GOUACHE + INK GOLDFINCH STARTED

Here is the gouache + ink resist technique, using just white gouache and black ink as the first steps.



Using a photo of a male, juvenile goldfinch (you can tell he's young by how scruffy he looks), I sketched it and then traced the sketch onto 300# cold press watercolor paper (Arches).  Heavier paper works better with this technique but you can use 140# is that's all you have.



Next step = using a small round brush and a 1/2" flat brush, I painted on the thick white gouache (the gouache goes all around the outside of the subject, too, but leave a small area around the outside of the paper (which will become a nice "frame" for the painting).

In this photo, I hope you can see the texture of the gouache all over the paper.  I did go back in and redraw some of the lines with graphite pencil so the lines will hold the black ink in the next step.

Next = Using your cheap brush from the hardware store, lay down a wash in as few brushstrokes as you can, with the undiluted black, waterproof India Ink.  Don't brush over and over or you'll lift the gouache!

I put an old towel beneath the painting to catch any excess ink, and then left it to dry - about 4-5 hours should do it.  You will know when you return and you see no trace of moisture in the ink layer and can see a hint of the subject underneath.  

Next = see next post for the big reveal!