“Basic research is what I am doing when I don’t know what I am doing.” – Werhner von Braun, German Rocket Scientist
It’s time to document another attempt at a Caulk-A-Doodle Do painting experiment.
A friend coined the name after seeing the two previous caulking projects using the medium for art. The earlier paintings revealed some splendid results.
Creating Dimension with Layers
For the third experiment, I wanted to see how caulking would hold up to additional layering, etching, and a mixture of paints. I had a canvas ready, a loaded caulking gun, and some palette knives to etch into the wet medium.
I applied a skim coat of white caulking to the 16 x 20-inch canvas. Next, I laid down size-varied squiggly doodle marks over the entire surface. Toward the bottom of the canvas, I also etched a similar squiggly pattern. I hoped that once the wet caulking dried the layers would reveal a dimensional effect.
I let the canvas dry overnight. Now it was time to apply paint. I sorted through all the partial bottles, cans, and sample paints while looking for a harmonious combination. I chose some leftover iridescent light-gold and aqua-blue, along with leftover cans of gray primer and black spray paint. I also set aside a few other neutral hues.
Mixing Oil With Water
Most of us know oil and water do not mix. However, mixing incompatible paints can sometimes offer engaging results. So that is what I did!
In scientific terms when mixing the two mediums, water molecules are attracted to each other and form one layer, while the oil molecules stick together to create a second layer. The pigments in the water layer pack closely together. They also sink to the bottom to cause the oil layer to sit on top.
Here is a slide show of the finished painting with close-up and distance views. The blue iridescent hues of the splattered pigment created an intriguing result.
Abstract designs can be so fun. Using odd materials can challenge us to loosen up and play without giving excessive thought to composition. Painter’s caulking is now a mixed media option added to my bag of tricks to use in future creative projects. Caulking is an appreciable medium when I know I want to be playful and lose attachment to a result.
I would love to see or hear about your experiments working with different mediums. Please share your creations and experiments in the comment section below, or better yet, send me an email! Happy Creating.
To view the previous experiments, click >
Thank you.