Dog Portrait Painting Process of Tika - Step 5
by Carol McIntyre on 2/5/2010 1:08:51 PM
Rubbing alcohol dissolves pastel into paper
This step in the artistic process does not take long, but it may be interesting to see and know about it.
After I apply the first layer of pastel, I dissolve the pastel pigment into the pastel paper with rubbing alcohol. I use old round watercolor brushes to mix the alcohol with the pastel, but I am careful not to let the liquid run down the painting and I want to minimize crossing the lines as much as possible. The lighter colors are usually painted first followed by the the darker colors. I have to keep the rubbing alcohol fairly clean or the other colors will muddy up the hue I applied with the pastel. This process permanently stains the substrate.
Tika looks a little scary at this stage, but she will soften up and take on some dimension soon. How do you like Tika's mask?
...to be continued.

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