Friday, July 16, 2010

Resplendent on Yupo


Resplendent watercolor on Yupo 11x14"
Last week I tried out watercolors on synthetic Yupo paper. It was a fun experience full of surprises. The water flows and just 'sits' on the slick surface so I could tilt, push and let the watercolors mingle and produce or lift patterns. I did minimal sketching and had to learn by trial and error how to work the paint on the very smooth surface and how much water to use. It was easier once I discovered that watercolors flow better if I first paint with water and then drop the colors. I had to watch out and not overdo patterns with brush strokes. The paint could be easily removed which was both a plus and a disadvantage since I could easily takeout deliberately or inadvertently what I had already painted with a swipe of a damp brush! I found it hard to paint details. I also learned to be patient and wait. It was important not to disturb an area I liked till it fully dried. I really like how the colors seem to be brighter and bolder on the Yupo paper. Looking at the painting now, I realize I only used brush, water and paint and really did not make full use of the surface to mingle the colors or get free flowing patterns and also use plastic wrap, salt or alcohol for textures. I also see that I need to give up my urge for control and let the surface do its thing :)

In my research about working on Yupo paper I read that once I know I have 'finished' the painting it should be sealed several thin coats of a fixative spray. A quick search on Google produced a wealth of information on how to paint on Yupo including video clips on YouTube. I really enjoyed my first experience and excitedly looking forward to playing more with yupo!

p. s: please do not click on the 'link within- you may also like' - that does not have a title/or the one that  says tattoo --its spam --I can't take it off and I don't want to give in and take the widget off completely :(

26 comments:

Kathy Staicer said...

It may have been fun and challenging but the painting is beautiful. Great work!!
I hope you enjoyed your visit to Jerry's. Did you buy the yupo paper there?

Meera Rao said...

Yes Kathy :) I loved painting on Tyveck couple of months ago and when I saw Yupo at Jerry's decided it was time! It was a combination of frustration and fun -- now can't wait to paint again. It was nice to meet you in person :)

Meera Rao said...

He he - Thanks!!!

cathyswatercolors said...

Hi Meera, I love the painting,great crop and color.Yupo is really difficult to use. The finish is ify for me, then i stir it up and blah the painting is gone!

Meera Rao said...

Thanks Cathy. You are absolutely right - its so easy to keep fiddling with the work and it takes a lot of will power and determination to know when to stop.

Unknown said...

Very nice art-work!
congratulations for this post, is very interessant.
Saludos.

Meera Rao said...

Thanks!! It was very interesting to work on Yupo paper.

padmaja said...

Hi Meera,
Very lovely result.. have heard that this is a good base for an abstract as well.Your impression here is very spontaneous!

Meera Rao said...

Thanks Padmaja! That is what I felt while I was coaxing paint to flow and move--this is like extreme watercolor *grin*

Eva said...

I think you did a fantastic job painting on Yupo. I love Yupo and as an abstract artist it has opened new doors for me. I have some of my paintings on my blog.

Meera Rao said...

Thanks Eva! I have a long way to go --but it has been fun! I would like to loosen up and make full use of the surfac. I visited your blog and website and love your abstracts!!!

Crystal Cook said...

Fantastic Meera! I've always been drawn to paintings on Yupo, I think for the reason you mentioned. I love how bright and bold the colors are, and the way the paint still looks fluid even after it dries. I bet it was fun :) I can't wait to see more yupo works from you!

Meera Rao said...

Thanks Crystal! Yes, it was fun! I bought a pad of ten sheets two weeks ago - so atleast nine more to go :)

Anonymous said...

That painting.. the colors.. have a touch of class!

Meera Rao said...

I am touched- thank you Nikhil!

Heera said...

New materials bring new excitement, don't they? I love your new painting.

Meera Rao said...

Yes!!! -isn't it always fun to try out new things :) Thanks for your thumbs up on the painting too

Anonymous said...

Wow! lovely!!
Nirmala

Meera Rao said...

Nirmala, Thank you :)

B said...

Meera,

HAve been busy busy at owrk and havent had a chance to drop in on ur blog. The pink of the flowers looks lovely.

How are the dogs. We thankfully have only neighbour dogs, I have vowed not have a pet for sometime now that our cat passed away last summer

B

Beth Fox said...

Beautiful! So bright and vibrant. I was suprised to learn you can spray a fixative on the completed and dried watercolor - I guess I thought it might make the colors run. Thanks for the details about your process.Beth

Meera Rao said...

Thanks Beth, Yupo is a fun and challenging surface to paint on. I did spray over two paintings without any problem :)

Arena Shawn said...

Really beautiful shadow pattern, such dramatic composition!

Meera Rao said...

Arena Shawn has left a new comment on your post "Resplendent on Yupo":

Really beautiful shadow pattern, such dramatic composition!

Thank you Arena:) I really appreciate your comments. For some reason blogger is not displaying all the comments and I am trying to see how to correct the problem!

Sandy Maudlin said...

Awesome. Keep painting on yupo. You are already too good! Love it.

Meera Rao said...

Oh Sandy, I am so honored to hear that from you! I keep coming to your blog for your wonderful way with yupo! one of these days I will come to your workshop and learn from the master :)

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