An alcohol inks artist put up a YouTube video recently on layering two pieces of painted Yupo, one atop the other, after burning holes in the upper layer.  This intrigued me so I thought I’d try the technique.

As I wasn’t sure if my stencil cutter tool would burn through a piece of heavier weight Yupo that comes in 22″ x 30″ sheets, I decided to use a piece of lighter weight Yupo  for the top layer (which I bought years ago from Dick Blick as part of a Sampler Pack.)  I then cut an identical size (9″ x 12″) piece from a sheet of Yupo.  I decided to use Ranger’s “Sunset Yellow”, “Sailboat Blue” & “Pesto” and I also wanted both pieces to be of the same colours. To make the bottom layer more ethereal looking I spritzed it with alcohol and let it run.

It is important to let your burning tool heat up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Test the tool on piece of wood to make sure it is hot. (I used an old paint mixing stick.) Tape the painted piece that you want to be the top layer onto a glass plate.  (I used the glass from an old frame with masking tape around the four sides.)  With your hot tool in hand, begin drawing around any shape you see in the painted piece. Keep your hand moving and start & finish at the same point.  Clean tip on damp paper towel as you go as ink will build up on it.  Once all holes are completed you can pop them out.  If needed, use sharp small scissors to snip any areas that remain attached.

I decided to add some bling by painting around each hole with Pinata “Rich Gold” alcohol ink.  I put double-faced adhesive tape on the back of the piece with holes. I added another layer of this tape to build up some thickness, removed the paper backing on the tape, and then lightly pressed the top painted layer over the bottom one in what I felt was the most pleasing orientation.

Things I’d do differently next time

1.  I would make fewer holes in top layer.  I really went overboard!
2.  The two layers of double-faced tape were not sufficient to give enough height between the two layers.  I’ll need to find an adhesive that is thicker.
3. I framed the finished piece with a mat under glass.  I feel that the mat distracts from the art.  Framing with spacers hidden beneath the frame (so that the glass doesn’t touch the art) would, I think, be more attractive and add to the 3D effect.

The YouTube video I referred to earlier is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7ySoomUYos&feature=share.

Please check out my Fine Art America website at – https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-diane-marcotte.html?tab=artwork – to view my art that can be printed on canvas, clothing, etc.

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Demonstrations