This portrait is made with water-based cold wax and acrylics. I used Powerwax from Powertex and I also used their Rusty Powder later in the process.
The first layers
I often start with a dark or a very bright under layer because I love how this shines through in the end result!
I waited until the red layer was dry, then added a turquoise/blue layer with paint mixed with water-based cold wax, creating textures in the wet paint. I then added some rusty powder, which will turn to rust when sprinkled with water and vinegar and left for 24 hours
In this next layer, I added some more rust powder and some paint mixed with the Powerwax.
It is just a play, like I always say: explore, experiment and have fun!
Do you already see a face? I do!
Adding the Face
I saw a face in profil (did you see it too?) but I prefered her to be facing me so with my ‘transfer method’ I transfered my drawing of the portrait onto the painting and started with the light parts.
This is where I slow down and do very thin layers!
This is definitely the ugly part, she looks really scary!
I continued to redefine the features as I want her to be somewhat abstract, but with correct proportions.
This is the phase where I start to like her (or not, in which case she will be covered over😂)
Then I mixed white paint mixed with the Powerwax and took a brayer to do some negative painting around the girl, covering up the background and some of the rust
I love how she turned out!🩵
She decided to be called Amber and it suits her!
Amber, acrylics and water-based cold wax on mixed media paper (available in my Art Shop)
You can buy the POWERWAX with a Powertex representative in your country, find the list by clicking the button below
The Texture Lab
If you enjoy exploring texture and mixed media, you might also love The Texture Lab, my upcoming membership. It will be a place for creative experiments, lessons, and inspiration. Join the waitlist HERE
As always, don’t hesitate to ask me questions, I would love to connect with you!💙
