AFter the great success I had airbrushing Apple Barrel acrylics in Future for my 109 project (another technique learned right here), I figured I'd try another experiment with them. Basically, they have a really fine pigment size, comparable to model acrylics. I've tried the folowing method in the past with Delta Ceramcoat acrylics, and failed miserably due to the large pigment size of that brand's paints.
Basically, for those of you unfamiliar with the way I perform a pastel wash, it's pretty simple. Place tap water in a mixing pallete. Add two or three drops of laundry detergent (ONLY LAUNDRY DETERGENT, NOT DISH SOAP, RINSE AGENT, ETC...) into the water and stir gently until the the solution is throughly mixed.
Just as with the pastel wash, add the color. Only in this case, add Apple Barrel paint; I used Apple Barrel 20512 Burnt Umber. Stir well, just as with the pastel wash, but do not make suds.
I was suprised at how well this solution flowed. Here is the before shot:
Dirty bird parts washed.
Granted, I used a sludge wash, as I was in a hurry to snap the picture. But, the solution flowed into all the panel lines just as well as my pastel washes do, which of course, work as well as turpatine-/turpentine-based oil washes do (For me, anyway).
Here's the after shot:
Dirty bird parts cleaned
The excess was removed with a damp - not soaked - cotton swap. Everything settled down nicely, and was not removed from the recesses. Note, you'll see no pigment chunks like you see with watercolors or other brands of acrylic paint.
This was only a light wash too. I see no reason the wash could not be darkened, or repeated multiple times like other washes.
Give this a try. I've now airbrushed two different custom mixed Apple Barrel colors with no pigment size problems. This leads me to believe the pigment size should be universal. Washes with other Apple Barrel colors should be no problem.
Although my artist pastel collection is extensive, there are gaps in it. This new method should allow me to perform high-quality, water-based washes with ease when I don't have the pastel color I need. Also, two-ounce bottles of the paint are only 44-cents at Wal-Mart.
I had to share this with you guys. Enjoy.
Kenny
