Confused-Transfers

 In the past when you wanted to make a copy of an image or text most of us would go to Staples, the library or the office where you worked. You could make multiples, change the size, maybe even reverse it. B & W and color. Nowadays when you ask a student to bring copies to class many questions arise since now we all have more options to make copies-like ink jet printers.

So lets clear up the confusion. We use copies to transfer images into the encaustic surface (this also applies to acrylic painting but the technique is different). But the copy needs to be made by a toner/laser printer or copier. This is a different technology than an ink jet printer with the main issue being that the ink is not waterproof. When we do transfers water is used in the process so you can see why the ink jet copy will not work.

Ink jet copies are fine for collage where they are layered beneath medium and no water is used.

And remember when doing a transfer with text that the copy needs to be reversed-also called a mirror image-to read correctly once transferred.

Transfer is a fantastic technique with so many creative applications. More to come...

Texture, part II, Acrylic

 There are almost too many acrylic products to choose from! It can be confusing to know what to use.  But because of acrylics fast drying times it can be the quickest way to create texture-even under an oil painting.

Many are confused about the difference between gels and pastes. The main difference is that gels dry clear and pastes dry opaque. Both can be tinted or colored with acrylic paints and worked with a variety of tools. Beware-most are impossible to sand. The "almost too many" category comes from all the various types of gels and pastes: fibre paste, glass bead gel, sand, pumice, etc. So ask yourself how much texture you want as a heavy body acrylic paint may also

give you just enough.

It is recommended to work on a rigid surface instead of stretched canvas when using a lot of texture. A panel can hold the weight and more tools can be used for texturing.

Golden Acrylics also has a toll free number for technical help with their products-1-800-959-6543