Isopropyl alcohol when splattered sparingly on a very wet acrylic painting causes an intriguing bubble effect. It’s like watching magic happen right before your eyes! The end result will be patterns of various sizes of rings and bubbles.
Technically, this out-of-control playfulness happens when isopropyl alcohol (70% up to 99%) splashes on top of a very wet acrylic surface. The droplets repel the wet paint away, causing a crater-on-the-moon visual effect. I do this for both a visual surprise and wanting a pattern or texture in a solid color area. Admittedly, it’s a gimmicky technique and I enjoy doing it!
Watch the demo - you will see me practicing this technique. Gesso your watercolor paper first, then apply the very wet paint, thickly applied first - moving to a thinner coat. Sprinkle or spray the isopropyl alcohol on the painted areas. You will see the results vary due to the amount of paint you use - and how wet it is!
Follow these steps exactly and this goofy technique works every time:
Step One - 300 lb or 140 lb watercolor paper, hot or cold press
Step Two - Brush on a coat of gesso. Let dry. This seals the paper and dries to a harder surface - important.
Step Three - Next, paint loosely and lightly with a sift brush technique. Don’t push the paint. Layer it in gently.
Step Four - Now, while the paint is wet, lightly splash or use a coarse spray on the paint. Depending on how wet and thick the paint is, a variety of patterns begin to form.
Step Five - STOP. Let all this move around for a few minutes.
Step Six - BTW, when this dries, repeat again with a totally different color for a variety of colorful ringlets and circles.
Warning: Don’t spend too many hours at this magic show… and get back to your painting!
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