I used Pebeo masking gum for all of the tests. I tested 4 papers - Arches hot and cold press, Strathmore CP 100% cotton and an off brand cold press which had very little rag content. The 2 Arches we the best. The hot press being easier to remove the mask, but, the cold press was fine. I used a chop stick, Pen Nib, rolled up paper, Silicone shapers, a Pebeo masking pen and a cheap brush. The pen clogged after 1 use. I took it back for refund.

I will be using the Arches paper (hot or cold depending on the project) in the future. For applying the mask I will use the pen nib for fine work and the brush for all other work.

I have a little experience with masking fluid. This exercise was very helpful. The only other time I used a brush to apply masking I completely ruined it. Now with using the soap, the brush cleaned up like new.

Masking - image 1 - student project Masking - image 2 - student project Masking - image 3 - student project Masking - image 4 - student project

Abstract from 2nd day

Masking - image 5 - student project

Masking - image 6 - student project

Masking - image 7 - student project

Masking - image 8 - student project

I think I will go back at sometime and do a better job with the blossom pedals. They are too random. I also think I will do the background Wet in Wet and get some darker patches as well.

I am learning quite a bit about masking, but also about composition.

Masking - image 9 - student project

I took the liberty of using a reference photo. I think it came out looking more like a salamander, because I seemed to have painted over most of the one front fin. Regardless. I like it. Perhaps a bit overworked, but I was playing around with spritzing the background and glazing some shadow in after the fact.

Masking - image 10 - student project

Happy with the spaghetti, tomatoes and basil. The pan not so much, but overall a good learning experience.

Masking - image 11 - student project

The foreground is mostly as intended. The best part of this is the sky, LOL, which has no masking at all. I am struggling with putting on the correct amount of fluid. In my efforts to not use too much, I am afraid I often use too little, which results in the patchy spots. this will improve as my competency with the application tools improves.

Larry Riley

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