So here is the finished first experimental piece combining modelling paste, glass bead gel, crackle paste, home-made air dried paper clay, acrylic inks, iridescent medium, acrylic satin varnish and found objects from the beach on stretched canvas 60 x 20 cms. The piece is more vibrant than the camera shows with a lovely shimmer from the iridescent medium and inks.
I layered and blended the inks adding misted water to get it deep into the cracks so the darker colours stayed in the background. They are strong and vibrant, so only a little is needed at a time and they worked well with the acrylic iridescent medium. I am super pleased with the crackle paste, really love it actually.
The glass bead gel appeared to take the inks but when I added the satin varnish, some of the colour came away with the varnish, I didn’t mind as it gave a more watery effect. I think perhaps they would do better with colour underneath or added before applying.
The paper clay pieces took the inks beautifully, I painted the backs with inks before applying them with a little modelling paste, once dry, I painted the insides and the paste, and once they were dry, added some iridescent medium followed by a lick of silver ink and satin varnish to finish. Next project I will try the gloss varnish to see how they differ and reflect the light.
Overall, I am delighted with this experimental piece, the mediums worked well together, the textures perfectly depict the fishing net, mermaid scales and underwater feel. Next I will be doing much smaller pieces on 10 cm canvas.
Thanks for coming on this journey with me and do ask questions in the comments below !
If you missed the previous posts showing the processes before these…you can see them here…
https://karimarebeccapowellartist.com/2021/02/18/adding-some-texture/
https://karimarebeccapowellartist.com/2021/02/22/air-dried-paper-clay-tests/
The title “Fishing for compliments” came to me when I was preparing the images to add to the post and I thought it a little presumptuous but amusing…so why not.
Karima Rebecca Powell Artist 
Impressive work! I was more taken by the rippled sand than the shells, although I recognise that the shells took more work.
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Thanks Julie, having more time on ones hands it’s great to have the freedom to explore and experiment to realise new projects and ideas with different mediums. So many items are looked at on a different level …old brussel sprout sacks being one of them! they make amazing patterns.
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