THE PLACES IN BETWEEN
12" × 16" (30cm × 41cm), acrylic and drawing mediums on wood
GEL MEDIUMS aren’t just for gluing paper down for collage! We will be using a variety of gel mediums throughout this book to create interesting textures, cracked surfaces, glazes, veils, stains and, of course, to adhere papers to a surface. Understanding when and where to use a particular medium has made every artist’s mind reel at one time or another. It’s confusing because many of the mediums seem like the same product. For the most comprehensive resource on how to use mediums, I recommend consulting and bookmarking the manufacturer’s website. You can also jump in and do a few fun experiments to help you understand what each of the mediums offers. Over the next few pages, I’ve showcased a few that will be used in many of the upcoming projects. You don’t need to use every medium in each project, but my guess is that you’ll find a few that you won’t be able to live without once you start experimenting. Creating your own unique marks on your abstract paintings will help distinguish your art from the rest of the crowd.
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it and join the dance.“
— ALAN WATTS