In the past when I have painted my fabric backgrounds, I've used whatever fabric I had around that I didn't particularly like, or thought I would probably never use.
But in this case, I used cotton muslin, which I "primed" by using gesso as a base coat, and then I used acrylic paints on top. Here, you can see I have a mottled gray background; and then...
I started with a base coat of grass green. But as you can see, there are more greens and yellows to come.
Generally, I use brushes to paint (as you do); but this time, I couldn't get quite the effect I wanted, so I got my hands in there to push the paint around and blend it the way I wanted it to go. Perhaps not the most orthodox of methods, but it go the job done.
Generally, at this point, I would do an all over quilting to the background before I started laying in the foreground. But this time I'm going to try a more traditional method, and lay down some of the background before I start stitching.
Stay tuned!
he blossom - that looks really interesting. I love the mottled effect. Do you use your gesso straight or water it down?
ReplyDeleteOrthodox or not the result is very effective.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job with your fingers. I really like the effect!!
ReplyDeleteI am re-cutting my stretcher for my FIRE piece in wool. Finally have reconciled the piece to MY liking but the stretch is now to big so I will (ARGH!) along in comradeship!!
ReplyDeleteBIG CONGRATS on getting your fabulous birds into CPS!!!