Category Archives: Mystery Technique

Mystery Technique

Mystery Technique #162

May 20, 2026 – 10:16 pm

Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates! 

ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #161:

Here’s the inspiration for this mystery technique! First I painted the background foliage. Next I applied clear contact paper over the tree hole shape before painting the bark. While the paint was still wet, I used the end of a metal paint tube to scratch in linear marks, then sprinkled on some kosher salt for additional texture.

After this layer dried, I brushed off the salt and removed the contact paper.

I also used contact paper to save the mushroom shape before painting the tree hole with the same techniques. When this layer was completely dry, I removed the contact paper and painted the mushroom.

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Mystery Technique

Mystery Technique #161

April 20, 2026 – 10:51 pm

Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates! 

ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #160:

It’s surprising how little paint and water you need for this technique! After painting the yellow center, I worked on each petal separately. First I wet the petal shape; then I touched a damp brush to undiluted Quinacridone Magenta and quickly applied it in the direction of the petal’s growth, using another damp brush to blend it in and mimic the pansy’s texture. I continued painting with 2 brushes in the same way to finish the first layer of each petal. For the 2nd layer, I put a little undiluted Winsor Violet in a third brush and continued blending the strokes in the same way.

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Mystery Technique

Mystery Technique #160

March 20, 2026 – 6:29 pm

Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates! 


ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #159:

This painting was inspired by a dream! I started with an underpainting of yellow. After this layer dried, I used a Forsline & Starr Colour Shaper to apply masking fluid in irregular marks for the roots and patches of light. I temporarily covered the shape of the door with a piece of junk mail. When the masking fluid was completely dry, I painted the first layer of the root ball. I used a wadded-up piece of wax paper to apply more texture in darker browns. Next I painted some abstract green shapes to suggest foliage in the background. Masking fluid leaves hard edges, so after I removed all of it, I used watercolor pencils to add depth and dimension to the roots.

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