Sunday, March 14, 2010

Painting Papers

I am now going into my full-work mode, well I wouldn't really call it work, more like play.  My art show season is starting soon, so I've been  busy painting papers for collage--

I found a tablet of plain scrapbook papers, and there were a bunch of white ones, so I used them, and I've been experimenting with different techniques (some were so bad, that I trashed them), but most of them turned out pretty good.  This one technique that I really like to do is stamping on foam stamps with clear gesso on the white paper--


And then when it's completely dry, I just put an acrylic wash over it. The gesso acts as a resist--you could do it with regular gesso too, and you don't have to use stamps--you can do anything. I love the clear gesso--I was introduced to it by Suzi.

And there was this paper--


I just started doodling and playing around with acrylics, pitt pens, and mostly neocolor crayons I and II.  The more I use these crayons, the more addicted I get to them.  This one turned out so good that I decided to keep it whole and put it on canvas like this and finish it--I'll post it when I do.  And  I read a tip from Pam Carriker--instead of using water with the neocolor II crayons , use Matte Medium instead, and this will set the color.  I read it from an article from here--


I just got this, and I love it--what a great publication. I love Stampington!

And I'm also excited about my new stamp--


It's a crackle stamp--that produces results like this--


You know, I love the crackle look, and I have yet to master it.  I always have problems.  Can anyone help me?  The effect I like is the very tiny crackle look, but I'd be happy with any type of crackle.  What am I doing wrong?  (I'm just adding this in--what I mean by the crackle method--is the method where you apply the crackle medium  out of the bottle, and then when it's dry, you apply paint over it and supposedly cracks will occur, which never happens for me.)
 
I've also been looking around at online classes (remember in my last post, I said that I'm kind of obsessed?)  What I'm looking for now are workshops on backgrounds.  I've looked at Julie Prichard's, and there are a couple on the Creative Workshop ning site, but I'm thinking more of Traci Bautista's--I am really loving the graffiti style art out there, and hers is outstanding.  Has anyone taken any of her online workshops?

So, I'm really looking  forward to my first show of the season at the end of this month.  It's actually more of an art and craft show, which to me is no different--don't get me started about crafters vs. artists--there is no difference!!  We're all artists!! I get to see my fellow exhibitors that I haven't seen since last year, and also returning  customers  (I guess that's what you call returning buyers of your work), and it's fun just to get out and be with everyone who's all there for the same reason. It's in Pittsburgh, too--one of my favorite cities--it's such an eclectic place--I love it!!

46 comments:

Terri Kahrs said...

You've convinced me to look for clear gesso! Your papers are gorgeous!!! Love that little crackle stamp too - so clever!!! Happy Show Season!!! Hugs, Terri xoxo

Pamela Holderman said...

Never tried clear gesso - thanks for the tip. I love crackle stamps. Don't really have advice for you other than to stamp on paper first to get some of the ink off, then stamp on your art piece so it looks old and faded. Also when I do it I tend to do it in the corners and on the edges. Don't know - just experiment. I like how it is looking. Good luck with your show!

me said...

Diane, you are so talented! I LOVE your papers- and I think keeping that one as a painting is a great idea! You mentioned crayons- I don't know which ones you mean, but I am interested. And I haven't done much with crackle, but Golden makes a crackle paste you might try. I have some but it's new and I haven't had a chance to see how it works yet. I will let you know!

Dianne said...

Wow Diane! I love love love your papers! And the clear gesso and stamp idea is wonderful... thanks so much for sharing it. As far as the crackle finish... I think you did a great job with the stamp... I mean... isn't crackle supposed to be random? Maybe to get a smaller crackle, just go over it again until you get the size you want? You have inspired me so paint some papers now! I have books and tablets of papers that I used for pastels that have just been sitting on my shelves.

*jean* said...

your papers look great!! do you have any flocked papers? i love how those turn out...i just went and bought some more because i liked them so much...now i am adhering tissue papers over the top of the flocked paper...i could just make papers all of my life..sigh...thanks for the tip on your stamp and the clear gesso too!!

Debbie said...

I can't wait to try your technique with clear gesso! Wonder papers!! Love them! Also, the only product I know that you can paint over and see the cracks is called Texture Crackle by Deco Art, but it's very thick and I actually liked the thinner glaze that you put over paint. Let me know what results you get if you try it!

Marlynn said...

Oh, dear Diane - thank you so much for my award - once again, did get it posted on my blog. First of all, I love your papers and have never tried clear Gesso - what a concept and funny enough, I was just introduced to the black gesso. Crackle - I haven't tried it although I have some of the Tim Holtz crackle paint. I don't have much luck so was interested in your stamp! As for online classes. I have taken one of Julie's classes and am now in a second one. I would highly recommend Julie, price reasonable, and she is on that web site almost 24/7 helping you. Good luck with your search on classes and your show season. Oliver sends love to Bob. puppy smooches for all...

Cathy said...

i love these papers! i've done resists with regular gesso. haven't tried the clear. but you've definitely inspired me to do so!

WrightStuff said...

can't wait to hear all about the art shows! I might give that gesso technique a try - you know me, always up for trying something new.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

You are incredibly talented and busy. These background papers are incredible. You have the best WIP!! I have looked for clear gesso, but haven't found it here. Thanks for all the colorful inspiration today.

Anonymous said...

Wow, you have been busy. Thanks for posting how you achieved your beauties!

sharon said...

Diane, your papers are fabulous and gorgeous! I have clear geeso but haven't used it yet, thanks for sharing. Your work is amazing. I wish you the best on your shows!! Inever had luck with crackle either but I looove that crackle stamp!

Janet Ghio said...

Love looking at all your papers. I have tried different crackle things and can't get them to crackle either--I like you stamp and I like the idea of using clear gesso on stamps to act as a resist. How smart of you!!

LuLu said...

Nice looking papers!

I use clear gesso frequently - very handy!

Thanks for the tip on using matte medium instead of water with watercolor crayons.

Peace,
Lulu
www.lulu-too-beaucoup.blogspot.com

LuLu said...

Forgot to mention:

You might reconsider tossing your 'failures' and instead keeping them in a 'failure' drawer.

I revisit my 'failure' drawer periodically, to see what I can harvest to use in my collages.

Peace,
LuLu
www.lulu-too-beaucoup.blogspot.com

studio pashnada said...

love these papers

cheap crackle method:
1*apply base paint - what will show thru the cracks - let dry
2*apply regular white glue
3*while glue is wet, apply top paint
4*wait

also, have you tried Tim Holz's crackle paint? I got some but haven't tried it but apparently you do steps 1,3 & 4 with it

so, what's the difference between neocolor 1 and neocolor 2?

joanna said...

Diane, your papers look great!! neocolor crayons are my favorite too! Have you tried Tim Holtz crackle? it's the best one!
xoxo

Manon said...

Love your papers, Diane! They are very happy..... if that makes any sense? lol! I hope you have a great show season!

Paula Phillips said...

Wow, what a great post! Soo many yummy art tips that I didn't know, thanks so much!
I have that crackle stamp too and LOVE it. Off to dust off my clear gesso!
Much Love

LivArtNow said...

Gorgeous papers and thanks for all the wonderful tips!! Best of luck on your Show season!!

Hugs,
Linda

wandamarie.blogspot.com said...

oooh...so many delightful pics to peruse and delve into..your papers are so pretty and VERY fun! how i wish some of us lived closer to one another so we could play together!
the best lessons i have had in crackle are from julie prichard, diane. i can't remember which class she showed us this, but it worked for me the first time and every time thereafter...the stuff is just so expensive, but i guess worth it. LOVE your crackle stamp, it looks very realistic! i am sure julie would tell you where she demonstrates about crackle (which class) i have benefitted from her classes beyond beyond...just terrrific information and FUN!
xo wanda

Janet said...

Love your painted papers!! I just found some clear gesso recently so I'll try that one technique.

Jeanne Nelson said...

Diane, thanks for your comment on my blog post today! I LOVE the papers you created today!!! They are gorgeous, and so unique. As for crackling, I LOVE to use Tim Holtz (Ranger?) Crackle Paint ~~ the Rock Candy color is "clear" and works beautifully to show the underlying colors thru the cracks.

I'll definitely be looking into Traci's graffiti course; I've checked out her site several times, but don't particularly recall her graffiti course. Great minds think alike, huh?

As for the Silhouette, it's truly not THAT expensive, all things considered. It can be found for $250 easily, and there are NO cartridges to purchase! However, $250 is a bit "out of my budget" currently . . . but I hope to obtain one in the real near future, ;).

Great blog, girlie, and I LOVE your latest Suzi goddess!!! Keep up the great art, and best wishes with your show! Big hugs ~~ Jeanne

Buffy said...

Hi Dianne,love your papers. You can use white gesso the same way for alittle different look too. I've tried white and clear and black gesso the same way,the black is alittle too much but I love the white. I was thinking of taking julies online classes too,I just can't afford it right now plus I wanted to take pams new journal class over at creative workshops.

Martha Lever said...

These papers are fabulous!! Can't wait to see the one on canvas--that one was great!!! I have used lots of crackle mediums and have decided that the Goldens crackle medium and the Ranger Distress is the best. The Ranger one comes in lots of colors but Goldens is just white so you can add color. Also I think Traci Bautista is great. Let me know if you take that one. Oh and thanks so much for the award. I love awards and am so flattered when i get one--I am just too lazy to follow it through. My bad...

Rina said...

WOW I found your blog thru Janet Ghio....already got some great tips.. I've never had any luck using the crackle stuff either but read your comment about trying the white glue and gonna have to go back and check out julie's class for the crackle effect...I have to ask where can i get the crackle stamp you posted....I love it. I'm on suzi site as well. will have to look you up on there...take care.

Rina said...

never mind...I enlarge the picture for the stamp...have to get one.

Anonymous said...

That's a cool looking stamp. Your painted paper are great. Tim Holtz has a crackle paint but I do not remember the name of it. I sent you an email about art classes.
Mary

Carissa Paige said...

Hey Diane, that stamping with gesso looks so cool, i can't wait to try it! i just made myself some stamps from foam, so it's perfect timing! So excited for you and your show coming up! I know you'll do well! Big Love, Carissa.

julie king said...

i've never tried making my own paper but you've inspired me. plus you've given me some good tips. happy monday!!

Unknown said...

I never leave here uninspired! Thanks Diane

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

These papers look awesome! Thanks for the tip about clear gesso. I have it at home but didn't touch it much. I'll have to give it a try. :)

Emelie said...

Your papers are b eautiful, I so much enjoy making backgrounds. To get a good crackle and I don't care if it is inconsistant, but I have put a towel under the paper. The towel seems to cushion the stamp and give a more overall pattern. If I use ink I rub the stamp pad on the stamp, if I use colored tissue and tear pieces of that I put the paper on top of the stamp and rub my finger lightly. With paint I do the first stamp on something else and the second stamp on the art. It is hard to get the paint just right and not make a mess. I use that stamp a lot.

If you cut your own stencils from brown paper use the clear gesso on the paper to firm up your stencil.

I also like to put saranwrap on wet paper and make designs after being pulled in different directions it forms nice patterns, Let it dry a bit.These are rather angular designs.

Enjoyed your papers and procedures a lot. Congrats on your award.

Carin said...

Wow, what a lot of goddies and ideas in one post! Thanks for the inspiration!

Kristin said...

Hi Friend! What beautiful background papers - I have just done my first ever batch for an Artistic Mother group I've joined, but NOW I want to try it with clear Gesso - I have it, but have never tried it before . .. Thanks for the suggestion and good luck with your season, Kristin xo

Unknown said...

Your papers are so gorgeous! Have you ever thought about marketing them as art papers? They would sell.

Jackie said...

Hi Diane,
I knew i saw this post somewhere. Graffiti seems to be a hot trend. I have been seeing more of it. I wanted to let you know to check this out http://www.alisaburke.com/workshops/registeranytime.html and she is having a 10 dollar off her classes sale just write online sale in your paypal order:)

Anonymous said...

I now of course will have to try Clear Gesso!
Aren't you excited it is ART SEASON?
It evokes such emotion in all of us.
Happy playing..~

Sharon Tomlinson said...

Hey, hello, that is really cool what you are doing with the papers. Wanted to say thank yo for taking my class too.

Anonymous said...

Oh wow, fabulous art. I love all the different textures you have created.
You have been ever so creative!

Hope you are having a fabulous week!

Julie

Sissy Sparrows said...

Just browsing your blog, love your work, thanks for your lovely comments.

Say It In Color said...

Wow, these are gorgeous!!1 I've taken some of my "yukky papers or too new looking" papers and done some of the digital photo filters on them and enhanced the color saturation.....now I want to do more to them like you say!!! Thanks for the idea of clear gesso, I've used glue, but next time I'm trying your method!!...your work is beautiful....can't wait to check out more ....sherry

Unknown said...

I have used clear gesso, but not in the way you suggested, so I can't wait to try it. As far as crackle, have you ever tried decoart one step crackle? I actually have a tutorial I did awhile ago on my blog. I really like the results it gives. Here is the link http://twistedfigures.blogspot.com/2008/11/one-step-crackle-tutorial.html

I have not taken an online class with Traci B, but I have with Julie and she is great. I really liked her instruction and I learned some new techniques.

Lisa said...

Hey girl,
Love what your doing with the scrapbook paper, I'm going to try this today! I have kids & this would be a perfect project for all of us to do. I have the same crackle stamp, love it. As for getting a crackle effect. I use Tim Holtz crackle paint & love it so much, put it on thick tho. Also, Fragile Crackle, it's sold at Michaels & is in a black & white bottle. Make sure to rub some color into the cracks when dry. Check my blog for a list of online classes, I'm addicted to them. I'm doing a project for the new Artist Class given my GreenPaper. It's on my sidebar along with other workshops I've taken. Don't forget to tell them I sent you! Lisa

Deb Harvey said...

Your papers are gorgeous! I, too, am going to have to check out clear gesso and the neocolor crayons.

Good luck with your show...sounds like a lot of fun!

Thanks for all of the information!
Deb

K said...

The trick with a crackling medium is that when you apply the light paint over the medium, you must do it in one stroke. If you go over an area more then once, it won't crackle.

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