There Is Always Something Happening At The Mendocino Art Center

within a resist line… this is
just what I was looking for.”
A traditional watercolor
artist might say: “This is
easier than working on paper. I can work back into my
painting without rubbing up the paper.” “It is really
hard to mix mud.” “The dyes are transparent so the
colors are clean and easy to mix.” “The quality of the
dye color on white silk is amazing. The color is more
intense and brighter.” “Because I am painting on a fabric
there are many more applications for my painting. I
can quilt and embellish it. I can wear it. I can sculpt it.”
On the other hand, watercolor artists lament that the
process of DyeColour painting on silk includes additional
steps and special
presentation. The silk
must be stretched and
treated before painting.
Once the painting is
finished the dyes must
be steam set and the
treatment removed. For
longevity, paintings for
display need to be protected
from direct sunlight
by either framing
them behind Den glass
or Plexiglas with UV
protection or mounted
on a canvas using acrylic
varnish containing UV
protection. For me, the
beautiful color, array of
techniques available for
my artistic expression,
Iris by Nancy Collins
Landscape by Erin Dertner
the joy of painting on silk
and the results are worth the
additional steps in process
and presentation.
Little did I know in 1990 that my interest in exploring
DyeColour painting on silk would lead to writing
my fourth book and a new dilemma. Since there are not
many artists working in this medium there could be a
potential problem in finding inspiring artwork to feature
in my book. One of my solutions to this dilemma is to
teach professional watercolor artists in my community
the technique in exchange for an image of their painting
for my book. This exchange has been a door that
has opened to new friendships, professional acquaintances,
and a wealth of
knowledge as I exchange
ideas, information and
watch the artists develop
their paintings in a new
medium.
Since my fine arts
background consists of
only a little experience
in watercolor painting, I
started exploring watercolor
techniques by joining
Nancy Collins’ open
studio. Her group paints
together on Thursdays
at the Mendocino Art
Center. I also participated
in a watercolor
workshop with Nancy
at MAC. Later, Nancy
and I collaborated on
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