MORE PHOTO PAPER PAINTINGS

The above images are the result of todays efforts. They are in the order of my happiness with the results, not in the order they were created. I usually spare you the disasters but I thought I would show some today.

A comment from my last post by Ginny asked me to go into more detail about the paper I am using. That request made we want to share a little more about how I work and what I hope to inspire in those of you who want to explore a little more beyond what you are already doing.

I, too, want to know all the details about techniques and processes, but the truth is I do my most inventive work when I know next to nothing! I feel that too much detailed information often stifles exploration. Many times exciting discoveries happen because we don't know we can't do something. Most of the time all we need is a seed of an idea. Then each of us will take that seed and water it with questions that pop into our minds and fertilize it with our own special mix.

Years ago, I read just one line in an article that stated they used the microwave to dye fabric. At the time I was working with dyes and fabric but had never thought about using a microwave. I had no instructions, only the seed of an idea and basic knowledge about a microwave. I eventually developed some wonderful techniques and some unique results through trial and error. Any disasters? Well, I did set some one's microwave on fire! Turns out wet embroidery thread will get hot enough to have spontaneous combustion. No serious damage. Anyway, if I had had detailed instructions, I probably would not have come up with unique ideas of my own.

So, now I am exploring photo paper. I am trying different kinds and applying combinations of techniques and art products I have used on other papers. I started with the photo paper I had on hand. Cheap Costco glossy 8.5 x 11 sheets. Some of the ideas I think I can apply to YUPO if I want to work larger. It looks like cheaper is better for my purposes. Large format sizes only come in high end quality glossy photo paper. Turns out the coating on these papers aren't suitable for watercolor.

I have tried watercolor sticks, Dr. Martin's Hydrus Watercolor, drawing with wc pencils, dip pen, sharpened match stick, stamping, collage, splattering, blotting, washing off, and spraying. I have over stamped, over worked and over splattered. I have made some exciting discoveries and I'm just getting started. Some of these experiments I like and some I don't but I'm having a ball in the process. Oh, yes, and I didn't even start a fire in the microwave!

YUPO....MOVE OVER!

At Critique on Thursday, my friend, Karen Wong, told me she had painted on photo paper and it turned out very interesting. Well, that certainly got my attention. Today I had a few moments to try it myself. WOW! I love it!! I used my Daniel Smith Watercolor Sticks by taking a wet brush and picking up color, then applying it to the paper. One could use any watercolor paint. I messed around with several techniques I learned for YUPO and then let it dry. I added the lines at the end with a dip pen dipped into full strength Dr Martin's Hydrus liquid watercolor.

If you give it a try, send me your images and I will make a slide show. Haven't done that for awhile and I miss seeing what everyone is coming up with.

Now I'm off to find larger pieces of photo paper!