Create a Magical Deer Forest: A Unique Watercolor Technique Using Vinyl

As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to unleash your creativity and add some festive cheer to your artwork! Since writing my book, DIY Watercolour Christmas, in 2020, I’ve been on a quest to discover different ways to infuse creativity into the Christmas season.

While you know I love working with masking fluid, today I want to share a fun and innovative technique that makes watercolor painting both easier and cleaner—using a piece of vinyl as a mask.

Deer Forest, Ingrid Sanchez | 2023 Watch a process video here!	DIY Watercolor Christmas Book. Buy here.

Traditionally, artists use masking fluid to reserve areas of white on their paper while painting. However, I’ve found that using a piece of vinyl cut into your desired shape can be a fantastic alternative. In this post, I’ll demonstrate how I used this technique to create a charming watercolor piece titled “Deer Forest.”

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Materials: Start by gathering your watercolor paper, vinyl (adhesive-backed is best), scissors, and your favorite watercolor paints.
2. Cut the Vinyl: Choose a shape that resonates with your theme—here, I opted for a deer. Use scissors to carefully cut the vinyl into your desired shape. The beauty of this technique is that you can create intricate designs without the mess!
3. Apply the Vinyl: Once your shape is cut, gently peel off the backing and apply it to your watercolor paper. Press it down firmly to ensure there are no gaps where paint can seep underneath.
4. Paint Over the Vinyl: Now comes the fun part! Using your watercolor paints, apply your desired colors over the entire paper, including the area covered by the vinyl. Since the vinyl acts like masking fluid, it will reserve the white of the paper where the deer is placed.
5. Allow to Dry: Let your painting dry completely. This is crucial, as it ensures that the vinyl doesn’t pull off any of the paper’s surface when removed.
6. Remove the Vinyl: Once dry, gently peel away the vinyl. You’ll see your lovely white deer shape preserved perfectly beneath the vibrant watercolors!
7. Add Final Details: With the deer now visible, feel free to paint additional details around it to enhance your composition. This could include snowy backgrounds, trees, or whatever inspires your creativity!

Why Choose Vinyl?

Using vinyl as a masking technique offers several benefits:

• Clean Application: Unlike masking fluid, which can be messy and difficult to work with, vinyl provides a clean edge that results in sharp, precise shapes.
• Reusability: You can use the same vinyl cut-out multiple times, making it a cost-effective option.
• Flexibility: Vinyl can easily be cut into any shape, allowing for endless creative possibilities.

This technique not only simplifies the painting process but also allows for greater artistic freedom. So, whether you're looking to create a whimsical winter scene or a festive holiday card, give this vinyl masking technique a try!

Happy painting, and don’t forget to share your creations with me! I’d love to see how you bring your ideas to life.