Saundra Lane Galloway posted a photo she took on her blog and said, "The picture I am offering you today is for those abstract lovers out there. It is a pic I took at the local aquarium one day. If it appeals to you, have fun with it."I have been experimenting with Yupo as a medium for abstract watercolors. I thought the colors in Saundra's photograph would possibly make an interesting abstract - so I did what she suggested and gave it a shot. Yupo is interesting to paint on - especially with fluid watercolors. The paint flows on this very smooth plastic surface and can be manipulated in a controlled way. A mistake can be wiped off and fixed, unlike regular watercolor paper. Yupo is made from polypropylene by the Yupo company who say they use 100% recyclable materials. One has to be careful handling it. The natural oils from one's hands creates an impenetrable surface. I had to use plastic gloves when handling the material. After taping it down to my table I was able to remove the gloves and was careful not to touch the surface while painting on it. I used an acrylic fixative to seal the watercolor once it was dry.
17 comments:
Hi Jean...I visited the link..and your interpretation is fine, the the focal point ( the orange shape, with lots of "legs") is excellent, full of movement. I've never tried yupo, we don't have this kind of "paper" here in Brazil yet. Nice work as usual.
Thanks so much Fabio. I always like hearing from you and appreciate your comments.
Oh Jean, I love the way this came out! The colors work so well together!
I'm so glad you like it Saundra. Thanks for sharing the photograph.
Yupo does lead to some interesting surface effects--you've handled it beautifully here. I too love the color harmonies , and the wonderful feeling of motion.
Thanks so much Laura. Coming from such an accomplished watercolorist as yourself, I am honored.
Beautiful painting. Abstracts can be fun!
Thank you Terry. Your ink and watercolors are so great - especially your most recent one.
I's great to experiment Jean, I have never heard of this but the effects are fabulous. It really is like the sea plant life.
I love the look of this painting. I think Yupo really lends itself to paintings of water. I found that if I have gotten fingerprints on my Yupo I can wipe the surface with rubbing alcohol and get them off. If you decide you want to erase your painting and reuse the Yupo the alcohol gets most of the pigment off and prepares the surface for repainting.
I really like the way the colors work together here. Yupo can give some interesting textures too, as I'm sure you have found out. Personally, I have to confess that after giving it a fair try, I still don't like yupo, but I like seeing what others can do with it.
This has definately got a 'watery' feel to it Jean. You've got the feature 'floating'. It's very effective!
Thanks Carolann, Joyfulartist, Mineke and Marjorie for all your comments. I'm having such fun experimenting with this surface. I think it really lends itself to more abstract watercolors.
Yupo is tough.... at least I find it difficult to work with. You're doing lovely work with it!
Thank you so much Judybec.
I've never heard of Yupo...I sure like this abstract of yours...Beautiful!
Thanks so much Blue Sky Dreaming.
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