Unique mix of gouache over acrylic. Take a look

[colorspinner]

I have been exploring a different approach with gouache and acrylics with some really unique results. Using watercolor paper I coat the paper with gesso and pour liquid acrylics to create an abstract scene and then using layers of gouache turn it into a realistic scene. You can't believe how much fun this is.
This isn't one of my best examples but one of the few I thought of photographing before hand:


This was the scene that started it:

It was a pouring I did a couple of years before for a background for a dog portrait but it came out a total disaster. I got carried away with the acrylic paint and it came out heavy and globby in places. The dark paint puddled in long streaks (those I turned into trees) and I played with salt which worked in one corner but didn't dissolve on the otherside and left a sandpaper finish

I pulled it out last summer and after studying it started to see rocks and trees and just started painting.

I have been having problems with monitors showing too dark or light. This is showing up too dark on my monitor but after veiwing it on a different monitor I am afraid to change it, Let me know if it is dark or correct on yours.

I went to town doing scenery painting after scenery after that. You can painting with gouache over acrylic with some cool results.Take a look at some of my other scenery paintings and let me know what you think?:

[ReineBlanche2]

This is brilliant! I would love to see you doing a WIP using this technique, so I can learn how to get from the poured acrylics to the final picture. Love the tonal values and whole design in both works, Anna

[colorspinner]

I do have some paintings that I show a WIP
here is a link to the site:
Work in process

and also this one which was commissioned

[aszurblue]

This is pretty incredible and love your color choices!! May I ask what kind, size and weight of watercolor paper did you use? This is just great and YES, a WIP for use here at WC would be sweet!!

[colorspinner]

I use 140 # Strathmore
Here is another before and after. This was a really fun piece I got finished in 2 weeks for a show

I know, some people prefer the "before" scene

BTW, the Spirit Bear is a white black bear called the Kermode bear found on an island off of BC , Canada

[Sonia]

Intriguing technique - definitely something to try out. Thanks for your explanation.

[colorspinner]

You can have a lot of fun. I have started dropping the concentrated acrylics into the wet gesso and adding lots of water (or mist with a sprayer) to get the colors to run together. I use the golden acrylic for airbrush. Very vibrant color and sometimes one drop can take over a whole area! It can be a challenge to control. They will sometimes keep moving for a long time until they dry.I let the colors dry overnight and the results can be a total surprise. Just like Christmas!

Maybe I will show a WIP here sometime. Scary thought though cause I never know what will come out until it is done. Even those that are planned ahead. But that is the fun of it!

[Studio-1-F]

Originally Posted by colorspinner

Maybe I will show a WIP here sometime. Scary thought though cause I never know what will come out until it is done. Even those that are planned ahead. But that is the fun of it!

That's totally the fun of it! This poured acrylic base would also be a keen underpainting for soft pastels as well. Hmmm!!

I'd love to see a WIP on this.

Is this the pigment?

Jan

[colorspinner]

Yep that is the pigment. I would try it with pastels. I add the opague to the transparent but that takes away the tooth and might make it too slick for pastels to stick to. The transparent would work. Cover the paper in water and drop on the color and what the magic.

[Artisgreat]

Wonderful work! Silly question, did you have any problems with gouache adhering to the acrylic as a base?

Thanks,
JA

[colorspinner]

No, not really, even on the slick surfaces, I like to build it up in layers where it is needed.

[BettiePage]

Beau-ti-ful!! I'm in love with your art.. your colors and style are amazing

[autolisp]

colorspinner. There you go. Pushing the bounderies! I will use this idea to produce coloured paper grounds and gouache overpainting. Thank you for the idea.

autolisp

[M.L. Schaefer]

Your art is intriguing and beautiful! I'm just now getting a basic set of artist's gouache together...and I have some acrylics....I will make the best use of both, together! How wonderful...thank you for sharing!

Margarete