THIS IS A GREAT PROJECT FOR LETTING LOOSE AND EXPERIMENTING without the pressure of creating a complex design. The idea is to build up layers of glazes to create an intense color while manipulating the surface with heat. You will need to use Claybord and a heat gun to get the effect of the raised bubbles. The texture will not be possible if you use wood or canvas. I love how the effects are unpredictable when you add heat. You can add as much or as little texture as you like—with a little practice. The Silks acrylics are somewhat water-soluble and will bleed through the top coat of gel mediums, so it’s best not to worry about the details. Rather focus on color, texture and subtle patterns.
Ampersand Claybord
Assorted Silks acrylic glazes
Brushes
Carbon Black fluid paint
Ceramic tile
Dust mask
Fineline applicator
Glazing medium
Golden tar gel
High-powered heat gun
Large palette knife
Paper towels
Primary Elements pigment powder in Iridescent Green
Rubbing alcohol
Soft brayer
Spray bottle
Spray varnish
Titanium White acrylic paint
Make a small mixture of glaze using Carbon Black Fluid acrylics and glazing medium. Brush on the paint lightly and immediately rub off to create a stain. Scratch into the surface using the back of your paintbrush. Remove some paint by spritzing water and picking up the color with a paper towel.
Create another glaze using a mixture of the Primary Elements pigment powder and glazing medium. Brush it on random areas. Keep any leftover glaze mixture so you can use it throughout the painting.
Begin building up your landscape by brushing on Teal Zircon and Vintage Mint Silks acrylic glazes below the horizon line. Add Silks acrylic glazes in Ginger Peach and Jasmine. Rub a few spots with a paper towel to blend. Spritz water and pull up some of the color with a paper towel.
Because Silks acrylics are glazes, you need to apply multiple light layers to build up depth. They are water-soluble even though they are acrylics.
Drop rubbing alcohol into the wet paint and let it bloom.
Pick a contrasting color and load the brush with it. Tap the brush over the piece to add paint splatters.
Add heat to alter the surface. Protect your worktable by placing a ceramic tile under your substrate. While the paint is still tacky, use a high-powered heat gun on the highest setting to heat the tile. Little bumps will form on the surface. I recommend wearing a face mask during this step to avoid inhaling fumes. Make sure you work in a well-ventilated area. The tile will be extremely hot, so handle it with care.
Continue adding the glazes to build up color. Be cautious around the bubbles as they can easily break if you brush on the paint too harshly. Add circles and other patterns to your design along the horizon line.
Add a layer of Titanium White acrylic with a soft brayer. The glazes will bleed up slightly into the white acrylic paint but that just adds to the overall look.
Use a Fineline applicator to add details and marks. Add a few paint splatters of Silks acrylic glaze in Jasmine. Allow the piece to dry 24–48 hours depending on your climate before finishing. Once fully dry, apply a topcoat of spray varnish in matte or glossy.
After the spray varnish is fully dry, add Golden’s tar gel medium for a glossy, almost underwater look. Apply the medium over the entire surface with a large spatula or palette knife. Take care not to move quickly or in too many directions, as you may create air bubbles.
Check the piece several times over the first few hours for air bubbles that may occur. Pop them with a toothpick if they do appear early on in the drying process. It will dry to the touch in a day or two; however, it may take several weeks to fully cure.
MEADOW LANDS
12" × 16" (30cm × 41cm), mixed media on Claybord
LEAVING THE ISLAND
8" × 8" (20cm × 20cm), mixed media on Claybord