the mask, it progresses.

[madbaker]

We're using paints made from ochres and gum arabic, in an attempt to stay period. The color is yellower than the picture shows - the flash washed it out somewhat - but it's not the bright yellow that I would like. Or that I could get using some good toxic period colorings like orpiment (an arsenic derivative) or a lead-based paint. Either one is a bad idea to put on a mask, I think.

Since it needs to "read" as yellow from the audience and the ochres are not producing a bright color, we may end up washing over the ochres with acrylics. It's too bad, but hey, that's why it's an experiment.

Capitano mask sanded & partly painted

Comments

[finickynarcane.livejournal.com]

Marigolds and Scotch (or Dyer's) Broom each make a very nice yellow dye for fiber. I don't know if that translates to something that would be useful for you.

[roswtr.livejournal.com]

You know, I didn't think about the Scotch Broom, and it grows wild and free 'round the Santa Cruz mountains. Let me see what I can find.

[finickynarcane.livejournal.com]

Not only is it wild and free, but you might even be able to get a homeowner to pay YOU to cut it down. I used the whole plant when it was in bloom for dye. It was a little more to the greenish side than I wanted so I added marigolds. That made it the yellow I wanted. The wool that I dyed with that brew was woven into cloth and is still just as yellow. I mordanted with alum.

[madbaker.livejournal.com]

How does that work, and would it not fade if applied to paper?

[badassslinky.livejournal.com]

Maybe you could try saffron as a food coloring

That was my first thought

[madbaker.livejournal.com]

I'm told that saffron fades easily.

[cvirtue.livejournal.com]

Dried onion skins = yelllow. Turmeric?

Great shape, though!

[madbaker.livejournal.com]

I'm told that both those are too fugitive. Thanks, though.