- Yupo paper
- watercolour paint
- Brushes
- water container
- paper towels
- palette or mixing surface
- pencil
- masking tape (optional)
- spray bottle (optional)
Do:
- If you want, use masking tape to secure the edges of the paper to a hard surface. This prevents the paper from curling while you paint.
- Wet-on-wet: Wet the surface of the Yupo with clean water using a brush or spray bottle.
- Apply paint directly onto the wet surface and watch the colours spread and blend.
- Dry brush: Load a relatively dry brush with paint and apply it to the dry Yupo paper.
- Sprinkle/splatter: Dip an old toothbrush or use a brush to flick small droplets of watercolour paint onto the Yupo.
- Allow each layer to dry completely before adding another.
- Experiment with layering colours and creating depth by allowing some areas to remain transparent while adding more opaque layers to others.
- Once satisfied, let it dry completely.
- Consider adding details or defining shapes with a fine-tip brush or other tools.
Do:
- Given the unique makeup of Yupo, you can do things to it that you can't do to other papers.
- One project I've done is making sure the Yupo is very wet, such that when you put paint on it it can move around quite a bit.
- As the pooling paint dries, it will leave very distinct edges at each stage of the drying process.
- You can manipulate the Yupo to move the puddling paint in various directions as it dries.
- This method absolutely shows where water droplets have landed, especially if you spray a partially dried surface with water.
Notes:
- Yupo paper doesn't absorb water, so the paint will sit on the surface longer and may behave differently than on traditional watercolour paper.
- Yupo allows for a lot of experimentation. Don't be afraid to try unconventional methods like lifting off paint with a damp brush, using salt to create texture, or incorporating rubbing alcohol.
- You will want to use a fixative to seal your work, as it can too easily be damaged given the nature of Yupo. I have no notes at this time as to which fixatives are going to work best, but I'd be hesitant to use any wet ones. I might consider experimenting with cold wax medium as a sealant. It can be used on regular watercolour/paper, so it may work on Yupo. Test first.
- If you make a mistake on Yupo that you want to correct, it is somewhat easily possible by simply using the corner of a damp cloth to wipe away the error. This is handy if you're trying to clean spots and finger marks off the edges around your piece before you frame it.
- Remember that Yupo is a smooth surface and it may take more care about choosing writing or drawing materials to use on it.