It’s been a busy week, and although I have done a little more on my Paper and Jewels mixed media mosaic (last seen here), it isn’t at a photographable stage at the moment and is really almost finished, so I might give it a chance to be finished before I post it here. Maybe next week.
So that leaves me with my art journal and my experiments with watercolour and masking fluid.
I’ve had a bottle of masking fluid sitting in my art cupboard since I first bought my Windsor and Newton watercolour set several years ago, but I’ve never used it. I think I was a little nervous with it as I didn’t quite get the concept of how it works and since back then all I did was attempt crazy detailed works, I never got up the nerve to try it. So it sat in the back of the cupboard forgotten.
Earlier this year I was introduced to the concept of an art journal. I’ve kept sketchbooks of my work all my life, but art journalling is slightly different. In March I started a journal of my own. A simple cheap bound sketchbook that within its pages I have permission to royally stuff up with abandon. I’ve been using it to experiment with my watercolours of late and that is where you will find all the originals for my Life Inspired series. I’ve found it extremely liberating to have this place to just play. I’ve never painted in a sketchbook before. All my paintings have been big events where I have tried to create something that will grace a wall someday. I can’t tear pages out of this book. This is where my art stays (beyond the wonders of computer scanning).
So it was to my little A5 journal that I turned when I finally decided to play with masking fluid, figuring if it totally messed up, it didn’t matter. Random, with the possibility of using the result as a background later, I played over a couple of days (for drying times and real life interruptions). I still think it is a work-in-progress with more layers needed, but the result is interesting enough for a quick post.
And some closeups…
Gotta love how watercolours blend randomly together.
Once I’ve finished this into something vaguely reasonable, I might put together my notes on masking fluid and write up a quick tutorial if anyone is interested.
So this is my meagre offering for Paint Party Friday this week. To see much more exciting works, check out the other participants, there are some fantastic works out there.
Best wishes,
Liz
Comments
22 responses to “Masking fluid experiments”
I love masking fluid… it is just such fun… I love how this has made such a great piece of work… and there is something very satisfying about peeling it off… xx
I’ve never tried masking fluid, but the effect you have created with it looks very interesting and very beautiful! HPPF!
Terrific effects, look forward to seeing what happens next. Happy PPF, Annette x
Without experiments there is no art, so follow your way looking for art, nice work. Saludos
This looks like a lovely start to something wonderful. The colors are marvelous. I’m with Tracey, there is something very satisfying with peeling off the masking. Can’t wait to see what you do with this. Happy PPF
I love the way your created these hash tags with the masking fluid. I’ve never used it but I own it. I’ll have to give it a try! Happy PPF
very nice!
How fun!! I’ve never used masking fluid, I need to get some. Love your painting, so colorful and pretty!! Happy PPF!
I think this is very exciting work! Mask is fun. I used it for bricks on buildings. I’ve had a couple of different kinds. One I remember is one that dries and your rub it away with your finger after painting over it like a glue of sorts.
I applied it with the end of a wooden stick. (a barbeque ka-bob stick)… have fun playing, for me that is what art is all about.
Never tried that!! Nice job!!
Hugs Giggles
I like the defined structures of the masking fluid shapes with the softness of the washes on top. It creates lovely contrasting textures. Happy PPF.
I think I have some of that hidden away, too. But I really like what you have done with it. I would like a tutorial if you decide to do one. I always find “the process” most interesting. I think in this case I would leave all the masking on? I can’t imagine having to remove aLL THOSE LITTLE SPOKES!
‘Really fun to see your experimentation here. I haven’t tried masking fluid in ages, but it looks like it might be worth the effort.
I never thought of using masking fluid as a major component of a painting before. Utterly brilliant! I love how this turned out.
Liz, that looks like so much fun. I too love how watercolors run together to form different colors. I think this looks like some of the fancy decorative papers that are sold for scrapbooking and cardmaking. Run off a few copies on your computer and see what you can do with the printouts.
Lovely experiments with watercolour and masking fluid!
Looking forward to seeing your Paper and Jewels mixed media mosaic next week. 😉
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
I am like you, have the masking fluid but not really used it. I must give it another go after seeing what you have created
Well, I have had a bottle of masking fluid somewhere in my cupboard since a few years. You just reminded me of it 😉 Your experiment looks fantastic! Have to go try it out now ….
I love masking fluid. It allows us to do so much with it, it’s unbelievable.
LOVE this page. The watercolour work over the masking fluid is gorgeous. I love what you have done with the masking fluid. I love masking fluid.
Wow this is beautiful! I’ve always been afraid to try the masking fluid, maybe I will now, looks fun!Deb
Great work Liz – I am playing with masking fluid & watercolours too – love the effects you get too – the smell of it…..not so much, lol!! Inspired to keep on trying – thanks!