Although seemingly forever,this painting is gaining ground. Once I had completed the main floral and jar area, I “studied” the background for a while. I was a bit nervous to just start painting because once you paint around the petal, there is often a paint edge. This concerns me only because the area is so large – this is a full sheet painting!
So, I remember reading about a product a few months back. I was curious enough o order it ArtMask – adhesive backed masking film. The product says it will not release and say on your painting, won’t wrinkle, bleed or flutter, great for watercolors.
Ooooh… nervously I bit the bullet. I traced around the jar and flowers with a permanent archival pen. Used an Xacto knife and a quilting cutting board to trim it off and voila – the shape of my painting.
Tenderly and carefully I took the Art mask and gently placed it on the painting… what the? Lifted it tenderly placed it again. Darn and darn. Apparently it sticks to itself and permanently! Darn -no separating this. Had to cut another piece. Placing it so tenderly on the painting – it was, well… “off”. I believe it stretches out when you cut it. Read the product information Helen – it says maximum stretch for irregularly shaped surfaces – maybe that explains it.
Note to self – use smaller sections!
Once placed you are supposed to put a fine line of liquid frisket over the edges. This takes time -and leaves a white edge you have to deal with.
If you look closely at the paintings, the flowers and vase look a bit on the dull side – that is because of the masking film. I applied two coast of under painting allowing each one to dry completely before applying the other. Then I easily removed the film. Retouched the edges and began to complete the background.
Soon this WIP will be a painting complete.
Helen Shideler, CSPWC 