![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pauseworks.com\/patkatzartwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/1-Taping-w.jpg\")
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First, I cut watercolor paper into five inch squares.<\/p>\n
I prepared a number of different colored \u2018mats\u2019 for the work by applying masking tape to the paper squares.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n The tape preserved both an outer \u2018frame\u2019 and an inside square area with rough edges for the image in the center while I applied the various colors to the outer ‘mat’ portion of the squares.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Once the color that had been applied to the \u2018mat\u2019 area dried, I lifted the masking tape inside the color to reveal the painting surface for the image.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n I added a set of lines to further frame each image \u2013 sometimes using white on the dark \u2018mat\u2019 colors and other times using black or brown on the lighter colors.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The colors of the \u2018mat\u2019 were matched up with the images I had in mind \u2013 choosing either something that would complement or contrast with the image.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I then created the images \u2013 sometimes drawing and then painting and other times going in with direct watercolor without sketching first.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The moons and suns were drawn using a Staedtler Circle Template. The shimmer and glimmer was added using Schminke\u2019s Aqua Bronze in a pale gold color.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n And, that, is the back story to the creation of the Glimmers of Hope series.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>When everything had dried completely, the masking tape that had been preserving the outer white frame was lifted to reveal the finished product. Each image was then mounted on top of a 6×6\u201d white mat for presentation to its new owner.<\/p>\n