Tuesday, October 8, 2013

TODAY IN CLASS: TEXTURE

Although I haven't painted on YUPO (a plastic "paper" that was created for the printing business) in years, I wanted my students to know what it is and what it does.  So we played on YUPO today and created some great texture.  I used a photograph taken and shared on WetCanvas by Li Newton of a great old rusty bucket.  


Here is my version - a bit too bright and needing darker values plus the handle painted.  I used a chip brush (a brush that's like a bristle brush used in oil painting) to make the striations in the wood in the background and steps.

I told the 3 students they would either love it or hate it.  I think 2 enjoyed the experience and were getting the hang of it - one even completed her painting and it looked great.  One student, however, was getting frustrated with the process and I promised I'd help her learn more about it next time.  I sent them home with their paintings, the photograph, and an 8 x 10 piece of YUPO to play with at home.

Have you ever painted on YUPO?  What did you think of it?  




10 comments:

Unknown said...

I've never tried to paint on YUPO, but I've always thought that a new experience was an excellent thing. It's a good idea to teach your students, not only how to draw and paint, but to try unknow painting techniques.

Autumn Leaves said...

I finally bought a piece and it will be on my agenda soon. I also need to take another crack at masa paper.

Sadami said...

Wow, thank u for sharing the interesting info! No, I haven't tried it. It looked like a plastic board, indeed. I'm sure you cared very well for your students. They are lucky students!! And so we, blog readers are!
Best wishes, Sadami

Pam Johnson Brickell said...

Yupo is definitely a love/hate substrate. I struggle with painting landscapes on it. Do love the wipe off factor when I'm not pleased. Absolutely love it for painting feathers on. They look real :) http://www.pamjohnsonbrickellart.com/journal2-07.html

Watercolors by Susan Roper said...

You already know what I think of Yupo, I am on the love it side! I agree, at first I found it very frustrating, but oh so fun to play with. Love the textures one can create with this stuff.

Unknown said...

I really disliked yupo for watercolor. I didn't like the loss of controll but I can see why some people like it. You can get some really sweet textures with it that you just can't get with traditional paper. I did try oil on yupo and really liked it.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks for your comment, Marie. I am going to expose my students to more new things before the end of the year, just so they know what it is and then can decide if they want to try it on their own or not.

Sherry, I've painted on just about everything and really like watercolor paper the best :) But it's fun to try new materials and you get different looks with substrates other than regular paper.

Glad you enjoyed the post, Sadami - it is thin but not as thin as paper and it is plastic.

Pam, I think experiencing what you can do with it is a fun experience but I don't use it anymore except for play time. I do like the fact that you can wipe it all off!!

Susan, yes, you are one who loves the YUPO :) Hope you are doing well and enjoying your southwestern autumn.

Audrey, controlling YUPO is just about impossible but you can guide it in directions you want by just painting without as much water in your brush or mixed with your pigment. I've only tried it with watercolor and fluid acrylic. I'm always afraid anything heavier will peel off the plastic at some time.

RH Carpenter said...

Audrey, I just took a quick stroll through your blog this morning as I was having my coffee and WOW! You have some fantastic watercolors on there - I'm going to have to put your blog on my sidebar so I remember to check in once in a while. Your portraits of doggies and people are fantastic!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much! I love that you ask questions and bridge the gap between the visual and the written arts :)

Vandy said...

Yupo is definitely on my 'must try this one day' list. Haven't got around to it yet, but your post is enticing me to have a go soon.