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| How Did You Paint That? 
Your News by Janice Tingum, 2006
acrylic and ink on watercolor paper
matted and framed size 14 1/2" x 18 1/4" | | About transferring images: For artists who like to use transferred images in their work, Image Transfer Workshop is a great how-to guide covering 35 different methods. The first section describes transfer methods using glues and mediums, including gels, digital grounds and paint. The second section describes heat methods, such as fusible web, fabric crayons, and liquid polymer skins. Section three covers solvents - blender markers, gum arabic, wintergreen oil and more. The fourth section covers "everything else", ranging from ExtravOrganza to Yupo Skin. The final section provides four inspirational projects. I appreciated the fully illustrated step-by-step instructions provided with every method. Additionally, the authors mention any limitations they have encountered with the transfer techniques, preferred surface options and acrhival quality. (Review by Watercolor & More) Watercolor & More is an affiliate of Amazon.com |
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| HOW TO PAINT YOUR NEWS | | Prepare the digital collage: | 1. I took digital photographs of the Grand Forks Herald building and selected the photo that best captured the angle and composition I wanted to pursue. | | 2. Using Adobe Photoshop Elements software, I deleted the color from the digital photo and applied a "photocopy" filter to the image. I further replaced shadows on the building and any dark areas in the sky with white to reduce clutter in the transferred image. | 3. Next, I clipped text and images from the Grand Forks Herald newspaper. I chose clippings that highlighted features of the newspaper, such as section titles, the crossword puzzle, images of journalists, bylines, text that reflected areas of interest, such as politics and sports, and publishing information of the newspaper. | 4. I scanned the clippings and uploaded these images to the Photoshop program. Using Photoshop software, I played with the clippings, turning some around, adjusting them to fit portions of the building. For example, I wanted the crossword puzzle to fit behind the clock at the top of the building, so I skewed it to fit. Similarly, I wanted to place images of the journalists in the windows. After selecting the clipping images, I cut and pasted them into the image of the building. | | 5. After I was satisfied with the altered photo, I flipped it to generate a reverse image. This is necessary so that after I transfer the image to my watercolor paper, the transferred image will face the correct direction. I printed the reversed image out on my computer printer. | 6. Then, I photocopied the image on a photocopier. This is an important step, because it is the toner ink from the photocopier that will end up in the final painting. Ink from the computer printer will not produce good results - it is necessary to use a photocopier! | Prepare the support paper and transferring the image: | 1. I used 140 lb. Arches cold pressed watercolor paper. The paper was part of a watercolor paper block, which gave me a firm support when it came time to transfer the digital image. | 2. Since the surface needs to be relatively smooth in order for a good transfer of the image to occur, I painted the watercolor paper with white Liquitex Basics Acrylic Gesso. I used a brush, which gave it a little texture, but not too much. I let the gesso dry overnight. | 3. I positioned the photocopied digital image face down on the prepared watercolor paper and secured it with a few pieces of tape. | 4. To transfer the image, I pressed it on using an iron at medium setting with no steam or water. It's important to use strong even pressure when doing this. I go over the entire image with the tip of the iron and then lift the photocopy at one edge to check on the transfer. If I'm not satisfied, I iron it a little longer. Watch the heat, however, or the support will get scorched! | | 5. After I'm satisfied with the transfer, I remove the photocopy paper. The brushstroke texture of the surface created some variations in the transfer, which I think added to its collaged effect. | Paint: | I applied thin washes of Holbein Acryla paints to the transferred image. My aim was to suggest the color of the building and the idea of newsprint, some of it yellowing, other parts black and white. |
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