Peace Canvas
Photo Transfer Mixed Media
By: Stephanie Loomis, Artistic Guide

Finished size: 12”x4”

Supplies:
Stamps:
Peace (Ruth’s Rubber Stamps)
Paper:
Matte Photo paper (International Paper)
Acetate (unknown)   
Ink:
 Black VersaMark (Tsukineko)
Mustard Seed Distressed ink pad (Ranger)
Other:
12”x4” canvas (Dick Blick)
Gel Medium, semi-gloss or matte (Golden)
Photo editing software (I use Adobe Photoshop Elements 7.0)
GAC 100 polymer (Golden)
Brayer
Digital Ground for Non-Porous Surfaces (Golden)
Foam brushes
Small detail paint brushes
Page from an old book

Directions:

1. Choose a photo. Crop and size it so that the most important elements stay within 4” wide. I use Photoshop Elements to add digital elements (brushes, text, effects.) This is optional.
2. Print your picture on the Matte Photo paper—it’s the best for a good transfer. Make sure you FLIP the image if you have text on it!!! Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. While the ink on the photo cures, paint the canvas with at least three of the metallic paints. I add a few drops of GAC 100 to extend the pigment without losing depth of color. Use a palette knife instead of a brush for added texture. Be sure to cover the canvas sides as well. Let dry completely.
4. Apply a thin coat of gel medium to the canvas. Lay the image face down in the canvas and burnish gently with a brayer. Burnish from the back side as well to ensure a good transfer. Let dry completely.
5. When completely dry, spray or pour a bit of water on the paper. Begin to pull the paper away from the image. I prefer to use my fingers to roll the paper away from the image which is now transferred to the canvas. If you end up taking some of the image away from the paper, don’t worry; it adds to the overall character of the piece. You may need to add water as you go. Let it dry a bit. Any places paper remains will turn cloudy. Add water and gently rub until all the paper is removed. 

 

6. Stamp “Peace” randomly over canvas with black ink. Roll the stamp around the edges, too.
7. Use a foam brush to spread two layers of Digital Ground for Non-Porous surfaces onto acetate. When dry, print original photo onto acetate.
8. Tear strips from the book page and tap them with the yellow ink pad.
9. Attach book strips to canvas edges with gel medium.
10. 10.   Use the detail paintbrushes to add some “doodling” with the metallic paints.
11. 11.   Trim the transparency to 3.5” x 6” (or so, depending on your photo.)
12. 12.   Cover the canvas with a thin layer of get medium. Sprinkle with glitter, if desired.  Place transparency on canvas being sure to line up any text so that the images on the transparency are exactly lined up with the images on the canvas.
13. 13.   Brayer the transparency onto the canvas, making sure all air pockets are squeezed out. Dry overnight.
14. 14.  Stamp “Peace” one last time over a bright spot on the canvas. Fill in with a black marker if necessary.
15. 15.  When stamp ink is dry, cover the entire canvas with a final coat of gel medium.
16. Sign your art!