My Favorite Series #4: Color Shapers

When I create I only want my most favorite mediums and tools with me. Too many supply options can become distracting and a bit overwhelming (at times) to me (can we say decision fatigue?). I have (really) been enjoying putting together this monthly series highlighting a favorite go-to medium or tool each month. I hope this series is inspiring (to?) for you and your own creative journey. If you missed the first two supplies, you can find them here: Supply 1: Graphite, supply 2: High Flow Acrylics Supply 3: Pastels

Today is all about one of my absolute favorite tools to use for creating. Color shapers and wedges. These beautiful tools move paint around, create texture, and blend mediums in such interesting and beautiful ways. For years I used old credit cards, business cards, sides of cardboard, palette knife, etc. to scrape and move paint around. I will still use some of these tools, but within the past couple of years, I bought my first silicone color shaper and I have to say, I have been so into them. Since they are made of silicone, they are soft and malleable, which renders a variety of different effects. It is so interesting to discover the ways I can alter the effect by varying the amount of pressure applied to the tool. There are a variety of wedges you can find (straight edges, toothed edge) that will render different outcomes. I primarily use the straight edge scrapers in my work, but it is really fun to explore many of the various edges and expressions that can be created with the different edges.

How I like to use scrapers and shapers:

I really enjoy using these tools when creating with heavy body acrylic paint to create texture or to smooth/blend paint together. I think my absolute favorite way to use these is for moving around water soluble mediums. The way the scrapers push around the medium is so beautiful and creates some really wonderful movement.  As the medium pools in different areas it creates really unique marks. I also use these a lot any time I am layering with paper to smooth out any air bubbles. 

I created a video below demonstrating some of the ways to use color shapers and silicone scrapers that I have mentioned above and list a few of my favorites below! I hope you enjoy seeing a little bit of the process!

A few of my favorites: Small Color Shapers, Barvotti Silicone Color Shaper, Catalyst Silicone Wedges