Have you ever taken a class, learned a technique and got a little giddy?
That’s what happened to me. In my AECP Level 2 class “Beyond Basic Background there is a technique taught for creating PERFECT masks for resist watercolor painting. I had so much fun creating this card that I have already passed on the idea to several other people. Let me show you some of what I learned in this class.
In the class the instructor (tutor as she calls herself), went through some very easy steps to create a mask for your painting that will prevent bleeding from your watercolor and allow you to make a perfect mask. I used a coverplate die from Altenew called layered snowflake Plate A. I didn’t want snowflakes but loved the single die appearance. In the class the instructor die cut her plate die but had a few places that the die did not cut completely through and that is why I am adding the tip of using a metal plate for intricate dies. I am putting an image of my plate sammie for you below.
I also wanted a little sparkle (not too much because I didn’t want it to look like a Christmas Card) So I added a little bit of Mica powder (or micropearl) I have to tell you the water was so pretty I used it in the background of the above graphic. I can’t really give you the amounts because it would depend on how much of that pearl look you want. You can also add ultra fine glitter to your watercolor paints. Now it is best to use “tube” paint to add mixative to as that are more “accepting” to the additons. I also recently aquired the Artistry watercolor paints from Altenew and have been VERY happy with the texture and quality of these next level paints – I tend to be drawn to tube paints because of the abilty to mix different mediums in but pan paints work beautiful as well.
You may be asking, what do you mean, use your phone to help make your marker blends work better? Well photographing your work as you are coloring and changing the colors to black and white help you to see where your tint, tones and shadows are falling. This in turn helps you to know where to remove color or to add depth. It is a fool-proof way to make the blend of your markers flawless.
WAIT, Erika, you jsut said to blend flawlessly but now hard lines? I thought there was no such thing as hard lines in nature. That is crazy! If you look on the petals of the rose you will see I make the shadow heavier so it gave the appearance of an actual shadow of the petal. I did that by putting down a darker color mimicing the shapes of any of the images “above” the layer I was working on. See the leaf I circled, see how I made circular shadows to make sure the berries were represented? Yes, it’s that easy to bring a realistic feel to your image.
I am thinking of having a coloring class.. would you be interested in that? Let me know in the comments below.
Also if you are popping in here before April 13th 2024 and are interested in a free workshop you can email me and I will let you into the class group for the live presentation — After the 13th I will give you acess to the recorded live.
Have a fantasitc day. Stay tuned for more fun tips, tricks and classes!
Be Blessed!
Erika Hayes
For me, it’s all about education. I am self-taught designer and artist. I made the choice to stay home and be a mom for almost 25 years and during that time, I studied graphic design, color theory and visual arts through online learning opportunities. I am a published artist and writer. I returned to college as an adult and studied American Sign Language, German and creative writing. I am a lifelong learner and love sharing what I learn with anyone with interest. Currently gaining certification in Adobe Illustrator. Soon to be AEC educator! YAY!
