From Sketch to Painting (Watercolour Tips and Techniques)

Spring 2018 - Issue 93

Books especially relevant to Silk Painting are limited, the majority of experienced Silk Painters have probably read them all. However, there are a vast range of art related books and with a bit of lateral thinking are most useful to silk painters.

This useful book tackles all aspects of sketching, covering the wide variety of pens, pencils available or just using whatever you have with you. Getting started, probably the biggest block we all have, and How to Sketch are motivating and lead to chapters which include step by step processes.

Substituting silk paints or dyes is quite easy with a little practice, using No Flow and cold wax in place of masking fluids. The other items suggested, a candle, plastic wrap, piece of sponge, paper towel etc can also be used with silk paints or dyes. Mixing dye or paint with No Flow gives time to create the effects.

Sketching takes practice, particularly outdoors, but once the tendency to self consciousness is overcome, sketching is most enjoyable and a small sketch book plus pencil can lurk quite happily in a pocket or handbag. A great plus is the accompanying photograph via your mobile phone.

Wendy Jelbert is a teacher and professional artist who works in pastels, oils, acrylics, inks and watercolours. She enjoys experimenting with different ways of using mixed media and texture and her sometimes unconventional methods often produce surprising and original results.
Wendy is a tutor at West Dean College, West Sussex. Follow this link to view her tutor page https://www.westdean.org.uk/CollegeChannel/Tutors/TutorProfilesandWork/WendyJelbert.aspx
Wendy lives in Andover, Hampshire.