Journal

Paintstik Overlay Update

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Paintstik-Overlay-Update-FB

You may remember that I’ve been working on a way to rescue a project with a Very Busy Background. I experimented with a computer-simulated overlay, then took the plunge and applied a Paintstik overlay to one section of the piece. Today, I’m happy to report that the Sheer Paintstik Overlay really works!

 

Matte Paintstik colors on palette paper

In case you missed the earlier posts, here’s how it works. I chose a number of dark matte color Paintstiks and masked off various sections of the fabric with plain old masking tape. (It doesn’t stick well over fresh paint, but it was enough to help me out.)

 

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Applying Paintstik colors with a stencil brush

I applied a sheer layer of the matte color over the section of fabric inside the tape.

 

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Painted section of fabric is noticeably duller

As you can see, the masked off section of fabric is considerable duller after the Paintstik color has been applied.

 

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Continuing the process with another color

My goal was to paint overlapping rectangles of color around the beaded sections on the fabric. That called for some odd-shaped sections, but the process worked just fine.

 

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Before and after adding sheer Paintstik overlay with matte colors

As much as I love my iridescent Paintstiks, there are times when all that “shiny stuff” gets to be too much. I’m tickled that I can hop over to my box of matte colors to save the day.

There is still a lot going on in the background, but the sheer Paintstik overlay was exactly what I needed to tone it down. Yippee! I’m one step closer to rescuing this piece – and turning it into something I love.

 

Learn More

Curious? Here are several past articles related to the Sheer Paintstik Overlay concept:

Shape Shifter Rubbings 4: The Final Layer

Testing a Flower Collage Overlay

Add a Layer with a Sheer Paintstik Overlay

 

Your Turn

So, what do you think? Do you think the Paintstik overlay worked on this piece? Would you do something different? Leave a note below. I love to hear what you’re thinking about.

 

12 Comments

  1. RoseMary Koch on July 6, 2017 at 10:37 am

    IT is beautiful and I cannot wait to try it.
    RoseMary from MASS.



  2. Mary Gillette on July 6, 2017 at 11:26 am

    I love the one with the overlay of the matte colors! It made it higher contrast with the two beaded sections, which now “pop”. It also gave it an interesting depth and richness in the matte areas that I liked.



  3. Michelle Watts on July 6, 2017 at 11:51 am

    Another amazing project! I am always in awe of your talent!!! So glad you share and inspire us all.



    • ShellyStokes on July 17, 2017 at 4:03 pm

      Thanks, Michelle. This has been an interesting project, to say the least!



  4. bonnie on July 6, 2017 at 12:14 pm

    This isn’t paint stick but I think it also would have worked to applique with a solid color of fabric around the two beaded sections in a “framed” look.



    • ShellyStokes on July 17, 2017 at 4:05 pm

      The fabric “frame” is coming up, Bonnie. I’m definitely planning for a bit of separation between the beaded sections and the background. You read my mind!



  5. Judi Johnston on July 6, 2017 at 5:26 pm

    Beautiful work, Shelly! You have done so much. It looks so addicting. I am in love with your first posted work. Those are playful!

    Thank you and so glad you are moving through the summer gracefully! Can’t wait to hear more.

    Sincerely,

    Judi from Williamsburg, Virginia!



    • ShellyStokes on July 17, 2017 at 4:06 pm

      Thanks, Judi. I appreciate your warm wishes. 🙂



  6. Mags Bonham on July 6, 2017 at 5:57 pm

    I am quite the magpie so I love the iridescent paintstiks. But I do love how the beaded sections now pop.



    • ShellyStokes on July 17, 2017 at 4:07 pm

      Welcome to the Magpie Community, Mags! You’ve got lots of company here… 😉



  7. Joan on July 7, 2017 at 4:36 am

    While I love the brightness of the iridescent piece, the overlay definitely gives the overall piece more depth and richness, and since the beading is so intricate, your eyes are immediately drawn to those areas of contrast. They both are beautiful, but the overlay step has definitely brought focus to your desired area, absolutely stunning!



    • ShellyStokes on July 17, 2017 at 4:08 pm

      Thanks, Joan. As much as I love my “shiny stuff,” there are times when we just have to tone it down. It’s hard to have a focal point with all that shine going on!