Creative Monday: Faux Batik technique

I recently took another class from Online Card Classes.  This one was about watercolor mediums.  Even though I've painted with watercolors for years, it was still worthwhile and I would recommend it.  On the last day one of the instructors did a batik technique.  I wish I could share it with you, but since it's a paid class I cannot.  The technique really got my wheels turning, and that is what I love about classes.  They often get me thinking about new ideas and things to try.  I cannot wait to try the batik technique on paper.  It takes several supplies I don't have, but as soon as I do I will share here how it goes.

In the meantime, I thought why can't I do something similar with drawing gum or masking fluid?  And so I did.  The results are not quite the same, but I love the outcome anyway.  Here are the steps I took to make this card.

I first sketched a lily in pencil and then traced in Copic multiline pen, which is waterproof.  After I traced my drawing I erased all of my pencil lines. 

I then decided where I wanted the areas of white and applied drawing gum to those areas.  I used Pebeo drawing gum.  After the drawing gum was dry (it takes a couple minutes) I applied my lightest shade of paint.  I used my new Peerless watercolors.  I then added more drawing gum to areas I wanted to remain that shade, and continued layering paint and drawing gum.  Just make sure each is dry before you continue!

When I was happy with the flower I started on the background, and continued to paint, let the paint dry and then mask certain areas.

After I was happy with the intensity of color and the everything was dry, I rubbed off the drawing gum with my finger.

Finally, I trimmed the painting and mounted it on a A2 sized card.

I really enjoyed this technique.  I know it's nothing earth shattering, watercolor artists use drawing gum all of the time to mask out areas on their paintings.  I just love the layering of color and edges this technique creates.  Remember to let the paint dry before you apply the drawing gum and make sure the drawing gum is dry before you add more paint! 

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