Want to learn more about how this was done? Check back next month for the explanation.

ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #27: First I rubbed a piece of beeswax on the watercolor paper to preserve a little of the white; I then applied a layer of yellow. After it dried, I rubbed it with beeswax to preserve part of the yellow. Next I added the red layer. 

Want to learn more about how this was done? Check back next month for the explanation.

ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #26: First I mixed liquid yellow and blue watercolor paint on wet paper; while it was still very wet, I pressed a sheet of small bubble wrap into the paint. I popped some of the bubbles first to vary the pattern. Next I applied weights and waited for all the liquid to evaporate before removing the plastic.

Want to learn more about how this was done? Check back next month for the explanation.

ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #25: This is an example of Suminagashi, an Asian paper marbling technique. I began with a tray filled with water; I made each line of color by touching just the tip of a brush loaded with ink to the water’s surface and used a fan to manipulate the series of rings. I then carefully placed a sheet of dry paper on the surface of the water to transfer the ink. Find all the traditional supplies here: http://www.colophonbookarts.com/oriental.html

Dick Blick also sells the inks and has a Suminagashi lesson plan: http://www.dickblick.com/lesson-plans/s imple-suminagashi-monoprints/