We will include certain questions that you have asked David Dunlop together with his answer so that perhaps some of your questions about painting can also be addressed. Please direct any questions you might have to us at information@daviddunlop.com.
1. Watercolor Question:
I really enjoyed the DVD on Watercolor. could you tell me other ways to coat the paper I use for watercolor?
David's Answer:
Here are some options:
1. If you wish to work with eraseable washes and a soft edged effect to your watercolors then, prepare your paper with a coat of acrylic gesso.(doesn't need to be thick).
2. If you want a particularly forgiveable (eraseable with water) surface but, are willing to work with stiffer (not runny) watercolors try painting on denril vellum( you just paint on it and no preparation is required.) or, coat your paper with Golden's acrylic varnish - matte, satin , or clear will all work.
3. If you want to use washes and dry brush techniques then, coat your paper with mineral spirit soluble acrylic varnish(also made by Golden and it comes in a can). This product may need to be thinned so that it soaks into your paper and does not leave a trace of itself on the surface of your paper.
4. Avoid staining colors( like alizarin, the pthalos, prussian blue, and cyan blues) these make good watercolor glaze(finish) colors but are not removeable unlike cobalt blue or gamboge yellow or scheveningen red middle(an old holland color). There are lots of these transparent, and opaque non staining colors. Check your tubes for an indication as to whether the color is staining, nonstaining, transparent etc.
5. Remember, even a heavily sized watercolor paper(such as MultiMedia Aquarelle available at New York Central Art Supply in NYC,NY) can be eraseable with water if the paper has not been soaked(soaking removes the sizing). All watercolor papers have some sizing(glue), some more than others....if it doesn't have sizing it isn't a watercolor paper it is a sketch or printmaking paper.
I hope this has helped...
I recommend Old Holland and Schminke Mussini watercolors for better color saturation and flexibility.
All the Best,
David Dunlop
2. Acrylic Question:
I purchased Program 2 - Acrylic and I can't determine what David is using to create the atmosphere at the bottom of the sky--is it titanium white mixed with lavender?
David's Answer:
Dear Lee - It is a combination of titanium white, pyrrol red and a little cerulean blue. There may also be a tiny bit of the hansa
yellow. Thanks for watching - I'm glad you enjoyed it!
All the Best,
David Dunlop
