When I started painting seriously in 2007, I used primarily Yupo. I love the exotic, interesting effects it creates. I have been doing a lot of painting in my head lately. I have been trying to figure out if I can adapt the technique I’ve been for use with Yupo. The combination of technique (many layers of paint) and Yupo (no absorbancy) is a real challenge. I know it could be done with acrylic inks but I am not sure about watercolor. I decided to give it a shot on a quarter sheet and to use a square as my focal point rather than my usual circles. Here is the result.
Vintage 1
I called this Vintage 1 because a friend and I have been attending antique auctions recently. I have been thinking about old things… worn, rusted, scuffed…a lot like the way I feel these days. Anyway, I decided to use straight lines and a rounded square shape. The dots are made with bubble wrap and this painting has 2 or 3 layers. My usual paintings take about 5 or 6 layers of paint. I’m not happy that I have found a process but I HAVE taken that first step.
This is very cool, Linda! When it first opened on my monitor, I thought of rust! I think this is going to lead you down some very fun paths!
Rust is exactly what I had in mind…like my joints. Yupo-frustrating but fun!
I like this very much. The colors and the bubble wrap texture make it interesting. Looking forward to more.
Thank you Carol. I wonder if I can communicate your feel for urban realism in an abtract way…
This is great, Linda! I find no other paper as challenging as YUPO to work on with watercolor. You have managed interesting shapes, depth and great color into this. Thumbs up! Yes it looks vintage, alright.
Thank you Leslie. I’m painting Vintage 2 in my head…still!
It really feels like some kind of artifact. A nice balance of definition and mystery.
Thank you Barry! I am still thinking through the challenges of working with Yupo.
Pretty exciting, actually. I see all kinds of possibilities here. Your customary very rich color and texture landscape — but different.
The way watercolor dries on Yupo is so hard to work with – hard edges, shiny spots – I guess that’s how we learn!
I love the texture you achieved with this method. I like your bravery.