I know with my previous post regarding phase 1 I said the next step would be to draw out the mandala design. But my Team had a different plan in mind.
With this phase, I tested two different media to determine which one I wanted to use: alcohol inks vs fluid acrylics. I discovered the value of both of them. And in the process determined that I want to do a base coat with the fluid acrylics and shadow/highlights with the alcohol inks.
The colors I used on these two test panels were arbitrary. I mainly wanted to see how the media and the different colors responded to being applied on top of the matte medium I used to collage the sheet music.
With Test 1: a base coat of alcohol inks, shadows of fluid acrylics, and outline with a black paint pen.
With Test 2: a base coat of fluid acrylics, shadows of alcohol inks, and outline with a black paint pen.
Using the fluid acrylics as the base gave it a solid foundation for adding the alcohol inks. Also with the alcohol inks, I could create smoother shadows than I could with the fluid acrylics.
Next Phase?
- clean up the collage surface of the full-size piece, add addition matte medium as needed, and flatten any bubbles or paper edges that are sticking up.
- outline the mandala design (it’s usually a 3-4 hour process)
That’s it for now.
