I have just completed a weekend introducing some wonderful artists to the medium of silk painting. We used iron fixed paints for silk and explored a number of techniques. We then made some of these into cards and brooches and from the techniques learned, each person decided on a design for a larger work (or continued with little gems if preferred).
Apart from thoroughly enjoying their company, I was thrilled with the diversity of the results. Equally pleassing, they enjoyed the medium, agreeing it was very different……..challenging but in a way therapeutic, watching the “dyes” move across the surface. One participant commented that it was like play… yes, well we should not outgrow creative play as that is how we develop. Painting on silk has encouraged me to be far more adventurous in my art than has any other medium.
the salt technique was perfect to get this lace effect for the dress collar
a selection of stunning brooches in watercolour technique, some with salt texturing and decorative additions of gutta embellishment.
Previous experience in cake decorating enabled good control of gutta to achieve some bold geometric designs. In contrast are the watercolour landscape impressions.
What a brave, first ever, silk painting! A feather, lace, flesh tones…. all very challenging. This is to be made into a cushion, I am told. I would love it on my couch.
Colourful and light, poppies are, I think, my favourite flower to paint on silk.
Gutta resist technique is great for those with a designer’s flair
This is even more amazing for those of us at the workshop. The impressive salt texture background was being admired when someone accidentally squirted black gutta on it. In true creative style, the painter embraced the black “mess” and worked with it. Excellent!