What to do with watercolour backgrounds on paper and so much more!

In this video, I show you what you can do with watercolour backgrounds on paper, such as "mounting" your paper to wood panel, and creating collages. I do a little demo, but recommend looking up other youtube videos on "How to mount watercolour paper to wood panel", as there's many great videos out there. I show you my current inspiration and what I'm working on. We do a mark making on a watercolour "scrap" of paper with different mixed media supplies.
Reference:
Oracle deck: available Sept 2023 at www.artbyalimac.com (sign up to my newsletter if you wish)
Find cradled wood panels at some dollar stores, Michael’s, local art stores.
I use Liquitex gesso and Golden titanium white fluid acrylic to paint over my square wood panels.
I love Liquetex acrylic inks for painting on wood panel and letting the wood grain show through.
I reference Laura Horn Art , Wendy Brightbill, and Mati-Rose McDonough.
Materials to use for mounting watercolour paper to wood panel:
Liquitex acrylic mediums: Matte Gel (for glue)
Rolling pin /brayer
paper towels
exacto knife
wood panel
90, 98, or 140 lb watercolour paper, yupo or giclee (fine art) paper.
I use Dorland’s wax medium to seal and protect my watercolour work on wood panel.
I use several different brands of watercolour/mixed media paper - Artist Loft 4x6" 140 lb watercolour pad, Strathmore and Canson XL 140 lb paper, and Arches Cold Press paper on a block (12 x16”).
Bristol paper by Strathmore is great for acrylic paints.
I love Neo colour Caran D’ache wax (1’s) and water-soluble (ii’s ) crayons
Paint pens I use:
Posca
Sharpie water-based medium paint pen
Metallic ballpoint pens:
Uniball-signo pens
Watercolours I love:
theoceanpaper....
stonegroundpai...
www.amazon.ca/...
danielsmith.com/
Acrylic inks I have used:
Liquetex acrylic ink
Dr. Ph Martin India inks
Golden high flow fluid acrylics
Acrylic Paints
Tri Art Liquid paint (Canadian company)
I use a round watercolour brush - both size 10 and 12 (quite large).
I use Faber Castell Gelatos or Artist Loft (Michaels) water-soluble crayons.

[@patvalenzuela5105]

I like how enthusiastic you are about your art. You have so many ideas. You inspire me. Right now I have a sewing area and a painting area I never thought to combine them. I do slow stitching and embroidery and I mostly watercolor paint. Thank you for sharing. Iam 72 years old so I better get busy. Ha! Love your work💕🌺💋🥰

[@allisondawrant]

thankyou Pat

[@lidanaude8022]

❤❤❤

[@apocalypse_frau]

I love that you use an old toaster oven instead of books for weight as your mounted work dries. That little toaster oven has stories to tell the other appliances about its moonlight endeavors!

[@allisondawrant]

it’s a keeper!

[@apocalypse_frau]

@@allisondawrant As it should be. ☺️

[@natalieangelheart2483]

Love your work! 😍 Would gloss gel medium work to protect watercolour ang give it a shine? I'm paint in watercolour for my own enjoyment but I haven't sealed any yet so I know nothing about watercolour sealing. 😊

[@divinegalacticcolors]

Finding you on KZbin and watching your videos has reactivated my love of art, my enthusiasm and motivation to create after having lost the spark about a year ago has come back stronger than ever, bless you and thank you so much for deciding to share your beautiful creations with the world ☺️🙏

[@allisondawrant]

thankyou for saying this. that makes me so happy.

[@annehebert6959]

Hi Allison - your channel was recommended by another artist - I think it was Denise Love - but I am blown away by the amount of content you put into each video. You cover so many different things. I live in rural Manitoba and I am always looking for ways to improve my art (I am a self taught acrylic/watercolor artist - but still very new) and your channel is just an amazing resource for beginners. Thank you sharing. I am really enjoying going through your videos. Merry Christmas and all the best for 2024.

[@larissamarinapereirasilva2360]

My favorite watercolors!

[@madelynsmith8281]

Your videos are so entertaining! I love it!!! Great tips as always. ❤😊

[@allisondawrant]

I'm so glad!

[@sacredgoddessleadership]

I like your randomness, I can relate to that hahaha :D

[@allisondawrant]

Thanks 😅 it’s the only way it works for me.

[@rinavogels4262]

You are so loved by us who enjoy watching your creative explosion! Souls that are touched by you ❤🙏

[@allisondawrant]

thankyou Rina!

[@baukjelem]

So true ❤

[@surquhart3020]

Allison, your art is stunning! Also, you are so prolific. I really enjoy your videos, your candour and your passion. Looking forward to your Oracle cards.

[@gordondickson7674]

You are so gifted, I love watching your videos❤

[@allisondawrant]

Thankyou

[@belindaswick9954]

Wow. Amazing video, going in to many directions with so many descriptions of how you do things, what products you are using, and then demo's as well. So appreciative of all that you showed in this video and that you went at a great speed. Not too fast. Covered a bunch of different ideas and ways to do things. And, thank you to your Dad. Working with wood can be hard so the forms he is making for you is so fantastic. Thanks so much for this video!

[@allisondawrant]

Belinda! thank-you for such a thoughtful encouraging comment. I appreciate it so much.

[@maryspringer1442]

Stumbled upon you today, and Iglad I did. Not only is your work beautiful, but this video was so inspiring..ty! Now to check out more of your videos and subscribe.

[@allisondawrant]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@KS-wr4vv]

Would you be able to show us how you get that texture on your mountain background? It’s really unique and I’d love to learn how t you did it. Thx

[@MultiMartina12]

I‘ve learned so much here.❤

[@allisondawrant]

Thankyou

[@taniamcgill950]

A cornucopia of ideas 💡 thank you x

[@angelakapler2997]

I love your work. I also have an essential tremor very active in my dominant thumb. I find mixed media and watercolour very forgiving with this obvious shake in my hand. You are an inspiration to me! Thank you.

[@allisondawrant]

thanks for saying that Angela. embrace the shake! xx

[@karenpruis501]

I love your art and the style of your videos. I believe in living in the moment too because life really is too short. Just be yourself. All the best and keep making art in the moment.

[@allisondawrant]

thanks Karen:)

[@jcb0818]

❤️

[@Rachelsjourney]

Another great video Alison! Gosh, you have so many good tidbits of wisdom and great tips! Thank you!

[@FrankieKins112]

I ran into your art yesterday on social media (don't remember exactly where) and fell in love with what you do. I'm learning a lot from your videos. Thank you so much for what you share with us.

[@allisondawrant]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@vikkibyington3066]

Just recently found your channel and I thoroughly enjoyed what I’ve seen so far. I look forward to seeing you paint the collages. Don’t forget to breathe sweet lady ! ❤️🙏🏻

[@KS-wr4vv]

So excited for this I was checking all week. I don’t know how you find the time with all you create to post more than one a week. But I’m here for as many as you make! Looking forward to purchasing your card set when they become available. Cool triangle shape. Lucky you having such a cool dad! I’m not sure what it is about your videos but sometimes I’ll just watch them bc afterwards there’s a 98% chance I’ll end up in my studio creating! So inspiring!

[@allisondawrant]

yes!! this is what keeps me going- knowing it inspired you to watch and create for yourself. thanks for all of your insights .

[@chrisjohnson7609]

❤

[@tiinatar9682]

Great video. 👍👍Thank you for all the inspiration! Your brush cleaning piece is gorgeous. I hope you will show us what you end up making of it.

[@allisondawrant]

Thank you! Will do!

[@daphnebenjamins]

Awesome video, a ton of information! Love your Art & process. Thank you for sharing.

[@allisondawrant]

You are so welcome!

[@melindaavila498]

You are a true creative! Your art is so exciting.

[@susanhodel3194]

Thank you so much, it was fun watching you and gave me lots of ideas for future works of art.

[@allisondawrant]

wonderful!

[@kymcrowart7876]

Yay! I love watching your videos. I learn so much from you

[@allisondawrant]

I'm so glad! thanks Kym

[@purplephoenixartbymicheled9298]

🌬🎨I love Love your Art. You inspiring me so VERY much. I also I'm self tought and I started out doing Acrylic over 100 in a year just for my mental health. So around May of this year I wanted to play and see if I would like watercolor. Yes I did so I just kept getting better quality Paint's and other water medea. I'm love the Carons Thanks to you. And all the other goodies you use I use them as well and over the moon about watercolor. We have a lot in common lol I go way off from just saying a few words to telling you my life 😅. I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU SHARING ALL YOUR NOLAGE. I HAVE MY CANVAS ALL OVER MY WALLS IN A SMALL 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT 😮 NOW I HAVE PAPER AND SOME I CUT UP AND MAKE SMALLER PAINTINGS OR BOOKMARKS. I'M SO EXCITED TO TRY PUTTING THEM ON WOOD 🎉YOUR LUCKY YOUR FATHER CAN DO THAT FOR YOU. MY FATHER COULD BUT HE'S 94 AND I DON'T WANT HIM TO GET HURT. ANYWAY THANK YOU FOR SHARING. 🌬🎨🌈🍭🥰💫🧚‍♀️🦋🌹

[@rachellemontoya5504]

Packed with goodness, thanks!

[@allisondawrant]

thanks

[@aprill551]

Deserres is great, we have a large store here in Ottawa.

[@allisondawrant]

I’ve heard amazing things about Deserres! can’t wait to get my order from them.

[@chrisjohnson7609]

Allison thankyou once more for sharing a video absolutely overflowing with inspiration and ideas. It really is amazing that you are happy to give so much insight into your art processes and methods, and I think your absolutely right to keep some of your little tricks a secret! 😉 Don't change anything you do and don't take any notice of anyone who picks holes in your delivery.

[@cathydawe5944]

Agreed! Well said!

[@allisondawrant]

Thank you so much! I'm building a thicker skin. haha

[@allisondawrant]

thanks Cathy!

[@monicas7615]

I just love your art style and your amazing creative ideas. Getting a notification that you’ve posted a new video always makes my day! Thank you!

[@allisondawrant]

Thank you so much 😀

[@davescupper5789]

Really great info on mounting pictures thanks. You mention ASMR, you have been one of my main ASMR for the past fortnight. I dont sleep very well because of arthritis and your videos have helped me relax at night, you have a soothing voice and you fiddle with your art materials a lot, creeky chair, and washing your watercolour brush out. A perfect combination. Thankyou 😊

[@allisondawrant]

thanks for saying this. what a compliment from someone that appreciates ASMR.

[@DIANAMITSCHKE-yh9ji]

Greetings from a fellow watercolor artist in Vancouver BC..... Loved this video and your ideas on mounting. l have paintings that have areas that are really good and some parts that are not so good. Cutting out and mounting the good parts on wood panels is a good way to re-purpose art. Also just want to add that HEAVIER pieces that may not be suitable for hanging on a wall can look good just sitting on a shelf or bookcase as you would use knick- knacks for decoration.....we don't have to hang everything on a wall.....don't you just love artistic license........

[@allisondawrant]

thanks for such a thoughtful note!! Love your insights and if you have a social media account, I'd love to follow you. Sending good vibes back to Vancouver! xx

[@curbesidenation]

You are so inspiring! Love your art! Thank you for sharing with us : )

[@allisondawrant]

thankyou

[@dee-ellencook763]

Wow, that last piece really turned out pretty! Next to last piece, with pattern pieces!

[@allisondawrant]

thankyou

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

Everything you do is so beautiful! I love how you describe your process. I enjoy also seeing how you do your art. Thank you!

[@allisondawrant]

thanks so much

[@sherryleggett1612]

Just a hint for mounting on wood panels. You should always seal the wood with gesso or another sealer BEFORE putting your art on the panel. Otherwise , over time, tannins from the wood will bleed thru your paper and mess up the artwork. Especially if you are selling your work you want to be sure it lasts without discolouration. Your work is just so lively and lovely it makes me feel good to see each one. They make me happy.😮

[@allisondawrant]

Yes, I've heard of this before from other artists. I've been using locally cut birch wood panel as this comes untreated... and at times I believe my dad (he makes my panels) may put a wood sealant on ... I'll have to ask him again! Any recommendations on how to seal the wood to prevent this, but also keep the grain "look" with transparent paints? Thanks Sherry.

[@sherryleggett1612]

@@allisondawrant you could seal the panels with matte or gloss medium and then follow with clear gesso. Gesso helps paint stick better but it is optional, the medium will seal the wood from leaching tannins into your artwork.

[@natalieangelheart2483]

I collect the silica gel to use in my draws, storage boxes that have clothes or books etc. It absorbs moisture so it keeps the books/ clothes etc from being damaged (stained by moisture). 😁

[@allisondawrant]

Great to know! Do you live in a humid climate?

[@kymcrowart7876]

I love these. I am doing similar in my art right now and have had same issues with the wax and my gold shimmer…I finally decided that the gold I use which is ink is ok not to have the wax, so I just carefully try to wax around my gold elements, I believe the gold ink is actually sealing that small area…and not coming off since it’s ink….so I feel ya sister….lol…you work is amazing and I get so excited to see your videos pop up. Thank you so much for sharing all the hard work you do! You truly are inspiring loads of us little artists out here.

[@allisondawrant]

thanks so much for this Kym! I look forward to more of your art videos on here too.

[@maestra730]

great video! bravo! your processes are amazing!

[@allisondawrant]

thankyou so much

[@barblallier9413]

So many great ideas, thanks so much! Your very creative! 🎉🎉❤

[@allisondawrant]

You are so welcome!

[@KS-wr4vv]

You know what would be cool is if you tried a simple stencil w molding pastel over the gesso in some places to help blend the paper with the board. You could still keep it white but I bet the simple texture would be beautiful . Just a thought. Then maybe you wouldn’t have to do so many coats of gesso

[@allisondawrant]

thanks for the idea. I actually love the look of the paper showing up! But i use the gesso under the white paint, not to hide the edge of the paper, but to make the white more opaque. thanks for this - as I’m sure a lot of folks may prefer a smoother look and could try the moulding paste. But the stencil idea is brilliant! that would be so interesting with the moulding paste next to the paper edge or over the paper! brilliant idea, thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@apocalypse_frau]

Good idea to use a white modeling paste with a stencil or even impasto method to blend the mounted paper and wood in a more seamless way. That definitely saves time and requires less coats than gesso and titanium white acrylic.

[@carolwetherington429]

Awesome! Thank you inspiring me!

[@allisondawrant]

thanks for commenting and watching, Carol

[@ginamangin6756]

Again, thank you for taking the time to share! Such beautiful work and valuable information!

[@allisondawrant]

thankyou Gina

[@cathydawe5944]

So much inspiration once agin! I love watching you in action and seeing so many different things you incorporate into your art like collage and embroidery. I really appreciate the style of your videos and always feel excited to create after watching.

[@allisondawrant]

thankyou Cathy. nice to see you on here again. xx

[@alicecasey4052]

Your work is fabulous! Do you have a video on how to glue watercolor paper to wood?

[@alicecasey4052]

I’m so dumb! I didn’t watch the whole video before jumping in with a question.🤪

[@allisondawrant]

Yes I do! it's this one:)

[@allisondawrant]

haha. that's funny. I speed thru videos too, so I get it!

[@abstractrealmz]

I love you despite your “ ums “ and tongue clicking. You’re passionate , talented and adorable. Keep inspiring. 💙🦋

[@allisondawrant]

thankyou

[@susanjensen9735]

Loved this video Allison, thank you for sharing your wisdom with us, I find it so helpful in my struggles to produce artwork that I actually like :) would you mind sharing how you get those ripples in your watercolor please, I love the way it looks and have tried many techniques but cannot get that look. thank you 😊

[@allisondawrant]

thankyou for your support and encouragement Susan. I’m not yet teaching my reticulated technique, but maybe one day! it’s a little artist secret i’m still keeping in my back pocket. You may just stumble on it with lots of play and exploration!

[@susanjensen9735]

I understand.. thanks Allison, would love it if you taught a class in it maybe?😊

[@sherryleggett1612]

Those triangles are fantastic. I’m in Canada. Does your dad sell his cradles shapes?

[@allisondawrant]

thankyou. He doesn’t sell them, no, but thanks for the nice compliment. He does great work.

[@kymcrowart7876]

And omg I love your bracelet! Did you make it?

[@allisondawrant]

yes, I started making jewelry well before I painted,. And thanks so much .

[@marthajacobo3519]

What a boatload of interesting information, which I enjoyed! Your coming at me at 100 miles but, I feel your enthusiasm. I really liked the mounted watercolor. I’m a real newbie, but willing to try these. Thank you for sharing, yes, life is short, so let’s make it beautiful ❤ One last thing, would U use a fixative on yr art?

[@allisondawrant]

thanks Martha! it is a boatload... although I like to think of it more as a "cruiseship". haha Yes, I like spectrafix on certain mixed media products before I varnish. I appreciate you watching!

[@jilljackson340]

love your channel and just new to art. you talk about an Oricle.What is that, and the deck you are putting together?? I am not sure I fully understand it

[@allisondawrant]

an oracle deck , of art cards. I’ll do a video soon. it’s a hand held deck of 71 cards with my art and words on each card. a bit bigger than a deck of cards. stay tuned and thanks for watching and writing me.

[@elaineg60]

Just a hint about the silica gel packets: DON’T THROW AWAY! They can be used in MANY ways, whether putting one in my M Graham + handmade WC with honey-closed palette to help when it’s super-humid outside..not sure how to explain except I decided to try it a few weeks ago when I made a mess trying to re-arrange my smaller portable palettes-my pans were SO gooey & sticky, I ended up wiping my fingers on parchment paper, then using that paint later that evening. I did an experiment..I put 2 Mijello airtight palettes, each with about 20 of the wells filled with paint, one palette I put 2 “new” small silicone packets in the mixing area. I closed them, put them in my oven-OFF, NO HEAT, just another attempt to lock them away from the horrible humidity, weeks of rain we’ve had here that had made my paints, especially some of my handmade ones, into thick runny, gooey liquids. I had to go into the hospital for almost a week, so they sat undisturbed in the oven for 5+ days. This morning, I took them out and checked them. The difference was amazing! While I know these honey based paints rarely completely dry out, my paints in the palette with the silicone packets? Pretty close-2 of my handmade pants in there had actually cracked! The other palette was still gooey..not as bad as it was. I keep my silicone packets from medications, supplements, (OR I even bought a bag a few years ago), inside 2 plastic bags in my cabinet. My primary use was putting one inside bags of my precious Dr Kitty Leela’s food & “cookie” bags. She’s extremely picky and won’t touch dry food or “cookies” that have sat out for more than a day. Several years ago, I realized the reason she quit eating her favorite dry food…it had gotten slightly..soft, crumbly..because of the humidity. I tried keeping it in airtight containers, but because it takes so long to go through a whole bag, I guess it was still getting “stale”. Since I started using the silicone packets? No problems with sogginess or getting stale. My ONLY recommendation is make sure you don’t get one in their dish by accident. Also, obviously, the bigger the bag, the more packets you need. I had actually gotten a small packet in Leela’s cookie dish a few weeks ago. She stared at it and started loudly complaining..😂 🤷🏼‍♀️😸 I also bake a lot, especially spice cookies that are supposed to be crispy. I lay a paper towel in the bottom of my airtight container, put a few silicone packets in, put either my cotton “dish towel” (I cut a few to fit into the bottom of my container), OR another paper towel square on top of the silicone packets, then pile my cookies in. Voila! Crisp spice cookies! I know I’ve used them for other things I just can’t think of right now. I understand the silica gel itself can be toxic, I always make sure the packets aren’t torn or punctured before using them. Sorry for the novella..mainly wanted to brag about my newfound technique of, at least slightly, drying my gooey paints out.

[@allisondawrant]

thanks for taking the time to share and explain. it’s so cool when you can find a great way to repurpose / reuse/recycle . Our climate here is very dry but with all the changes going on to the environment , there may be a use here too…

[@elaineg60]

@@allisondawrant When my girls came to visit a few years ago..they thought I’d turned into a “hoarder”. 😂. I TRY to re-purpose everything I can. Being older on a small fixed income; finding new purposes for everything from plastic jugs, cereal boxes, to using scraps of parchment paper to save every smear of paint I get on my fingers-it’s become a way of life. I’ve actually always been like this to a degree..but these days, with freezer bags costing $6 for 15 bags? Your darned right I’m going to reuse them…OR just make my own “wraps” with plastic shopping bags, (which I also have a dozen different uses for..I had so many saved about 5 yrs ago, I learned how to turn them into a very long plastic “rope” which I crocheted some outdoor mats to wipe our shoes or boots on. 🤷🏼‍♀️ My daughter must be inheriting this from me..she JUST sent me a picture of a PANJO she and her wife just finished! She plays guitar, had always wanted her grandfather to teach her how to play the banjo, but is now teaching herself. In fact, when I saw the picture..cobalt teal + Quin burnt orange…ok..going to go try and paint it! 😂

[@natalieangelheart2483]

Love your work! 😍 Would gloss gel medium work to protect watercolour and give it a shine? I paint in watercolour for my own enjoyment but I haven't sealed any yet so I know nothing about watercolour sealing. 😊

[@allisondawrant]

I believe if you used any gel mediums- especially gloss, the watercolour will move /run…. watercolour reactivates with water-based products. But if you’re just playing around you could do a little test and see what happens. have fun.

[@natalieangelheart2483]

@@allisondawrant I see. To be honest I don't have any gel. I'm going to try a spray sealant on my reject paintings a see how that goes. 😁

[@alisoncharne5484]

Hi Allison, love your videos! I have a question, what size, in general should one paint on in order to sell paintings on paper without frames)?

[@allisondawrant]

I've seen artists do this with all sizes of paper. The key is how you will protect them and get them to the buyer... You would need to consider how to keep them flat and ready for shipping/purchase. Also- a good tip if you haven't committed to a certain paper size yet- what standard frame sizes tend to be available in your country... and maybe start with that so the client doesn't necessarily need a custom $$ frame. think of how you would want your art framed and go with that.

[@fabd8067]

Oh wow you’re full of random lil tips ~ thx again Allison for sharing!! 🙏🏻💚 I just wanted to ask you about the Neocolor pastels (which are new to me - I think you were the one who introduced them to me;) apart from #2 being water soluble & #1 is not, what’s the difference between them & what would dictate you from using one type over the other in any given situation?? I’ve noticed that you don’t always ‘water active’ the Neo2 when you use them in your mark making, so why would you even need Neo1 then?? 🤔🤓🤷🏼‍♀️

[@belindaswick9954]

That is a great question that I would love to know the answer to as well!

[@allisondawrant]

great question. there are SO many uses for both.... another video on that sometime. However, the main reason I personally love Neo 1's (wax, non watersoluble) is that I can varnish overtop of them without them running/moving. I love adding them to finished work and use them to embellish canvas prints. Whereas, the Neo 2s are basically water colour in a stick. Great for travel, and using them to draw with before activating them. Hope that helps. They are super versatile and I use both under many of my works on canvas, paper, wood panel....

[@fabd8067]

@@allisondawrant Ah okay that makes sense, thx… I guess because I haven’t gotten to a point of needing to varnish anything ~ I didn’t think about the Neo#2 being reactivated by a wet coat of vanish! I guess a future video on these/your materials & how you would use them would be awesome! Thanks Allison & take care… 🙏🏻🙂

[@jackiegagne2625]

Would mod podge work to mount the watercolour paper to the wood?

[@allisondawrant]

Yes it likely would (wood) haha. I think it could yellow with time though - so just to be aware of that .

[@sherryleggett1612]

Please could you repeat the name of the Canadian art stores where you buy your wood panels and have your printing done? I’m so tired of paying in US dollars. Thanks.

[@allisondawrant]

I'm lucky that my father has made most of my cradled wood panels, and he does not sell them as he's retired and just doing it for me as a hobby. I have purchased various brands from local art stores here in Calgary... I find the quality and availability has changed drastically since 2020 as much of the wood comes from Russia. You could explore DeSerres as they are Canadian and offer online shipping. My printer is also local, Ken Chow. www.artmagik.ca

[@sharonalkenbrack2871]

When you use the wood, do you gesso first?

[@allisondawrant]

no, I don’t. thanks for watching,:)

[@gailsimmons456]

A video about painting dragon flies. I have not watched it yet. "YOUR DRAGONFLY PAINTING Maremi SimpleCraft." I hope you get a helpful hint. I am in Arkansas USA. I shared your video. It was interesting.

[@xVentax]

Such a lot of tips and useful advice, thanks so much. I think I’d feel tempted to give the paper edges a light sanding once the medium has dried, and before adding the gesso - just to see if it would soften the edges a little. I also like the suggestion from @KS-wr4vv to try a little modelling paste & stencil . . .

[@allisondawrant]

I never thought of sanding! what a great idea, and will try this. thanks so much.