These pieces were done by marbling the latex paints I worked with on the canvas as they were dripping. The canvas was held up to increase the flow of the paints, which were strung, poured, and dripped in specific ways to create the texture. The fully marbled orange piece reminds me of lava, in the intricacies of the marbling, as well as the colors. I enjoy the latex paints for their self-leveling attributes, and wide range of color choices.
This piece is the beginning of a custom painting I am doing for a friend. I attached four suminagashi painted papers to a canvas, all within the same color palettes, and will next be adding a quote across the top. I am more than pleased about how this piece turned out. The paper added structure to the canvas, which was a little loose to begin with. Now the canvas is taught, and ready to be finished.
I did some more suminagshi papers with my new art supplies as well. These turned out brighter and more effective, because of the new paper I used. I used newsprint paper, which is made to absorb ink more effectively. I also used some of my new iridescent inks, which add a nice dimension to the prints. I think I am going to attach these pieces to a canvas, and make a full painting from multiple suminagashi prints.
This 9*12 paper was dipped in the same water bath, suminagashi style, except with water-thinned acrylic paints, as opposed to inks. I didn't like how it turned out, so I flipped the paper over and tried again. As it was drying, I added drops of the paint straight to the paper, along with isopropyl alcohol, removing and adding layers until I was happy. I then tilted the paper, let some of the paint drip and run off, and then placed the paper on an incline to dry.
I did some more suminagashi marbled papers, this time adding crushed charcoal to the water before dipping the papers. It added a cool textural element, that looks similar to coffee grounds. I just need to get some spray fixative, so I can adhere the charcoal powder and continue with the pieces. I think I may start offering these papers to collage artists and other artists who use designed papers in their work. I would like to collaborate with multiple artists, to combine the talents of two or more artists in a single piece.
I spent a few hours making more suminagashi marbled papers. I had so much fun with it, and it didn't use as much ink as I initially thought it would. If you have any inks and blank papers, give this technique a try, it is a blast. I can't wait to figure out what to put on top of some of these awesome papers. I need a little more practice getting the inks to appear bright and saturated, like some of them turned out. I think the trick is to create the marbling and dip the paper quickly, before the ink starts to sink into the water.
This marbled paper was done with acrylics and shaving cream. The shaving cream was laid down in a thick layer onto wax paper, and the paints were drawn into it in a random design. I then dipped different papers and a canvas board into the mixture. I am planning on using all three surfaces in one final piece. This technique can also be used when painting pottery.
