Deb Schwalm - Watercolor Batik on Mulberry Paper

debschwalm.com - Watercolor Batik Process - Hot wax is used as a resist on a rice paper or (in my case) mulberry paper. Using watercolors, a light to dark technique is used to layer color. The hot wax reserves the areas already painted so that additional layers of watercolors can be added. This process takes preparation, patience and practice. With this method, there will be permanent ink lines, unintentional wax drips, wax splatters, spreading watercolor, The texture/ transparency of the mulberry paper contributes to this unique style which is similar to the ancient method of batik on fabric with dyes and hot wax. The residual wax (after ironing out the completed layering process) in the artwork acts a preservative.