Fun with gel

Gel mediums....sooo much fun to be had.
I've recently been experimenting with different types of gel mediums to add a new texture dimension to my Torn Paper Paintings.
Many of my subject have a beachy seaside feel since I live on the New England coast. Among these subjects are of course mermaids.
Well....some of these gel experiments are going to come in quite handy with the backgrounds. I'm talking about "gel skins". Lovely thin layers you can design with colors and movement...then when dry, can peel them up and use them in the paintings.
I'm in the middle of working with some of these little gems...and will give you a better explanation on doing them after the experiments are complete.
I've added just one pic here to inspire you and get the wheels turning.
Trust me....creating these can be as addicting as working on the Gelli Plates. They are nothing alike...but both have endless possibilities!!!

Gelli day bonus!

As a rule...when the weather is beautiful...I like to take all my painting supplies and make a huge colorful mess outside.
For creating my Torn Paper Paintings, I need to keep a full supply of papers painted up in many colors and designs to be used for when I start each painting. A good ongoing supply is important so that I don't always have to make more at the last minute....and living in New England...painting outdoors isn't possible year round.
Today was one of those awesome painting days.
My favorite papers to turn into colorful collections are my rice papers and old book & music pages.
Along with my watercolor and acrylic paints.....my other favorite tool is my Gelli Plate!!  I have two sizes...so my larger one goes outside with me!
(click on the pics to see them larger)
After many hours of a fun filled afternoon I not only had a lovely collection of new papers to work with....but a nice new collection of colorful envelopes as well!!
You see....the second pull on a plate is generally called the "ghost" pull....so, rather than make those pulls on another paper....I used white envelopes....a bonus!!
Now I'm looking forward to sending out some beautiful mail !!!

A "Golden" evening

Just attended a fun and very informative evening at our local art association building for a lecture on all things "Golden". Golden acrylic products that is.
It's simply amazing how many products they actually have and how many ways there are in which to use them all.
If you think you know all about acrylic paint....I doubt it.  Our Golden rep was Adria Arch, a delightful and extremely well informed rep.  She was able to demonstrate and discuss such a vast collection of products in a 2hr gathering....that literally flew by.
While having worked with a number of acrylic products for quite a long time...I was able to still learn many new and interesting tidbits throughout this lecture.
And hey...what could be more fun than receiving little goodie bags of samples!!
Nice touch Golden!!