all in an inch: Lots and lots of layering on a black 4"

February 24, 2015

Lots and lots of layering on a black 4"

There is one thing that can be said for the new 4" black Art Squares. They make a great surface platform for layering. Less expensive than canvas or cradle board they are sturdy enough to stand up to lots of layers of paints. And, starting with a black versus a white square changes the look dramatically adding a deep richness right from the start.

Layering and texturizing are art concepts that we have just started to try now that we have the larger size squares. It is unlikely we could even recreate this piece, and that is the fun of it, to find out how experimenting can produce a great little piece of art.

This was created with layers of Silks Acrylic glazes in different colors applied one color at a time. Because we were just playing around and wanted to see what would happen, we used what we like to call the 'sandwich' technique of applying the paint. Put down a small glop on one black square and moosh it onto another...like a sandwich. When you peel them apart there is always a surprise! (this is a very non sophisticated way to do mono printing). Dry each layer before applying the next one, either air dry or heat setting. We did cheat a little at the end and used this same sandwich concept with a drop of white gesso and then applied the white gesso through a dot template.

And what is even more fun is we have another, mirror image, but slightly different version of this one that we are saving for additional layering and maybe some stamping!

Don't forget to visit the RubberMoon blog every day this week to see the amazing projects of their artists on the new 4" black Art Squares. And check back here each day through Saturday as we provide tips and suggestions on ways to create with all of the sizes of black Art Squares.