Gather around boys and girls….here is the Gouache Ink Resist “how I do it” workshop…
Stuff you’ll need….
Watercolor paper….hot or cold or rough….(they all react a bit differently to this technique)
Watercolors……(or watercolours work too )
White gouache…..
Waterproof India ink…
Size of paper…
I think it’s best to start small…even as small as 5 x7 ….and work up to larger…
I also think it’s good to do a few at a time rather than having to watch paint dry with one precious attempt….
also remember, you need a sink large enough to accommodate the size of paper during the wash off stage…
The technique is a bit unpredictable…I’m pleased with about 60% of my attempts.(It’s getting more predictable
for me, the more experience I get )
Here are some examples of the paintings I've done with this technique....
Step 1….
Think of an image that will look good with hard edges and clearly defined shapes or outlines…You basically
have 2 values to work with.
suggestions...
graphic sorts of images work well…clear 2 value pattern….
dark background light subject or light background dark subject…
An outlined type of design looks interesting but it requires covering most of the paper with the gouache....a bit
labor intensive.
Here are some examples of photos that I have saved from either WetCanvas or morgue file....I would enjoy
attempting these...but any image will work. You just have to turn it into a 2 value pattern of shapes.
Gouache Ink Resist Technique
Steps 1,2 &3
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Step 2
Lightly pencil in the placement of the shapes on the paper
Either wash over the whole paper with random watercolor….or paint each shape a different color…depending on
your design….
let this dry….completely….
Here I've used french ultramarine and cobalt turquoise to do an overall coloring.
example....
Step 3
Cover the shapes that you want to be the light value with white gouache…skipping small spots within the shape is
ok…I think the random misses make the result more interesting ….
let it dry….completely…completely …..completely.(I have successfully used a hair dryer here)
example....(see note*)
note*
I used a sharpie pen to keep me on track with the main branch on this one...It is a portion that I KNEW would be
black and covered with the india ink. I rarely do this...but I was having trouble focusing that day. :)