Thursday, September 30, 2010

Right Brain, Left Brain

watercolor on 140lb cp 9x12"

watercolor on Yupo  7x11"
I often switch between left brain and right brain ways when I plan and paint trying to find order as well as spontaneity. In that vein, I did a side by side comparison of watercolor on cold press and Yupo.  Layering paint is fun on cold press where as it is very difficult and slow process to layer on Yupo. The colors dry lighter on cold press and hues are pure and brilliant on yupo. It is very easy to take off paint from yupo since it is a non-absorbant surface. I washed the paints off three times before I settled on this Yupo version (half heartedly). On cold press, it is crucial to plan and save the whites early on.  The slick surface of Yupo requires different techniques than the regular watercolor paper. I discovered erasing on yupo paper makes it harder for the paint to adhere.  Another difference is yupo needs to be on a flat surface while painting since the paint moves freely-which also means that one can tilt the paper to get different mixes and effects. I have to use thick paint with little water to have definite detailed shapes on yupo and spraying with water mist gives it wonderful textures. For other kinds of texture I have also tried laying balled up plastic wrap or blotting paper towel on wet paint.  Removing or adding paint by using stencils, cheese cloth, gives beautiful shapes.  I can see myself continue my experiments and playing around with resists etc.  :)

Deconstructing and reconstructing art work is a preoccupation for me as I try to figure out the artistic and technical aspects to help me with creations. I happened upon this quirky TED video of Ursus Wehrli sharing his version of  cleaner, more organized 'tidier art' in a very funny unconventional way :) Enjoy a different take on creativity :) 

11 comments:

Kathy Staicer said...

Two nice sunsets. (Or are they Sunrises?) And some great information. You make me want to try yupo again soon!

Meera Rao said...

thank you Kathy! your yupo work is beautiful and it will be easy for you to get back :)

Meera Rao said...

Prabha, Thanks! Yupo is a synthetic paper and has smooth surface like hotpress except it is much slicker and non-absorbant. Tyvek is another surface-mostly used as waterproof and sturdy envelopes that is experimented on by several artists to paint on.

Crystal Cook said...

Those are beautiful! The colors look amazing, and so fresh. You can feel the sun in them. Gorgeous. I have a real strong liking for your works on Yupo. Love them!

Meera Rao said...

Thank you Crystal --your comments made my day -you are generous and kind :)

Anonymous said...

so so beautiful as usual!! wow!!

Meera Rao said...

Patricia, thanks! I am happy you like it!

Hema Penmetsa said...

I constantly struggle with right and left brains, too, while writing. My left brain keeps interfering, saying, "How is that possible? That isn't realistic" even when I'm trying to write fiction (fantasy, no less). So, I could totally understand your compulsion to compare and contrast the different media, Meera! :)

Meera Rao said...

Hema, Its a blessing and a curse - if only I knew how to play off the two so I get the maximum benefit!

Sandy Maudlin said...

Meera, Your progress on YUPO is awesome and this paintng is so striking. I like that you're trying different textures, etc, too. Keep on experimenting. It's the best teacher for sure.

Meera Rao said...

Thank you very much Sandy! -- You are the master of Yupo and I first learned about it from your works. I will continue to be inspired from your experiments :)

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