The gum bichromate process is an exciting technique which
requires a thorough knowledge of color because of the successive
buildup and blocking out of various layers of transparent
colors.
Good drawing and strong composition skills
are essential too.
First, the
landscape shape outlines are drawn.
Next, watercolor is squeezed into a container filled with
gum arabic.
Then the watercolor and gum arabic are mixed
with potassium dichromate.
The initial application of this light-sensitive
solution is painted onto the background mountains.
The painted paper is placed on a rack to dry.
Once the paper is dry, a second coat of
light-sensitive material is applied (this time mixed with gray
watercolor) over the first coat of yellow.
After applying the light-sensitive material
to another area of the painting, the paper is left to dry. A
fabric is laid over it and then it is exposed to light.
Next, the paper is placed in a tray of water
and developed
Then the paper is allowed to dry.
The rest of the foreground is painted in
with watercolor.
After applying two more colors of light-sensitive
solution to the right and left of the path, some lace is placed
over the grass area and a grape leaf just right of center. Again,
the paper is exposed and developed.
The completed painting: Vineyard Summer,
gum bichromate and watercolor, 18 x 22
