For some reason, this tape batik process is really hot right now. It's taken several years to perfect it after realizing that a whole painting could be painted using regular masking tape to block out shapes that are finished. It's almost like using miskit to protect shapes from future paint application, but tearing tape to fit a shape is trickier than painting miskit on with a brush. And more tedious. The tedious part is why I never liked teaching the process - too much whining. But for whatever reason, artists are really wanting to learn how to create this batik-like look. And there's no whining!!! YES! 
This older couple were on a train ride, and it was delightful to watch them interact. I think she knew what he was thinking before he even thought it and vice versa. They were beautiful. Tape-batiking a face with the sharp edge that tape creates offers some special challenges with this process. The hat was my favorite part to paint and it turned out wonderfully, too. Some people have said that they like the square in the painting (I do,) and a few find it distracting. What do you think?"IRISH EYES" Transparent Watercolor on Crescent Board 30 x 20"
This older couple were on a train ride, and it was delightful to watch them interact. I think she knew what he was thinking before he even thought it and vice versa. They were beautiful. 
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14 comments:
I'm not the least bit surprised artists are fascinated with this technique and are anxious to learn it. The results are unique and very pleasing. I love the couple and personally I like the lighter square in the middle. It adds another dimension.
Dear Sandy,
Brilliant! Absolutely eye catchy.
Cheers, Sadami
Wonderful - hat, square and all. Sounds a real tricky process - good luck to your eager students.
Tooo much whining!!!! Heck I am whining cause I want to come take a workshop with you and live toooo far away that is why I am whining.
You made me laugh though when you said you don´t like teaching it ,,,tooo much whining...:) Well, I took one look at the piece and immediately loved the lighter square..it is interesting but not distracting from the piece as a whole and I just love the effect without being over the top noticeable. You captured such wonderful expressions on their faces too.......
very special piece sandy
Sandy, until you mentioned the square, I honestly did not even see it! I was just immediately drawn to the extra layer of light on her face. Then, when I read farther I saw the square, so that is how not-distracting I found it to be!
I, too, would love to be close enough to you to take a workshop. This is wonderful and very, very well done.
Hey Sandy . . .does this tape process always include Yupo paper? Drop me a note, if you feel like it, and tell me about the process. I have never heard of it!
I really like this painting --what gorgeous light and shadows. I don't know what I think of the light square but love the overall effect :)
I agree with Billie that the square adds another dimension to this fantastic painting.
And like Cynthia, I am whining because I am too far away and too busy at work to take a workshop with you. But one day...who knows? You achieve such outstanding results with this technique.
Hi Sandy, Thanks for your comments earlier. I saw you doing this tape batik quite a while back on the Venetian blinds over the sewing machine and the clap board house. I was super intrigued and curious, tried it on a portrait and found it really fun. I'd rather tear tape than watch miskit dry. I think cheap soft paper tears easily and Arches stands up to the abuse best. Every one should try this. I can see in your portrait the subtle layers you built up. A little patience and look at exceptional results! Great Work!
Absolutely lovely and yes indeed the lighter square adds just the right touch of dimension to this painting. What a wonderful story this has to tell the viewer. I SO BADLY want to take one of your tape batik workshops....I just might have to drive down there and don it ;)
Darla
Thanks so much for all of your input. I appreciate the comments a lot and enjoy hearing from each of you. I'll be teaching this in The Villages in FLorida in Feb '11 as well as in my studio at the end of Januaary, '11. Watching miskit dry WOULD be less fun than taping, too! Thanks, Carrie.
Thank you for sharing
This fabulous work with us
Good creations
Count me with the "likes" on the square. The batik technique looks great. It gives a curiously appealing look without the viewer being able to figure it out.
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