BACKGROUND TUTORIAL #3
Sunday, May 27, 2007 Edit This 27 Comments »
Hello!! I decided to do another tutorial for you. It's a very, very simple thing--and I use it on almost all of my "journal" pages.
You start with little bottles of paint (the cheap kind from WALLY-WORLD is what I use--I save my Goldens Real Paint for paintings.), a Speedball roller thingie, a JIFF peanut butter lid (you may use any kind of lid--this one just happens to be off of a jar of JIFF--which I had to finish off and eat a ton of, so I could use it), and my favorite paper in the world--Fabriano Artistico Acquarello Watercolour/140 lb/Hot Press/9 x 12 inch size. I like this paper because:
1. Teesha Moore recommended it.
2. It holds a lot of crap without buckling,warping, rolling or tearing.
3. The texture is heavenly, so in moments of insecurity--you can gently stroke it, and it comforts you.
It is a little expensive--$17 for 20 sheets--but that's not too bad. You can order it here.
Also, you'll need something to roll paint out on. This is a book that one day was unfortunately lying in my path. The back cover was large and flat, and so this is what I use. I do also use the table directly, when it's clean enough to roll paint on. Today it was piled high..so I just shoved the book next to my piece of paper.
So, first--we are going to put some paint down. You don't need a ton--just about a quarter sized amount. A dime sized amount is not going to be enough--and a silver dollar sized amount is TOO MUCH. So think quarters-25 cents. (If you are in another country--sorry--you are on your own, and you'll have to experiment--unless you are lucky enough to have been to the United States, and brought a quarter back with you.)
Next--roll your roller through the paint, covering the roller well.
Take a piece of paper (or mat board, or foam core, or canvas, etc...use any substrate that you want to)...and roll the paint randomly on it. I like starting with light colors and working towards dark colors, but this works just as well if I'd started with black...
add another color to your palette, roll it out...roll it on top of first color. No drying time is needed if you use colors that are going to mesh well together. If your colors will look murky (like when you mix green and pink), then let each layer dry. I never , ever let anything dry. I like working wet on wet on wet..sometimes it works--sometimes it doesn't. It depends all on your colors.
If you are totally switching colors that don't blend well--hit it a few minutes with the old hairdryer. I keep this one hanging on a hook by my table..though I rarely use it.
On my palette--if I am going to switch colors, and they don't mesh--I just lay down a piece of paper, and keep rolling. I do not clean my roller between colors--there is no need to.
So, I rolled out my third color..
It's hard sometimes for me to tell where my paper ends, and my table begins--I am a very messy artist.
I am not liking the color scheme--so I decide to add 3 more colors--mint green, hot pink, brighter yellow.
roll some paint out on your palette (book).
Roll it on the paper...ewwww...
add some lime green....scrunch up your face--say ewwwww again...
get your pictures out of order, so that it looks like you are adding to the paper before rolling out on the palette. Keep going--let your readers figure it out for themselves.
Add some red. Mixed it with yellow. Add some orange. NOTE--AT ANY TIME that your background looks good--you can stop.
Keep adding colors..
keep rolling more paint unto your pallette...
Get it to a point that you are OK with it, and how it looks...
Time for some circles. I have dabbers on a lot of my paint bottles, it makes life so much easier. So, take your peanut butter jar lid--and dab paint on the rim.
Make circles.
Take the bottle of a paint bottle, dab some black on it..
and make little circles. I LOVE CIRCLES!!
Glob some more paint on your palette...
Roll it all over your paper..right on top of your circles... Play--have fun!!
add another color--thereby obscuring your circles completely.
add some more...make it REALLY UGLY!!
Decide to cover the whole thing up, and start from scratch..Pour a lot of gesso on your paper..or a little bit...doesn't matter at this point.
Roll it out on your paper. Gesso will go further than paint, so you don't really need a ton..
Add some more Gesso, make it good and thick...
Get out an old credit card--I think this was my casino gambling card to Isle of Capri. It is plastic and stiff like a credit card...so it works..
You have to be fast with this--you can't let the Gesso dry at all--NOW HURRY...Scrape the Gesso OFF of the paper..I wanted to make long---going in one direction streaks--scrape hard, and wipe the credit card or casino card on anything handy..I used my shirt for this, you can use a towel, or rag, etc.
I think it needs some aging. I picked up some Ranger ink stuff (alcohol ink--I think)..and ..
randomly splattered a little on my paper...Lean the bottle gently to the side and tap it out. DON'T turn it completely upside down and squeeze it!!! I learned this the hard way.
Look at what you have done. Scrunch up face, Make your lips do funny things, and say EWWWWWW... Add some pink paint..
Hate that--so add some turquoise over the pink.
I liked the turquoise, and should have stopped. But I did a turquoise page yesterday, and needed to do another color. So, I added some yellow and orange. I stopped half way--knowing that I had messed up...
So, take some dark red and roll it out on the paper...hmmm..looks ok...roll some more...
OH YEAH...LIKING IT NOW. Get the JIFF circles..put some on this color...
Find a foam stamp that you like (I happen to have "XYZ" still stuck together, and I like them), and stamp in a constrasting color.
Stamp a few more times--DON'T over-do...just an accent..and sit back...check for any signs of face scrunching or ewwwing.....if these don't occur..you are DONE.
You start with little bottles of paint (the cheap kind from WALLY-WORLD is what I use--I save my Goldens Real Paint for paintings.), a Speedball roller thingie, a JIFF peanut butter lid (you may use any kind of lid--this one just happens to be off of a jar of JIFF--which I had to finish off and eat a ton of, so I could use it), and my favorite paper in the world--Fabriano Artistico Acquarello Watercolour/140 lb/Hot Press/9 x 12 inch size. I like this paper because:
1. Teesha Moore recommended it.
2. It holds a lot of crap without buckling,warping, rolling or tearing.
3. The texture is heavenly, so in moments of insecurity--you can gently stroke it, and it comforts you.
It is a little expensive--$17 for 20 sheets--but that's not too bad. You can order it here.
Also, you'll need something to roll paint out on. This is a book that one day was unfortunately lying in my path. The back cover was large and flat, and so this is what I use. I do also use the table directly, when it's clean enough to roll paint on. Today it was piled high..so I just shoved the book next to my piece of paper.
So, first--we are going to put some paint down. You don't need a ton--just about a quarter sized amount. A dime sized amount is not going to be enough--and a silver dollar sized amount is TOO MUCH. So think quarters-25 cents. (If you are in another country--sorry--you are on your own, and you'll have to experiment--unless you are lucky enough to have been to the United States, and brought a quarter back with you.)
Next--roll your roller through the paint, covering the roller well.
Take a piece of paper (or mat board, or foam core, or canvas, etc...use any substrate that you want to)...and roll the paint randomly on it. I like starting with light colors and working towards dark colors, but this works just as well if I'd started with black...
add another color to your palette, roll it out...roll it on top of first color. No drying time is needed if you use colors that are going to mesh well together. If your colors will look murky (like when you mix green and pink), then let each layer dry. I never , ever let anything dry. I like working wet on wet on wet..sometimes it works--sometimes it doesn't. It depends all on your colors.
If you are totally switching colors that don't blend well--hit it a few minutes with the old hairdryer. I keep this one hanging on a hook by my table..though I rarely use it.
On my palette--if I am going to switch colors, and they don't mesh--I just lay down a piece of paper, and keep rolling. I do not clean my roller between colors--there is no need to.
So, I rolled out my third color..
It's hard sometimes for me to tell where my paper ends, and my table begins--I am a very messy artist.
I am not liking the color scheme--so I decide to add 3 more colors--mint green, hot pink, brighter yellow.
roll some paint out on your palette (book).
Roll it on the paper...ewwww...
add some lime green....scrunch up your face--say ewwwww again...
get your pictures out of order, so that it looks like you are adding to the paper before rolling out on the palette. Keep going--let your readers figure it out for themselves.
Add some red. Mixed it with yellow. Add some orange. NOTE--AT ANY TIME that your background looks good--you can stop.
Keep adding colors..
keep rolling more paint unto your pallette...
Get it to a point that you are OK with it, and how it looks...
Time for some circles. I have dabbers on a lot of my paint bottles, it makes life so much easier. So, take your peanut butter jar lid--and dab paint on the rim.
Make circles.
Take the bottle of a paint bottle, dab some black on it..
and make little circles. I LOVE CIRCLES!!
Glob some more paint on your palette...
Roll it all over your paper..right on top of your circles... Play--have fun!!
add another color--thereby obscuring your circles completely.
add some more...make it REALLY UGLY!!
Decide to cover the whole thing up, and start from scratch..Pour a lot of gesso on your paper..or a little bit...doesn't matter at this point.
Roll it out on your paper. Gesso will go further than paint, so you don't really need a ton..
Add some more Gesso, make it good and thick...
Get out an old credit card--I think this was my casino gambling card to Isle of Capri. It is plastic and stiff like a credit card...so it works..
You have to be fast with this--you can't let the Gesso dry at all--NOW HURRY...Scrape the Gesso OFF of the paper..I wanted to make long---going in one direction streaks--scrape hard, and wipe the credit card or casino card on anything handy..I used my shirt for this, you can use a towel, or rag, etc.
I think it needs some aging. I picked up some Ranger ink stuff (alcohol ink--I think)..and ..
randomly splattered a little on my paper...Lean the bottle gently to the side and tap it out. DON'T turn it completely upside down and squeeze it!!! I learned this the hard way.
Look at what you have done. Scrunch up face, Make your lips do funny things, and say EWWWWWW... Add some pink paint..
Hate that--so add some turquoise over the pink.
I liked the turquoise, and should have stopped. But I did a turquoise page yesterday, and needed to do another color. So, I added some yellow and orange. I stopped half way--knowing that I had messed up...
So, take some dark red and roll it out on the paper...hmmm..looks ok...roll some more...
OH YEAH...LIKING IT NOW. Get the JIFF circles..put some on this color...Then load some water and white paint on your brush..and FLICK...FLICK..FLICK...
Just a little...TOO MUCH FLICKING IS NOT GOOD.
Find a foam stamp that you like (I happen to have "XYZ" still stuck together, and I like them), and stamp in a constrasting color.
Stamp a few more times--DON'T over-do...just an accent..and sit back...check for any signs of face scrunching or ewwwing.....if these don't occur..you are DONE.
Thank you!! Live Artfully! ~~Suzan~~
27 comments to make me smile:
I am amazed, have to try this. Seems like fun. I just have to get hold of some paint that I can use.
I liked the hole scenario and how it tourned out in the end. .-)
Love it! I've been using all sorts of lids for circles--and corks from wine bottles are awesome! Maybe they are considered orbs? I'm an English major not a math major, so maybe I have the definition of circle wrong--they are round, so... :)
I'm glad you do these tutorials. You make it look simple, and I like that!
WOWZERS this is amazing! I love the lid for circles! I have to give this a try!
This cracks me up because it's so ME... right down to the wiping the credit card on my tshirt (or sweats!) and scrunching my face up, over and over!
Turned out fabulous!!!
You rock! This is just wonderful and entertaining, totally cracks me up. Would be lost without my credit card from the place that ticked me off. Teesha rocks too and have that paper on my list for my next supply excursion!
Thank you!!!
Thank you Suzan!!
It's amazing! I have to try this very soon.
Hi Susan, I don't do paintings, but I think I will have to have a go at this, it looks like so much fun, your tutorial is a joy to read it had me chuckling all the way. Well done.
Cheers from Oz
Gail
Your Tut's are so entertaining and informative! Please do more! Tx! :)*
I really enjoyed this tutorial and I loved the finished product! May have to try this. Thanks for sharing yourself and your art with all of us, right down to the face scrunching and the "ewwwing"!
Fun tutorial. When I do these backgrounds, I always say along with my face scrunching "Its all about the layers, baby, it's all about the layers." It's just like in Photoshop!
Thanks Suzan, great tutorial :)
And to think I was the ONLY one who made color combos that make me go EWWWW....
Cheers, Gaye
Great tutorial, and, as usually hilarious.
Great tutorial. This made me laugh out loud! :)
I noticed last time I was at the art supply store that Speedball made a bunch of different kinds of rollers...I didn't know which one I would make the most use of and they were pretty expensive. I ended up not buying any of them! Which one are you using here? ...let's see...foam, soft rubber, hard rubber....?
Loved your tutorial! You are hilarious! lol I use lots and lots of lids to make circles too - instant gratification! :)
LMAO Hilarious! Great tut Suzan!! I only have one question for you....Do you have any paint left??? LOL hee hee I will try this when the kitchen table is free...I really don't think trying this on my bed would be a good idea LOL That is my creative space now! FOR ART!! geez! lol xoxo
Hi, thanks for the great directions and humor, but mostly for helping me to get over the "failure fear". Art is supposed to be fun - we just have to remember to laugh and keep going until we like the results.
Burgundybelle
What a great tutorial ! So free, funny and fabulous, girl !
Thanks for sharing your process !
Cheers,
Kim
Okay, I did try this. In fact, I've made two backgrounds on paper (posted on my blog) and one on canvas that may end up just being an abstract painting, I love it so much! I'm waiting for it to dry before I set it down on the scanner, so it's not posted yet. I have a question, dear Suzan. Where do you get the little dabbers that you have on many of your paint bottles? I can see where they would come in really handy. I'm using a make-up sponge to dab the paint on my lids. It works, but the dabbers would work so much better!
I love the lid idea to make circles. You are so clever and I just love you and your work. You are such a BIG inspiration to me Suzan.
You have given me such advise without even trying.
Sorry I don't get to your blog often enough. I miss out on too many things.
Have a blessed day. I can hardly wait to try this. I will try to remember to scrunch my nose !
Love Ya my Friend
Patti
*snort* Ok, you just rock. I love reading a tutorial that basically says "Really? You want to learn how I do stuff? Ok, you asked for it", lol. Your lack of pretension is fabulous. :D
This is so fun...I laughed all the way through the tutorial and then to think you actually ended up with something. What a hoot! (wish I had an owl icon to insert here)...while I'm commenting, must say I luv your journal pages. Thanks for sharing your techniques and also the freebies. You're on my fave list now.
Suzan - this is a another wonderful tutorial! I was cracking up reading your comments as you paint. Thanks for sharing another fabulous painting experience. Hugs.
Crikey![Im aussie I can say it lol] Im exhausted what a wold ride that tutorial was. LOL Its was like watching a drama play out on telly im thinking Days of our Lives but more Canvas and paint for your life. End result spectacular but I need a stiff drink now. I get anxious if my paint is not working out on the canvas...I see you dont and thats a great lesson for me. As I moved from picture to picture I didnt know whether to laugh or cry and yep the face pulling was happening but a huge smile [of relief] that all good in the end. Very cool Suzan. Felt like I was right there too. lol
Oh My Goodness, what a tutorial - Loved it, such fun - I was kinda hoping you would stop at that beautiful orangey colour, but No!! The fun continued, and what a lovely result from a lot of smoodged paint.. teehee
Thanks for taking the time to write all those funny instructions - it sounded like I was sat right next to you laughing along with you :)
(I wish)
This is my first time to your blog, and I thoroughly enjoyed this post. I was scrunching my face up with you a couple of times, but I love how the end piece turned out. :) Thanks for sharing. I'll be back for another visit soon!
Suzan would you believe this is the first time I've watched this? Awesome, how in the world did I miss it...I loved seeing how you create backgrounds. Thanks so much for sharing!!!
xxx
http://bevie2u2.blogspot.com
I am dying laughing! Were you standing on the chair by the time you finished. That paper must have been 10" thick!
Finished product is magnifico!!!!
I want some of that paper. Maybe I could upholster my couch with it.
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