Thursday, November 15, 2012

Painting on Masa Paper

                   Baby Elephant Walk Watercolor on Masa paper 10X14

I'm not sure what Masa paper is but it's fun to work with. I first tried this technique when painting in a workshop many years ago with Chen Kee Chee, a wonderful watercolor painter and teacher. While working in a class last week I was reminded of this paper again. First you crumple all of part of it into a ball. Then you soak it in clean water until it relaxes a little. You remove it from the water and carefully open it up and spread it out on a clean surface. You then prepare a sheet of watercolor paper the same size by spreading a thin layer of YES glue over it. The Masa paper is then laid on the glue and smoothed with your hands and finally rolled with a brayer. I did a little light under painting at this point and left it to dry. The crackly, wrinkly paper just made me want to paint an elephant in the foliage. I used hand made leaf stamps for the foliage. It was one of those paintings that came together easily and quickly. What a treat!


5 comments:

  1. I love it! Love all the crinkles - and the elephant is wonderful!

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  2. Wow! Your elephant is tuly realistic looking. I love the textural feel you achieved with the Masa paper. I had never heard of it, but I'll need to look for it. Blessings!

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  3. This is really a wonderful piece.. I've heard of this paper but have never tried it.. You make me want to ... what an inspiration...
    Love it and thanks a bunch for coming by my blog..
    BJ

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  4. Love this elephant and the texture added by your preparation of the paper (thank you for describing the process)! I am delighted to have discovered your blog (via your comment on Barbra Joan's blog) and have enjoyed browsing the unique, creative works you post. Thank you.

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