I've enlarged my drawing and put it on a piece of Japanese paper - I can't remember what kind it is right now. It was a piece left in a pile and not labelled so I'll have to hunt to figure out the type of paper it is. The piece is about 10 x 15.
I've decided to try a batik piece with it, using wax and watercolour. I've done faux batik before using masa paper and that turns out well. Now armed with and old griddle, a tiny cast iron pan and a chunk of beeswax that I had (it smells sooooo good), I'm off to the races.
Well races doesn't really sum it up, as batik is a slow process and I don't even know if I'm doing it correctly or not yet. Basically, its a bit like using masking fluid, adding it layer by layer over areas that you want to save as you add progressively darker layers.
Its early stages yet and I have some initial layers in place that I've put pigment washes on and have now added a layer of beeswax over that to preserve it before my next layer of paint.
7 comments:
I'm fascinated to watch the development of this
It's looking good - there's a story there - have you ever done an illustrated book? this would be so good in one
This is all out of my head Vivien and I'm winging it as I go.
My imagination for things like this is sorely lacking so I don't think an illustrated book would work for me. It could take me a lifetime to come up with illustrations for it. :)
I second the book idea.
This is beautiful and fascinating, Jeanette. Are you going to remove the wax when you've finished and if so, how?
Robyn, I like the concept of a book, but know I would not have the patience or sustained interest to complete it.
Yes, the wax will be removed at the end of the painting process by sandwiching it between layers of paper and newsprint and using a hot iron to melt the wax. Then I can add any final details or touch ups and see how it looks.
This is going to be so nice, Jeanette. I love the effect of wax batik, Have fun!
Sounds like you're doing the batik just right, Jeanette, and this looks great! Can't wait to see it finished - will you do the inking or use maybe a dark blue watercolor for the inking at the end?
Thanks Christiane. I've never tried batik with wax before, so its a learning experience.
I hope so Rhonda. Its like a mushy mess right now. I hope it will all work out in the end. I'll likely use a strong indigo watercolour wash for the end.
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