Paint Party Friday... Questions Answered

Hooray!  It's time for Paint Party Friday (Week 12)!!!

After 3 months of Paint Parties, some questions about my techniques and supplies remain unanswered.  So, I thought I would take this opportunity to answer those questions (and offer a couple of tips just for fun)...

Two weeks ago I had a "tropical" Paint Party Friday post.  Jessica from Brown Paper Bunny and Nicola from Pointy Pix were curious about how I created the black background with white line hibiscus flowers.  I used black gesso (I love, love, love black gesso!) with white gel pen lines.

*Note:  White gel pen is not water proof.  (White paint pens are better for that type of work.)

Nicola was also interested in my collage papers last week.  She and Dana from Sinderella's Studio wondered how I got the patterns so "uniform".  My secret:  Stencils and stamps.  I cut stencils using mylar and I cut stamps from 1/2" foam.  After I apply them to my painted surface I add additional details using paint and prismacolor pencils.

Alarmcat from alarmcat studio wondered what kind of sketchbooks I use that can hold watercolor.  The truth is I choose my sketchbooks based on the book itself.  I like a book with a good, sturdy, linen cover (I'm not a fan of flexible covers - I like a book I can use on my lap easily).  The paper is decent, not watercolor paper, but it works... I don't usually mind when the paper buckles, but when it bothers me I just iron it.  If there is bleed on the opposite side of the page I either incorporate it into that page or gesso over it.  

I used to find my "perfect" sketchbooks in the bargain section at Borders, but they no longer carry them.  I recently discovered the sketchbooks pictured above on sale at my local art store, so I picked up a bunch.  They come in a variety of colors (the one I am currently working in happens to be black).  You can find out more about them (and find a retailer) here.

I frequently paint with acrylics and when I do I like to add a paint conditioner to my paint - it extends the drying time making them more workable, and it creates a more translucent quality depending on how much you add.  If you buy "acrylic glazing liquid" at an art supply store, it can be expensive.  To get the same effect for less I buy "Floetrol" (paint conditioner) at my local home improvement store!

I wanted to finish this post with one of my favorite art supplies: The Prismacolor Colorless Blender... amazing!  It is  my go-to tool when creating colored pencil pieces that have a painterly quality.

(If you're interested in learning more about colored pencil techniques, check out this tutorial by Ann at Blue Bird Hill.)