Before this class, my experience with masking fluid was minimal. I attended a watercolor workshop once, and the instructor applied the masking fluid and drawing to the paper prior to class and students removed it after the painting was finished. I also used one of the pen varieties, which did not release the fluid thick enough and led to frustration and poor results.

Day 1

Test Papers:

1 - Stillman and Bern; Alpha Series

2 - Fabriano cold pressed, 140 lb.

3 - Arches cold pressed, 140lb

Test Masking Fluid:

1 - Winsor & Newton

2 - Schminke

3 - Fineline Resist Pen

My first test was on Stillman & Bern's Alpha series paper, which is rather thin, but has a smooth texture and worked well with the masking fluid. I tried a variety of applicators including: Brush, Dip pen, Silicon tool, Q-tip, Skewer, Paper clip and a toothbrush. I used the rubber tool for removing the dried masking fluid with great success.

Masking Fluid: 10 Days of Discovery - image 1 - student project

My second test paper was 140 lb. Fabriano paper, cold pressed. While the masking fluid still performed well on this paper, it was a bit more effort to remove than the thinner and smoother surfaced Stillman and Bern Alpha Series. I added an applicator for this paper: the Fineline Resist Pen.

Masking Fluid: 10 Days of Discovery - image 2 - student project

My third test paper was 140 lb. Arches, cold pressed. I was surprised at how well the masking fluid separated from this paper, I had expected tearing with the heavier/higher quality paper, but did not observe that to occur. I used a variety of applicators and most worked well on this paper.

Masking Fluid: 10 Days of Discovery - image 3 - student project

I was disappointed to learn that my dip pen nibs are not compatible with the Schminke masking fluid as it is considerably thicker than the Winsor and Newton. The thinner consistency worked much better for the nibs and was thankful for the instruction of decanting the fluid into a smaller jar which works really well for the dip pen and other applicators. I was surprised and pleased at how well the silicone applicator worked with all masking fluid varieties to make really sharp edges. The fineline resist pen was a bit of a disappointment in that it does not exit the needle in a controlled or even fashion, but found that I could manipulate it with interesting marks and an additional applicator in coordination.

Day 2

Abstract

I used my favorite applicators to try and create different textures in abstract shapes and designs in my Stillman and Bern Alpha Series Sketchbook. Quill nib, brushes, skewer, and Winsor and Newton Masking fluid are used here. As you can see, I was a bit impatient and began removal a bit before the watercolor was completely dry.

Masking Fluid: 10 Days of Discovery - image 4 - student project

Day 3

Teapots

I really enjoyed the explanation of positive and negative applied shapes for application approach and find that will be very helpful in thinking about design in the future.

I'm not quite sure why my watercolor wash bubbled, and then dried with a bubbled appearance.

Masking Fluid: 10 Days of Discovery - image 5 - student project

Day 4

Oranges

This is a great example of step by step how to plan this type of process and the possibilities are endless. My orange values weren't quite dark enough so I added in some line to help break up and define the white shapes. I should also admit that I've switched from Stillman and Bern paper to a moleskine sketchbook. I didn't test this paper with masking fluid but it's reacting well so far. The tape I use is tearing the paper a bit, and the edges are not clean.

Masking Fluid: 10 Days of Discovery - image 6 - student project

Brandi McDermott

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