Here is the slide show of the first paintings from the workshop. These women are a close knit group of friends who paint together and call themselves "The Splash Girls". Love the name and love this group. The close friendships and support that they show each other made the week extra special. There is a wide range of experience in this group from a "ringer" who teaches portraiture to someone creating their first portrait.
I had requests to explain my gesso transfer process. I will give it a try. I use this method to cover old paintings. You need two paintings laid out next to each other on a protected table top. Cover one painting with heavy gesso (I think Utrecht is the best but a few other brands can be found that are THICK like frosting in a can) While the gesso is still wet, cover it with a sheet of waxed paper. Immediately lift up the wax paper and deposit the gesso that is on the waxed paper to the other painting by laying the gooey side down on the painting and running your hand across the back of the paper or using a brayer. I do this a number of times with the same piece of waxed paper until most of the painting is covered over with spotty gesso. I want part of the old painting to show through. I sometimes take a sheet of press and seal saran and texture the gesso, as well. it has a micro dot pattern that I love. Throw away the waxed paper and Press and Seal Saran. I have been tempted to try and college the waxed paper but haven't tried it yet. Let both paintings dry and then put a new painting on them. I hope this explanation is reasonably clear. You had to have been there!
