Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Bleached Photos with Instructions

I am posting some bleached photos this morning with instructions. I've had a few requests since OWOH to post these again. Here it goes..............
This method was covered in Karen Michel's book, Complete Guide to Altered Imagery (pictured.)Get this book! It's one of my favorites out of probably 100 art books. The process is really quite easy with the only draw back being you need to use 35mm photographs. You can't bleach an ink jet print (to my knowledge.)
You can add some additional things to the photo prior to the bleach dip. You can place texture plates or rubber stamps under the photo & press down firmly for a textured look in the background. You can also sand the photo a bit (kind of a grunge look) with fine sandpaper. That adds a nice look also. You place gel medium (I use Golden) over any area of the photograph that you want to resist the bleach. Sometimes I just dip the entire photo without using any gel medium.
I mix 2 bowls (not too deep) with water in one & a 50% bleach/water solution in the other. Dip your photo in the water 1st & then into the bleach solution for 6-10 seconds or so. You can experiment a bit with the time. When you remove it from the bleach, dip again in clear water & wash off the excess. Let dry.
I add water colors & use the Caran d'Ache Neocolor II Artists' Crayons to add additional color. Give it a try...it's so much fun! These photographs are all from my husband's collection. I do love the wall of clogs photo taken in Holland.





12 comments:

Unknown said...

neat thanks ! I have tons of photos that I had doubles made of. Maybe I will try :D

WrightStuff said...

I got the book last week but have been too busy to read it! Can't wait to start trying some new techniques though.

Craftymoose Crafts said...

Thanks so much for sharing this! I have been dying to try this technique!

Dianne said...

Thanks I've been wondering how you did these! The new ones are great too!

gaby braun said...

Yes, I love this work! Very well done! And love your fabric collage too!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Hi Diane
You make it look so easy and fun.
Everyone would like to go to summer camp at your home to have fun, and you can teach us.
Well,,,, it sounds fun to me.
love
tweedles

Unknown said...

Hi Diane!!! what fun...and the effects of this are wonderful....I will have to look for the book next time I am at the bookstore!!!

Have a wonderful night!!!

Hugs
Diana

Jen xo said...

oh wow, you are master at this... your photos are so perfect for this too althouhg i imagine it would be good for altering the not so good ones too...
How do you use the ws crayons, draw them on then go over with paint brush or use them wet from crayon.... just curious cos i tried this once and they looked very blotchy!! ejnxo

Lisa said...

thanks for the tutorial Diane..You have a knack for this technique as whatever you do is always lovely!!

Archie and Melissa said...

hi diane!
oh your altered photos are so amazing!

thank you so much for the tutorial!

i am going to have to try and make some too!

GAIL said...

gorgous!

Catherine said...

~Gorgeous Diane!! You are so creative & talented!!
Cat