Gel Medium Transfer Process: 

First, I take one of my drawings, I prefer pen & ink, and make a copy—need poor quality paper. Adjust size of copy according to needs of composition. I typically make copies in various sizes if I don’t know ahead of time what I might need. Once size is chosen, cut around copy leaving approximately 1/2” edge and place on a flat surface. I use plastic tray. With the correct image face up, I paint 7 coats of Liquitex gel mat medium allowing 20” between coats. Then I dry piece overnight or at least 6 hours. Then place piece in water– I use quart jar—for at least 6 hours. Once soaked, flip piece to back side, paper side, and rub with finger to remove all of the paper.  What’s left is plastic that’s captured the ink image. This image can then be placed on painting where desired. Sometimes I have already put down color and add image afterwards. Sometimes I put image down and then add color. I’ve often used this technique in commissions. The advantage is that I still have the original pen & ink drawing that can be framed or kept.

Tissue Collage:

I became enamored with using torn pieces of tissue in watercolor paintings through one of the many wonderful demos by my instructor Mary Ann Inman. You can paint white tissue any color; you can buy bleeding tissue; you can buy fancy papers with slubs of threads in them. Lots of possibilities. I’ve covered colors too strong or the wrong shade with complimentary or just white tissue to tone down or adjust the color to my liking. Using the texture created adds interest and enhances compositions. I typically tear the tissue to create irregular edges rather than cut in straight lines. Once torn to my liking I adhere the tissue to the painting with gel mat medium—very similar to Elmer’s glue. I can twist the piece as I place it to get exactly the shape I want. I can layer pieces; apply them on top of applied color or place first and add color on top of tissue. Fun process.