Positive or negative space? A unique resist concept.

 

(Fred Mullet MagnoliaSticks and Fresh Ink Basil and Island) 

Those memories of elementary school art keep creeping back into my consciousness. 

Who can forget learning about positive and negative space - it was all so confusing until it was explained that positive space is the object itself...and negative space is the area around it...or the background. I was an Art Docent in the elementary schools for years and we had lots of fun teaching this concept.

I think we all get caught in ruts with regards to how we use stamps, so try this technique with any of your stamps and shake up your creativity!

As you are looking at these just remember...the images on the left are stamped traditionally using 2 different Fresh Ink pigment inks which are then embossed with clear powder and heat set. The images on the right are created by inking the entire stamp with clear Versamark, stamping, dredging in clear powder and heat setting. Then dab the SAME pigment inks using small sponge applicators into the 'negative' spaces. Use a cotton ball to remove the excess ink from the clear embossed shapes which will now show up as white.

 

 (Fred Mullet WillowSpots and Fresh Ink Merlot and Melon)

 

(Fred Mullet Swirlfish with Fresh Ink French Lavender and Freesia)

This last one is almost an optical illusion...because the actual stamp is designed so that you are 'stamping' the water...not the fish...it's a visual that takes a minute to figure out!

(note - the ink colors from each 'version' aren't an exact match because the ink on the left version is heat set and the ink on the right version is just applied)

These were all created using the new white ATC size ART SQUARES!

Comments

[Katie B.]

Great post!! Love how your ATCs turned out! We have a card sample from you with one on the card and I have been wondering how that was done. Now I see...great idea, very pleasing to the eye (both versions). I really want to try something similar. :) Thanks for sharing.

Katie B.

[Liannallama]

Great idea! I love how these turned out!