Paper Resists

The theme for the month of May on the Sketchbook Challenge Blog is "Can't resist This". The post that announced the theme discussed using various resists on paper with inks or paints. I thought it would be fun to play with  resists and since I had a couple of the resists she mentioned on hand I went for it. Above is the finished drawing. But below is the page in the second phase - drawing done, resists applied and the watercolor background finished.

The original drawing was done using pencil for the letters and a Faber-Castell Pitt artist pen with the brush tip for the cat. I used Frisket on the letters, and rubber cement brushed over the cat as my resists. The image below shows all the tools (well other than the paint) that I used on this drawing. Note the blue holder closest to the Frisket sitting on top of the rubber block, this tool is the applicator for the frisket, the end showing is the narrow end, but there is a wider tip for use when you need to cover more area. The material used for the tool tips is non-porous so it is easy to remove any excess frisket, once it has dried. The rubber block is what I used to lift the dried Frisket from my drawing, it also works to lift dried rubber cement. I purchased my supplies at my local Art Supply store. I have never seen either Frisket or the tools at A.C. Moore or Michaels so if you aren't near a good Art Supply shop I would guess that you would have to order it on-line.

The advantage of using frisket, esp. with watercolor is that it allows for a smooth application of a background wash with a large brush. After removing the frisket the artist can go back with smaller brushes to use different colors for what ever is in the foreground. I first used frisket in my Illustration class, and tend to forget that I have it. I keep thinking that I should really haul it out and use it when I am doing some of my recent pen and ink/watercolor drawings but when I am doing the painting I forget about it. Hmm maybe I should leave it out on the table where I keep my brushes to remind me to use it.

Yesterday was Monday, Studio Session day, so below is another of my weekly nudes. New model last night, and a whole crowd of new artists attending the session. Wonder how many will come back.

There has been a lot of recent chat on the Quilt Art list about blogs, and what makes a good blog. So many dislike light print on a black background that I though I would change my blog layout. That said, personally I prefer the look of art work or photographs against a dark background. But I have ended up writing more text then I originally intended so I though I would change it and see what happens. The other point of discussion has been blog give aways. I have never entered one so I don't have feelings about them one way or another. I wouldn't read a blog for a give away and I don't have anything to give away. Well, I suppose I could give away one or two or maybe even more of my nude drawings. I am not going to hold my breath to see if anyone is interested though.

Enough for today, per usual comments are always welcome.