SPIN - Silk Painters International

Beyond the Line: The Sistek Sizing Technique M/T

All Levels - With Laura Fox-Wallis, MSP

Laura Fox-Wallis will teach you to paint outside the lines, freeing yourself of resist lines on silk! Together, with Laura, you will create a special project designed specifically for this class using Laura's interpretation of the famous Karen Sistek’s Sizing Technique. This technique gives you freedom to build color and value creating realistic, dimensional form on your silk. Laura will guide you through Karen’s entire process, from spraying on the Magic Sizing, application techniques to move the dyes, along with inventive ways to apply realistic textures to add drama to your subject! Laura will discuss steaming, rinsing, and mounting your final silk on canvas.

Laura Fox-Wallis, fiber artist and art educator based in Austin, TX, embarked on her journey into silk painting in 2004, discovering a profound connection with the fluid movement and vibrant colors of the dye. Using habotai silk, steam dyes, and resist techniques, Laura skillfully layers color to craft captivating forms and textures, even embracing missteps as intriguing design elements that surpass the original concept.

Laura's talent and artistry have garnered recognition in numerous local, national, and international exhibitions, solidifying her status as a renowned silk painter. In 2020, she received the prestigious Master Silk Painter (MSP) award from Silk Painters International (SPIN), this esteemed life-long title is a testament to Laura's exceptional skills, creativity and expertise.

Workshop Title	Beyond the Line: The Sistek Sizing Technique M/T - All Levels
Workshop Dates	09/30-10/01/2024
Workshop Description	Laura Fox-Wallis will teach you to paint outside the lines, freeing yourself of resist lines on silk! Together, we will create a special project designed specifically for this class using Laura's interpretation of the famous Karen Sistek’s Sizing Technique. You will learn everything step-by-step, from stretching the silk onto a frame, to tranfering the image onto the silk, to how to use Magic Sizing as a resist, to completing your finished piece.
Materials provided	PVC pipe stretchers, 16"x20" 16mm habotai silk, masking tape, silk pins, set of Sistek brushes, palette, paper towels, assorted mix applicators, Magic Sizing, water soluble sketch pencil, four types of prepared solutions, containers for mixed dyes, printed instructions, ultra thin Sharpies, pipettes
Cost of materials provided	$55
What students are required to bring to workshop	blow dryer disposable gloves two 1 gallon ziplock bags (1 for your artwork and 1 for supplies Dupont or Jacquard Red Label Dye's (see list below - can be other colors closely related) a love of learning all things silk! Students will be painting a hibiscus flower, please bring either Dupont or Jacquard Red Label dyes in red, magenta, yellow, and greens. Or any other colors of hibiscus flowers that you want to paint. Ifyou would like to use Laura"s dyes, there is an additional charge of $10 to your materials fee. SEE IMAGES BELOW