Wabi Sabi – January 2025 – Building a Sky

The key to mixed media is layers, even if you cover most of one layer with the next.

In this mini series, I’m going to share how I use Powertex Products to build up a blue sky.

I love mixed media and building up layers and I often find the hardest layer is the first one.

Today, I’m sharing my tip for starting a canvas quickly (less than 5 minutes) and creating a base to work on.

You need 2 colours of Bister, water, a thick brush and sea salt.

For your main colour blister, choose a colour which complements your project. I am creating a sky so I have chosen blue. Your second colour should be a contrast,  so I have chosen the original brown colour.

Generously spritz your first colour with patches of your second colour.

Then, working quickly with a wet brush working in one direction, spread the Bister across the canvas (I go up and down).

Do this quickly with out worrying,  its about getting colour down, embracethe Wabi Sabi principle of letting go of perfection.

This is a 16 x 12 canvas and it took me just over a minute to cover it with a quarter inch brush. Don’t forget to do the sides and disperse any drips.

Whilst still wet, sprinkle the canvas with sea salt and then walk away to let it dry.

Once dry, brush off the excess salt and your white canvas is now ready to start adding more layers. Check back later for the next level.

What will you create?

Emma W