Wednesday 13 April 2016

2016 #7 Spring Wings{by Seth Apter}

 2016 Topic 7: Resists

Hello everybody. Seth here,  I am thrilled to be back for my first guest post on the PaperArtsy blog in 2016. The theme for today's project is resists. And who can resist a good resist? There are so many approaches to making resists and mine focuses on the wax crayon technique. I seem to be channelling spring with my colour choices, waiting for warmer days in NYC.


This piece started with a 6 x 6 inch square of 140lb cold press watercolour paper. The 140lb weight makes this sturdy and the cold press surface is slightly textured. I used watercolour paints for this project and I just love the way the colours settle into the nooks and crannies.

I started by gathering my (large) collection of PaperArtsy stamps. I pulled out stamps that were either text-based or image-based. I was not looking for any particular theme but rather a grouping of stamps that I could use to create a stamped collage over the entire surface of the paper.

Words 2
Mini 30
Using StazOn ink pads so that my ink would dry fast and remain permanent, I stamped on the surface creating a collage of images and text. I used Words 2 Mini 30 HPXT01 HP1301 and VID04 and VID09


HPXT01
HP1301
Next I took a white wax crayon and selectively coloured some of the surface of the paper. I chose to fill in the larger areas with spaces, such as the butterfly wings, bird wings, clock faces, flower petals and inner loops of the letters.


I then painted the entire surface of the paper with watercolour paints using a water brush. I used a spring palette, choosing yellows, reds, blues and greens and allowing all the paints to bleed and blend together. Once the surface was painted, I used a baby wipe to gently rub over the areas that had been previously covered with the crayon. Because of the wax, these coloured areas resisted the watercolour paint and stayed white. I was careful not to rub too hard so as not to dig into the paper below.


Here are a couple of close up shots showing how the white crayon has resisted the watercolour paints. 


Any paint on the crayon areas can be wiped away leaving the white areas bright and clean, this makes them really pop against the colourful paints. 


There are many approaches to resist in addition to the crayon technique but I find this simple and very effective. If you haven't tried it yourself, hope you are now inspired to do so.
Seth. 
Blog: The Altered Page

Who indeed could resist a page like this. thanks Seth for highlighting one of the simpler techniques. So often overlooked in the wake of all the fancier products. Getting back to basics has produced a fabulous page here, with a technique accessible to everyone ~Darcy 

We would love to see how you interpret this Resists topic by linking what you make to our 2016 Challenge #7: Resists, on this page HERE.
All of our bloggers love to see your twist on their ideas,  particularly if you were inspired directly by their post. 
All links go in the draw to win a £50 voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Resists link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, April 17th 2016. The winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.

23 comments:

Julie Lee said...

So effective and so beautiful! This technique looks lovely with these stamps too! x

Helen said...

what a fabulous project, the wax technique is ideal for this. can't wait to have a go.

Hazel Agnew said...

Brilliant technique Seth, and so simple and effective. Great inspiration as always...thanks.

Kirsten said...

I love this. Great use of images.

Mac Mable said...

So many of these resist techniques and all fabulous. Another one for me to store away, thank you so much. Loving the composition of the project and your spring colours.

SewPaperPaint said...

Neat idea and beautiful result!

Craftyfield said...

Great results for this technique. It makes me want to play with watercolours myself...

rachel said...

amazing make - I love this - want to go make right now - love it x

PaperArtsy said...

Very pretty resist. Love the combo of stamps you've used Seth!!

craftytrog said...

Fab project Seth, great technique!

craftimamma said...

Love this collage, the colours and wax resist! Fabulous result!

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Neet said...

Love how Seth builds up his artwork and this is yet another way I have seen him work. A mixture of Seth Apter and PaperArtsy, who could resist (sorry for the pun)
Hugs, Neet xx

Lauren Hatwell said...

Simple, but SOOOO effective. I particlarly love the way the clock with wings turned out. Fab! Lx

elle said...

Luv how Seth coloured this. Luv your products. How does a Canadian order supplies?

TangledBlueRose said...

Wonderful project! I love the resist and you made it seem so easy. Thanks so much!
~kim

Steven said...

nice technique usingfab stamps, might even give it a go this weekend.
Thanks for sharing

Unknown said...

Just tried this on a manila 2x3 tag. Quick and easy with very satisfying results! :)

Unknown said...

Just tried this on a manila 2x3 tag. Quick and easy with very satisfying results! :)

Unknown said...

Gorgeous & I can't wait to try this!

Vicki Romaine said...

Thanks for the tutorial. I love the backgrounds you make. Seeing the close-ups makes it especially nice.

Carole M. said...

Beautiful, Seth......thanks for this great tutorial!! You are definitely one of my heroes!!!
Carole from Chicago

Lucy Edmondson said...

Beautiful! Lovely collage of images and soft colours,

Lucy x

Jackie PN said...

Cool piece by Seth! Lovely see the softer palette in his work