What is Watercolor Batik?

Watercolor Batik is a process that involves layers of hot wax, and watercolor paint applied to rice paper.  Once the layers of paint and wax are applied, the paper is crumpled and a final coat of paint is applied which seeps into the cracks of wax on the paper.  The wax is then melted off of the paper, revealing the painting beneath.  This creates a distinctive look like no other!

Watch My Process

What is Watercolor Batik?
Traditional batik is done on fabric, uses a hot wax resist, and then a process of sun- dying and fabric dyes to get the unique look. I like to call what I'm doing watercolor batik.  I use traditional rice papers instead of fabric, a hot wax resist and non traditional tools, and instead of fabric dye I use water media pigments, permanent pens, and even acrylic paints.  Layers of paint, and wax combine to create the unique look of watercolor batik.

Once the painting is crumpled a final layer of paint is applied. This part of the process leaves a crazed look on the painting. Then the wax is removed.

Once layers of paint and wax have been applied the painting is crumpled.