Learning how to transfer images.

I was really lucky to be given a weekend away in Brisbane last week.  Two days to meet up with artist friends, learn some new skills and reacquaint myself  myself with the Queensland art galleries.  Whoopee!  Plus, I got the opportunity to take photos from the plane.  I think I'll use some of these for future pieces.

 

 

 

I had a beautiful first day in Brisbane thanks to the generosity of a group of artists who let me attend their transfer workshop in the beautiful home of Jan, and together supplied all of us with cake, soup, bread, a fruit platter (which was worthy of being considered a piece of  still life),

 

 

a cheese platter, chocolates, tea, coffee and wine

We were experimenting transferring laser printed photocopies ( both black and white and coloured) on to a receptor - canvas paper, oil painting paper, wood, canvas and even bisque pottery - using Golden Medium Fluid Matte Medium ( available from Oxlades) based on a YouTube lesson by Melanie Matthews.  By trial and error, we discovered that it was best to coat the canvas and the wood first with a medium like Aquadhere or Gesso to seal the surface, since both absorb huge quantities of the Golden Medium Fluid, which is rather expensive.

If the surface of the receptor is freshly sealed, we discovered that we should wait for it to dry before proceeding to the next step.  Once dry, the receptor is thoroughly coated with the Golden Medium Fluid using a paint brush , then the photocopy is coated thoroughly too.  When both are done, the photocopy is placed image down on the receptor, and an old credit card or some other sort of plastic card, and fingers are used to firmly press the paper on to the receptor.  We found that the image was more likely to transfer to the receptor if the back of the photocopy was also painted.  After a few minutes, when the paper feels as if it is drying, gently using fingers to rub off the paper is possible.  We found that an upper white layer of photocopy paper can be removed leaving a layer containing the image.  We waited until that was almost dry before gently rubbing off the rest of the paper.  Some of the artists with more sensitive fingers than mine found a synthetic gardening glove with a slightly rough surface helpful to protect their finger tips. If this step is done gently, the image should be transferred to the receptor.  If not, some of the image will rub off leaving gaps in the transfer.  I found the latter images much more interesting and artistic than a straight transfer, but I suppose it depends on the look you are after.

 

 

 We found that strong contrasts, really black and white rather than grading of grey, were most effective.

 

 

Once the transfer is completed, you can choose whether to embellish the picture or leave it as is.  We were thinking of superimposing other transfers on top or painting or drawing on the image.  The ceramicist was going to try glazing and firing the ceramic piece to see if the transfer is effective for use on pottery.  One of the group was going to experiment with Liquitex to see if had the same effect as the Golden Medium Fluid

 

When I get back to Melbourne, I am going to experiment with printing on sealed wood, as I love the look of the wood grain under the transfer.

Thanks, Carol, Elizabeth, Robyn, Elizabeth, Jane, Georgina and Jan for a brilliant day.