Silk Painting with Pauline Hill

As a watercolourist for many years, and having written many articles for art and craft magazines, it seemed a natural progression for me to try my hand at silk painting.

At the time, silk painting was not a popular medium and there was very little literature around to point me in the right direction. Not to be put off by this and deciding that trial and error would be the order of the day I decided to learn by experimenting. This has paid off, as it is said I am now recognised as one of Britain's leading silk painters.
With many articles for Leisure Painter under my belt, and numerous demonstrations and talks, I decided I wanted to take silk painting out of the craft market, and put it firmly in the Art Market as this suited my style of painting better. To do this I needed to be able to use watercolour techniques on silk, and to lose the gutta outlines that so many people do not like. This led to the Leisure Painter series 'watercolour techniques on silk' which has now become my trade mark.
If you would like to try this technique you first must treat the silk.

Method

Pin the silk to the frame making sure it is taut. Treat the silk by painting a layer of Aquarelle Grund on to the silk. Allow to dry and paint on a second layer. This will now enable you to paint straight on to the silk without the paints bleeding. Build up the colours by applying several washes as you would a watercolour, preferably fixing between applications by following the paint manufacturers instructions using a hot iron. When your Artwork is complete either frame it by mounting it on to a white board, or make it into a scarf or cushion.

Tips:

Always make sure your silk is
pinned tautly on the frame.
Make sure the pins you use are
clean and that the frame edges
are covered with clean masking
tape to avoid discolouration of
the silk.
If using gutta check that any
breaks in the gutta lines are
repaired.

Pauline Hill

Aged 45, married with four children. Lives on the border of Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, and has been writing for magazines for over ten years. Has painted since a child and has been a professional artist for the past seven years having worked as an artist for over 20 years. A professional member of the SAA and a member of the guild of Silk Painters. Has had several 'one woman' shows with work all over the world. Has given talks and demonstrations all over the country, including the NEC in Birmingham, Patchings, Artist and Illustrator etc. Runs workshops and private tuition. Web site address is www.mastersilkpainter.btinternet.co.uk or can be contacted via email at paulinej.hill@btinternet.com.
Favourite quote:- Art drives me, I don't drive it.

Further examples of Pauline Hill's Silk Painting