Masking fluid warning

I can see no tangible signs of masking fluid incidents, but on a subject such as this the lesson may be to avoid its use and save the white space as unpainted paper. I like your composition, but have found masking fluid no friend to rough, or unfamiliar watercolour papers.

You may well be right about avoiding it Philip. The blue areas are the damn stuff that's gone gooey and can't be removed. If I try this one again, I may try not using mask at all. Diana

Hi Diana, full sympathy with the problem of the dreaded masking fluid, I have had a few good disasters! However this painting is certainly not. I love the reflections and transparency, colours are fabulous. Well done.

What brand have you used Diana?

Can be horrible stuff, even if removed same day, I use Pebeo now, not much trouble with it. This is a wonderful painting Diana.

What a shame Diana - such a lovely painting too. The reflections are wonderful. Oh well, an expensive lesson learnt - if not monetary then in terms of time. Knowing your work though, you will do an equally good job on the next piece of work.

I've just finished reading your bonus feature article Diana and realise the work you put into pieces such as this. A great read and very informative, enjoyed it. Such a shame about the masking fluid but as others have said it's still a super piece of work. Have you tried the old fashioned way for removing wax.....brown paper/kitchen roll and hot iron? Or would that make it even stickier? Might make it sticky enough to adhere to the paper...perhaps? Good luck anyway.

Philip. If was Fridk artists blue. I have known the surface of paper to be torn but this was gooey Thanks Suzanne. I think you've persuaded me to re paint it. Thanks Carole. Several people recommended that brand so I'm going to try it. Thank you Adele. Your very kind and I'll have another go at it. Thank you Fiona. It's worth a try. I'm pleased that you enjoyed the article. I was worried Id written a load of old garbage!! Diana

Very clever glass work.. love it

Wonderful painting and very interesting bonus feature Diana:)

I guessed it was yours, Diana, when I saw the shining glass. Very skilful watercolour.

Diana, I use Winsor & Newton masking fluid on Saunders Waterford 300 lb paper and have never had any problems with it. One recent painting I masked up and left for about 4 weeks and it all came away without any trouble - and have in the past left it for months before removing! Lovely painting, though - and great bonus feature.

The worst thing I had with fluid was it lifted the surface off some watercolour paper, but so long ago can't remember the makes of either. Unlikely to use it now, but you never know. This works for me with whatever faults you see Diana, it stands out, shouting view me and when we do we are rewarded greatly....my only nig is with subjects like this the stems have to be regular and vertical.

This is stunning Diana. Beautiful execution of the glasswork, love it!

This a lovely lively painting and it really is a shame that the masking fluid spoiled it. Hopefully Fiona's trick will remove the stuff.

Thank you Peter and Carole. I think it's lovely that you take time to comment so regularly. I really appreciate it. Thank you Cesare. I think you might be seeing more glass as I'm reprinting this and another one. Thanks for putting my mind at rest Henny. I have never had trouble with W&N in good paper. This was like sticky chewing gum. Very odd. Anyway it was all good practice. Derek , I think I'll be brave and try to leave white paper wherever possible and I agree entirely about the stems. Good job I have to repaint it !! Thank you Mia, it's lovely to read your comment after feeling a bit disappointed. I'm happy to re paint it now. Thanks Satu , if I repaint it , it's all good practice. Diana

The next one will be even better!!!!

Top notch Diana

Thanks Gudrun, I hope it will be. Thanks Dennis, I see this as my practice piece Diana

Stunning piece, beautifully composed and executed.

Thank you for your support Seok It is lovely to recieve such complimentary feedback Diana

I love this daring painting. It would have been daring for me to tackle! Great style Diana!

Wonderful!!!

Lovely - just discovered your work

These are really amazing. Very good observation Diana.

Fantastic anyway, Diana!

Hello Jennifer. Lovely to hear from you and thanks

I love the various colors and shapes in your glassware, there is a wonderful abstract quality to that. You could use a view finder and look into various parts of this painting, and find another painting to do. :) You are a natural with watercolor Diana. I look forward to more!

Thank you very much Nancy. I do enjoy the challenge of painting glass. You’re right, I’m going to try focusing in on a single object and try a much looser version

You've created such a tangible atmosphere. I just want to reach out and refill one!! Fantastic.

Thank you Fen. Looking at these, less is definitely more