The techniques I have been using in my latest paintings are based on my results over the past year in combining acrylic gels with water coloured washes. I begin by stretching a peice of water colour paper onto a board. Heavy paper 200-300 lb is better as it will provide a good strong base. I start by mixing some weak washes of watercolour in the following colours indigo,potters pink,green gold and lemon yellow. These colours work well for me as they are fairly subdued and provide a subtle combination of tones akin to the English landscape. As the picture develops I bring in stronger tones to enliven the contrasts. After the main shapes have been created on the paper I prepare my textured gel mix. This is to suggest such elements as ice,snow,foamy water and debris on the surface. I make up a mixture of Structure gel,string gel,(made by Liquidex which is transparent) and painting medium. I stir the contents until I have a consistency of runny cream. I may also add a tiny amount of weak water colour to tint it. I then pour this mixture across the design on the paper and drag the shapes with the end of a cocktail stick until I have a watery looking pattern (like the picture insert). This mixture is left to dry completely preferably overnight. The next stage is to add brighter colours around my design using weak acrylic washes.The acrylic helps to provide a seal on the surface of the paper. I can add the suggestion of leaves,twigs mosses and general watery debris to the composition. When the whole imagery is dry I remove the paper from the board and glue it to plain white canvas leaving a 1"-2" border all the way round. I can then extend the design of the imagery around the sides and edges of the canvas. The last stage is to coat the surface with at least three coats of varnish. I have found Windsor and Newton the best varnish to use. I also like using Atelier acrylics, Atelier structure gel plus Atelier painting medium. I don,t use Atelier varnish as it pulls the watercolour off as I apply it to the surface.