Exploring Art Mediums: Understanding Gels, Pastes, and More

Creating art involves experimenting with various mediums, each offering unique properties and effects. Gels and pastes, for instance, are both used to add texture and dimension, but they differ significantly. Gels are typically smoother and more transparent, making them ideal for glazing and extending paint without altering its color. Pastes, on the other hand, are thicker and more opaque, perfect for creating bold, textured surfaces. Many artists wonder if they can mix mediums, such as using acrylic binders with watercolors. The answer is yes! Acrylic binders can add flexibility and adhesion to watercolor techniques, allowing for more versatile applications. If you're aiming for an encaustic look—characterized by the rich, layered texture of melted wax—you can achieve this with acrylic mediums. By understanding and experimenting with these different mediums, you can expand your creative horizons and bring new dimensions to your artwork.

I will demonstrate the different uses and techniques of a wide variety of mediums. I will demonstrate how to make your own glass bead gel, pumice gel, and other mediums. You will leave with your own glass bead gel, pumice gel, and recipes for creating texture and variety in your artwork.