August 2000
Helena PotoI have always used Liquitex Products since I first started painting. They were my preferred choice over oils in school for the ease of application. I begin preparing my boards (mounts) by using gel medium to glue the gator foam together to get the desired depth, 3/4" for paper mounting, 1 1/4" for canvas mounting. Once this is done, I fill the side gaps with modeling paste, then finish with gel medium and finally with matte varnish, all while sanding in between.
When the boards are ready, they are varnished to seal the surface. For canvas mounting, I use a mixture (1:1) of gel medium and matte medium varnish to glue the canvas (cotton) to the surface. For paper mounting, I use just gel medium. I let this dry overnight and then apply a very thin (watered down) layer of gesso. I allow this to dry overnight. This overnight drying is very important. It seems to set up each separate process. I then can either draw on the surface or transfer a drawing. The thin gesso is then applied over the drawing to seal it. This drys overnight.
The painting process starts with thin washes of acrylic paint. I build areas with paint mixed with retarder medium, which acts as an extender, allowing me to push the paint without dripping. By applying about three layers of this mixture, I wind up with the desired surface flat and deep. When the painting has reached this point, I reapply all the lined pencil surfaces.
When finished, I spray the surface with an acrylic coating, which seals the pencil, allowing me the end process of thinned matte varnish. I now can show the "paintings" without frames or fear of environmental elements. This process has just come to me in the last two years. I'm very excited about the possibilities and the future of my art.
Helena can be reached at:
6618 Colonial Drive
Sarasota, Florida 34231
(941) 923-5147
