, thanks for following!

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  3. Wow I didn´t know that you did all this work to get your nice background! Great to see how you work! Looking forward to see more pictures as the work progress! Hugs, Annika

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  4. I like the result and the textures, your artwork is wonderful


    & welcome to she who blogs!

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  5. thanks for sharing this tutorial on your process, I may try something like this myself! I can't wait for the next step, it's always so much fun to watch the creative process!

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  6. I love it when this much effort is put out just to prepare the surface! By the time the finished project reveals itself to you, there will be so much creative energy built up in it that you can't help but stare at the intricacies. Beautiful.

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  7. Wonderful technique and so nice of you to share!
    Hope you're doing well Silke! I've been struggling with computer issues at home and a busy month at work so I've been a little absent. Oooops! Hope to get back in the swing of things soon!

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  8. It looks lovely Silke! I use Golden's Soft Gel Matte all the time!! It's great stuff!!

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  9. You and Manon! Golden Girls! This looks interesting. Good morning Sunshine!

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  10. You have a wonderful eye Silke...choosing the papers is an important part of the process I think -- the colours and patterns must help get you into the mood. I also love what you did with the tissue paper...makes a very nice effect.

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  11. Oh Silke, thank you for sharing this, it's facinating to me, i love seeing the process. i had no idea you literally took each step this way. is this part that you showed here done in a day, a few days?
    it looks pretty as it is, the colors and papers are lovely.
    i'm really excited to see what comes next.
    (still not brave enough to try myself though)
    thank you again,
    love,
    lori

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  12. It's fascinating...I can't wait to see what you do next. I'm just starting to learn about the joy of paper and cloth together....
    I'll be back to see what's next..
    enjoy
    ps...I'm part of the One World, One Heart give away...so stop by..

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  13. This is awesome, love how you arrange your collage and then tissue paper over it. Thank you for sharing this.
    Looking forward to your finished creation.

    Hugs!

    Julie

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  14. Silke, I have an award waiting for you! Feel free to pass it on or you can simply enjoy it on my blog. Hugs, Jamie

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  15. I love to see your painting taking shape. It is amazing that so much work goes into the background, but I'm sure all those different papers make for a very interesting texture.

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  16. Oh, this truly looks intriguing!!! :) Theresa

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  17. Thank you Silke. You are much too kind. My drawing is okay I guess. I think I got carried away by drawing so many trees. It reminds me of the forest at my father-in-law's home, it actually scares me to venture deep into the woods because I am afraid of animals. I drew 13 smiley faces on this drawing and three lizards but I can't scan the entire drawing. It will only scan a fourth at a time.

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  18. Silke, I really appreciate this post as I am just beginning to do decoupage and cut and paste, etc. That looks fabulous so far and I can hardly wait to see what you paint on it. Thanks for sharing this and I will probably refer to it from time to time.

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  19. That was amazing. Silke. I love the way you walked through the whole thing & with photos too. I think you win the "Post of the day" award:>) Thanks so much for sharing with all of us! Hugs, Diane

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  20. Everything about art interests me!

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  21. Thanks for sharing, Silke! Love those papers you are using!

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  22. Thank you for this! I've been wanting to try this and seeing it broken down and explained in such a way is so inspiring and helpful. I might be feeling brave enough to give it a try!

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