Remember last week's little disaster with the mini canvas?I was going to buy a new one, when I was struck by a lateral thought: if I couldn't remove the black pen bleeds, but why not colour the whole thing black and then create an image by removing the black with bleach?
Worth a go: nothing lost, since it was a write-off anyway. I began scribbling...
Except, it turns out the pen is totally impervious to even neat bleach!!! I tried lighter fuel, not at all sure what I would do with it if it worked. I needn't have worried: no impact at all (so, what's so special about bloomin' fixative?).
Then I had another brainwave: oil pastels! I did some tests and they retain their brilliance on black, in fact it sets them off nicely.
I thumbed through sketchbooks, found the little cow sketch above as inspiration, and went for it. I was quite limited for colours, as only one brand was soft enough to work, but in the end I'm really pleased (phew!):
One snag though - how to do the signature? I thought I might be able to scratch back through the oil pastel, but that didn't show up. In the end I found some paper in a similar green and signed that.I tore the paper for a softer edge, scraped back a patch of pastel underneath, so I could get glue to work, then disguised the edges with more oil pastel.
It's not perfect, but as good as it gets in the circumstances.
14 comments:
I really like this, it has a lovely warm feel to it, and the cow is really fun.
Thanks Philip!
Brilliant! I was going to suggest sanding the surface lightly then doing a couple of coats of acrylic but you've cracked it already! :)x
This turned out great. Good save.
Good idea! :D
I think you should buy some canvas and acrylic paints and enjoy the fun of painting!
Hugs,
Tati
Seems to have been a fun project...with an excellent result.
Nah! that paper on the signature is not noticeable at all! You came up with an adorable and fun pic for sure <3
Thanks folks! I'm rather relieved that I've sorted it out to be honest.
Oh, excellent save! You are a genius, and the result is fantastic. Perfect for a child's room! I cannot tell at all that the signature is on paper. Well done, well done! I thoroughly enjoyed looking at your beautiful illustrations and wonderful blog.
Have a very merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you too, and to everyone out there!
This little cow is absolutely brilliant and delightful. Thanks for explaining the creative process. Such great stuff!
I think this turned out absolutely lovely! Wonderful save, and I love the way the colors pop on that black. I used to love working in pastels on black backgrounds; you get such dramatic looks to the piece.
And as a side note, my little one and I stumbled quite by accident upon 'Class Two at the Zoo' at the library; I recognized your style instantly. We loved it, and laughed over your amazing artwork together; too cute!
So glad you like my little cow - let's hope someone at the charity sale likes it too...
How lovely that you recognised me in Class Two Christina. I always enjoy the evil characters like the anaconda the best!
your style is so alive and fresh! love it!
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