I’ve put off posting this, my first work with gouache, for what should be obvious reasons now that you’ve seen it. In an effort to make the edge of the buildings a little crisper, I decided to employ some masking tape. You know, as a mask. It seemed like a good idea at the time, until I went to remove the tape, taking big chunks of the paper with it.
So now what? Rather than just tossing the entire painting out, I’m trying to come up with a way of using it. Perhaps I’ll collage over it, or rip it up and use the pieces in a different collage. There are elements of this painting I like, and I want to find a way to salvage them. I just haven’t figured out how yet.
hi jul~~you say the same thing as I do, “it can always go into that collage I’m planning on making”!! my pile is quite large now-lots of catastrophic painting errors- and I’m actually laying it out!
I have had this same thing happen to me with the masking tape and found that “artists” tape, masking fluid(never use it) or regular clear contac paper(rip it off immediately after you are done) is the way to go for no sticking. anyway, I have never been able to fix the paper once I ripped off the top layer with tape so I think you are stuck and it’s a shame because the painting is lovely. I happen to love the look of gouache with watercolor and used it in my Landscape in Red. You can see it on my blog if you like…anyway, that’s all I can suggest~not much!! You might be able to build up layers of gouache in the torn areas or use some acrylic mixed with white so it’s a little like gouache in how it looks(chalky), and see if that fills it in?
good luck…post this one again if you don’t toss it in the collage pile…I’m curious how things turn out on this lovely painting! and can’t wait to see your collage!
blog name ideas-the collage pile, enormous collage in process, cast offs to collage, catastrophic thinking….
you get the idea 😉
but I like the one you have!
Too bad about the ripped paper because the painting is very nice! I just hate new trial errors – very very frustrating. After reading this I’m going to learn how to use that bottle of maskng fluid I just got for Christmas. I have yet to try gouache though… it’s on the list!
How frustrating! If you want to try this again, by the way, use “Artist’s Tape” – it removes from the paper without damage (if you don’t leave it for more than a few weeks). Masking tape is not for paper…
I like the painting – particularly the long straight road and the opening in the hedge at the end – like a keyhole.
Gouache – it never worked for me. It just comes out looking dead.
You can make another one that is even better. It always sucks when things get ruined. But eventually you’ll make stuff even better.
Gouache is good stuff. I like to use ink and also gouache- both applied with the brush.
The opaque mixed with transparent…
I use the ink first then hide what I don’t like with gouache.
Lots of luck. DK
I like this one very much …