New Painted Lady in Blue! Paper mounted on board (revised)

 I haven't painted a figure in a while and was inspired by some exciting news! I don't know if I can share it yet, but it's about my daughter...This painting is from the news. I'm using acrylics on paper with layers of interesting marks. It's fun to explore new tools. I've recently been trying to transition all of my oil paints to water miscible because of the fumes and mess. They seem a little more expensive but I think it's worth it.

So, I painted this on paper using acrylics then mounted it onto a cradled hard wood. Here's a few pictures of how I did it. I watched a few YouTube videos before attempting it.

It started on a pad of mixed media paper...I had the edges taped so they would curl. I wasn't planning on this being a final painting otherwise I would probably have taped it onto another board the way watercolor paintings are done. This was just me having fun with paint. The color in this photo is more true to the original piece. I should retake the first one.

I brushed gel medium on the back of the artwork and on the top of the cradled board. You'll need to work quickly before it starts to dry. It can be repositioned a little after you put it down. 

I bought a brayer to roll over it. This gets any air bubbles out and presses the paper down firmly. 

I then placed a sheet of plastic wrap over it, then put a piece of scrap cardboard on top. (the video called for regular plastic but I didn't have any on hand. Plastic wrap is not the best to use because it clings to everything. It worked this time but I'll get some other plastic for next time) 

After that I placed a few paint cans to weigh it down, but you can really use anything heavy. Let it sit for 24 hours and then lightly sand the edges to make it flush. Seal again with the gel medium, varnish, or you could try cold wax. That's the next one I'm gong to try. 

On a side note...I noticed my blog photos are missing. It looks like I just started posting a few months ago. I'm not sure what happened. Google is changing things again. If you've noticed this on your blog please leave a comment about it. I'm not sure my followers are even seeing my blog. 

*update! I did it again...this painting has been reworked and it now longer available. I actually like the one below but revised it again and it has sold. 

I revised it again...

Sold