Special Tutorial on Background by Debra

AuroraWings Challenge #6 "Under the Sea"

August 18 ~ September 13, 2014

Click right here to go to our current challenge running through  Sept. 13, 2014.

Hi, everyone!  Today we have a special tutorial on airbrush background by Debra Shaw from AuroraWings Showcase Blog as our mid-challenge reminder post.  My special thanks to Debra for writing this tutorial up for us.  This is a way to achieve a smooth and clean look on your background by the use of masking paper and airbrush.  Here's Debra's tutorial.  Enjoy!

I have been asked how I created the background on my "The Secret" Box, I masked the digital stamp and then air brushed it in, here is how I did it.

1. I use Eclipse masking paper that's 6" wide and on a roll, it's a low tack tape that can be printed on, using a household printer, I beleive you can also get it in A4 sheets with a paper backing.

2. Firstly print your image, to the size you want, onto your blending card.

3. Stick a piece of Eclipse tape onto a sheet of ordinary paper.
Then using the exact same settings as before print your image again onto the Eclipse, so it is the same size as the first.

4. Now cut out your image, make sure it is on the inside of the black line, otherwise you will get a halo effect later. For the more intricate parts, around the neck and arms I used a craft knife.

5. Once it's all cut out, the tricky bit is to line the mask up with your image on the blending card, this can take a few attempts but because it's low tack nothing will be ruined, it pays to take your time here because if it overlaps you will get a white line (halo effect)around your image.

6. Once your happy it's in the correct place, it's time to have fun creating your background with an airbrush, I sprayed from left to right to give the effect of waves, the colours I used were.
B14, B04, G16, BG000, BG45, BG75

The darker colours I used under the image to create shadows.

7. Then gently peel away the mask, and you're left with your image ready to colour. You can store your mask and use it again if you want.

I hope this tutorial helps and if you have any questions please ask.

Thank you so much, Debra, for writing this wonderful tutorial on creating a smooth and beautiful background with the use of masking paper and airbrush!  The final project is breathtaking!  We hope this presentation was helpful and introduced you to something new and different, especially if you have not been aware of masking technique - paper and fluid (which you peel off after it dries) are available at art supply shops -before.

Today (Sept 1, 2014) is the last day for your to receive a free gift digi "Elven Queen" with any size digi purchase at either AW Etsy shop or AW web shop.  See details in the ad below.