Sharon’s notes …
Mottled Backgrounds
1. Basecoat the object, usually 2 coats for good coverage.
2. Dry, and apply a light coat of extender so it looks silky not sparkly!
3. Re-apply a thin coat of the base colour into the wet extender.
4. Use extender in the brush - I like to use a large filbert brush. Apply the darker value
shade colour to the desired shadow area and softly blend the two colours together
where they meet to create a gradual transition from lighter to darker. Apply lighter
value in the mid value areas and
again blend well. No harsh lines
should be seen after blending. Use a
large mop brush without pressure
to soften any brush strokes that are
left behind. If this becomes ‘wet’
with paint and brush marks start to
appear, dry off on paper towel and
re-work to soften.
5. If the extender is still wet, you may
continue to work on the highlight in
the same manner. If the extender is
drying, dry really well with a hair
dryer. Start again from number 2.
but be careful that the surface is not
hot/warm before re applying extender.
Nadeen Masters demonstrates her blended
mottled background technique - see link below
…oooOOOooo…
The Youtube link below will take you to a demonstration by Nadeen Masters, where she shows
acrylic blending using a large filbert brush, a soft mop, and extender, with a technique similar
to Sharon’s, above. You will need to turn up the sound to hear her clearly.
Most paint manufacturers will have an extender or retarder in their range of mediums, that are
designed for use with their colours. It may be possible to use products from different
manufacturers together, (i.e. Jo Sonja extender with DecoArt paint) BUT you are not
guaranteed to get the results you expect. It is always best to use paint and extender/retarder
from the same manufacturer and range.
Find Nadeen’s video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UNzZQRpkqc