Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Christmas Card for 2013

Watercolour on Paper 2013
Christmas Card image developed for a recent workshop

Hand (dye) Painted Canvas 2010
The following two images are started in a similar way, as the birch trees were masked out first with narrow width masking tape. This technique worked both with painting in watercolour on paper as well as when painting with thickened dyes on fabric. Try not to place the tape too straight and evenly. Add a little sliver on the bottom trunk of the tree to thicken it. This is a time saving trick and tape can be used in many other masking situations.
After the background it painted, remove the tape and add in some details. The watercolour paint on the birch trees was applied with about a half inch piece of credit card. Leaving whites is one of the most difficult things to do when painting in watercolour and dyes. It requires planning ahead as the white of the fabric has to be saved rather than painting on a white paint/dye after the rest is completed.
What do you use masking tape for in painting and dyeing?

2 comments:

HollyM said...

I love the birch trees. I've not tried the masking tape specifically for trees. I'd like to find time to give it a try!

Win Dinn, Artist said...

Although I use masking tape for masking straight lines and geometric forms, I'd not thought of using it for the organic tree forms - very clever!