Mason Delacroix
Alcohol wash is a simple yet effective underpainting technique used in pastel paintings. It involves liquifying pastel using alcohol to create a wet underpainting. Artists use a paintbrush to wet the pastel with alcohol, creating a wash of liquefied pigment. This technique is suitable for painting skies, clouds, and seascapes, and can be used on surfaces that can withstand getting wet without warping, such as sanded paper or pastel paper. The rapid drying nature of alcohol produces a fragmented, loose brushstroke appearance, adding an element of unpredictability to the artwork. Artists can experiment with different types of alcohol, such as rubbing alcohol, denatured alcohol, or even vodka, to achieve varying effects and textures in their pastel paintings.
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol wash as an underpainting technique
Alcohol wash is a simple and quick underpainting technique that can be used to liquify pastels, creating a wet underpainting. This technique can be used to guide the shapes and values of the final painting, add texture, or provide a base colour that may show through the subsequent layers.
To start, sketch out a draft of the painting on a prepared surface, such as hardboard or sanded paper. Then, select the soft pastel colours you want to use, keeping in mind that softer pastels with more pigment than binder tend to get thick and gummy when wet. Using a paintbrush, wet the pastel with 70% rubbing alcohol, creating a wet wash. You can also use water or odourless mineral spirits, but the rapid drying nature of alcohol produces a more fragmented, loose brushstroke appearance. Additionally, alcohol evaporates more quickly than water, allowing you to work on your painting faster.
Once the pastel is wet, work with it and let it dry thoroughly. You can then continue with dry pastels or add another layer of the wet wash, repeating the process. This technique allows you to take advantage of the brush and create interesting brushstrokes. Embrace the drips and allow the pigment to drip, mix, and mingle, creating unique and unexpected effects.
It is important to note that not all pastel papers and boards can handle a wet wash. Some papers, such as La Carte, are only suitable for dry work, while others, like PastelMat, can take a wet wash beautifully and retain their texture. Additionally, since alcohol can soften the acrylic binder used in preparing a sanded grit pastel surface, there is a potential for the surface texture to be compromised. Therefore, it is recommended to experiment with different papers and liquids to find the approach that works best for you.
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The right materials for an alcohol wash
An alcohol wash is a simple technique used to liquify pastel colours and create a wet underpainting. It produces a solid surface that doesn't blend with later colours, resulting in vivid and intense artwork.
To perform an alcohol wash, you will need the following materials:
Alcohol
The type of alcohol used for an alcohol wash can vary. Some artists use regular rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol, which can be purchased at pharmacies, hardware stores, or general stores like Target or Walmart. Denatured alcohol is ethanol and may contain methanol, isopropanol, and gasoline. Rubbing alcohol, on the other hand, is isopropyl alcohol and water, typically available in 70% or 90% concentrations. Both types of alcohol are toxic when ingested, and prolonged exposure to denatured alcohol can irritate the skin. Alternatively, some artists use vodka or gin for their alcohol wash, although these options may be more expensive.
Pastel Colours
When selecting pastel colours, it is recommended to use harder pastels for an alcohol wash. Softer pastels with more pigment than binder tend to become thick and gummy when wet. However, some artists have had success with softer pastels when applied very lightly. It is important to avoid layering too much pastel as you don't want to fill the tooth surface completely. Just apply enough colour so that the alcohol wash will stain the surface with your chosen hues.
Paper
Not all papers are suitable for alcohol washes. You will need sanded paper or paper that can withstand a wet wash. PastelMat is a popular choice as it takes a wet wash beautifully and retains its texture. On the other hand, La Carte is not recommended for wet washes as it is intended for dry work only. In the past, artists avoided Wallis paper when using alcohol for underpainting as it would soften with the application of alcohol. However, recent experiences suggest that Wallis paper works well with alcohol washes and allows for additional watercolour washes without affecting the original pastel/alcohol layer.
Brushes
For the alcohol wash technique, you will need brushes to apply the liquid to the pastel colours. Some artists recommend using old watercolour brushes with a 1-inch round head and a couple of smaller flat-head brushes.
Other Materials
Additionally, you will want to have some paper towels or similar materials to wipe excess alcohol from your brushes. You may also want to keep a small glass jar with alcohol nearby for easy access during the painting process.
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Preparing the surface for an alcohol wash
The next step is to select your soft pastel colours. You can scrub the surface with a white soft pastel to soften or mute the colours. You can also mix colours by laying one colour on top of another. However, be careful not to layer on too much pastel—just put enough colour so that when you apply the alcohol wash, it will stain the surface with the colours you have chosen. You can use your fingers, a foam brush, or a piece of foam to scrub the pastel into the surface. This process will create dust, so be careful to protect your lungs.
Once you have laid down the pastel, you can apply the alcohol wash. You can use regular rubbing alcohol, which can be purchased at a pharmacy or large retailer. You can also use vodka, which has the advantage of evaporating more quickly than water. Use a paintbrush to apply the alcohol, and be aware that it will spread quickly and can merge colours together. You can also use a small spray bottle to apply the alcohol.
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Applying the alcohol wash
Once you have scrubbed the pastel, it is time to apply the alcohol wash. You can use regular 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol, which can be easily found at pharmacies or stores like Target or Walmart. You will also need a small glass jar, as the soft pastel will sink to the bottom, allowing for multiple uses. Use old watercolour brushes, such as a 1" round head and smaller flat heads, to apply the alcohol. It is important to wipe off the excess alcohol from the brush with paper towels before applying it to your artwork.
When applying the alcohol, be mindful that it will spread quickly and can merge colours together. The amount of alcohol you use and the specific area you wash will depend on the size of your artwork. The rapid drying nature of alcohol will produce a fragmented, loose brushstroke appearance, which can be an interesting effect. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of alcohol, such as vodka or gin, to achieve varying results.
After applying the alcohol wash, you can continue building your pastel painting. You can add another layer of the alcohol wash and let it dry before adding subsequent layers of pastel. This technique allows for an exciting element of unpredictability, as the liquefied pastels can create unique effects. Experimenting with different pastels, solvents, and surfaces will help you master this technique and discover your personal style.
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The advantages of using alcohol wash
The advantages of using an alcohol wash for a pastel painting are numerous. Firstly, it is a quick and easy underpainting technique that can be done with readily available materials such as regular 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol from a pharmacy or hardware store, a small glass jar, some brushes, and paper towels. This technique is also cost-effective as it does not require expensive materials.
An alcohol wash is a great way to liquify pastels, creating a wet underpainting that can guide the shapes, values, and textures of the final piece. It is perfect for subjects such as skies, clouds, and seascapes, and can be used for simple or complex compositions. The artist can control the amount of alcohol wash applied, wetting the whole picture or just parts of it, and adding layers of wash as needed.
Another advantage of using an alcohol wash is the rapid drying nature of alcohol, which produces a fragmented, loose brushstroke appearance. This quick-drying property also allows for additional washes or layers of pastel to be added without disturbing the initial underpainting. The use of alcohol can also embed the pigment into the surface, creating a solid layer that does not blend with subsequent layers.
Additionally, the process of creating an alcohol wash can be quite enjoyable and liberating for artists. The element of unpredictability and serendipity in the way that pastels, liquid, and paper interact can inspire creativity and help artists develop their unique style. The technique becomes easier and more effective with practice, encouraging artists to experiment and embrace the unexpected results.
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Frequently asked questions
An alcohol wash is a technique used to liquify pastel, creating a wet underpainting. Artists use a paintbrush and alcohol to wet the pastel, turning it into a wet wash.
You can use regular rubbing alcohol, which can be purchased at a pharmacy, Target, or Walmart. Denatured alcohol can also be used, but it is toxic when ingested and prolonged exposure to skin is not recommended. Artists have also used vodka, gin, and other alcoholic beverages for this purpose.
It is best to use a harder pastel for an alcohol wash. Softer pastels with more pigment than binder tend to get thick and gummy when wet. However, softer pastels can be used if applied very lightly.
