Silk Painting and Mandalas in Lincombe Barn, Bristol

Silk painting is such a joy to do and it’s even more joy when others join you in a group. And I had that pleasure at the weekend when 3 other aspiring silk painters met with me to create their own silk mandalas.

We were in a venue I haven’t worked in before. Lincombe Barn is the home of the Downend Folkhouse Association, just past Bristol City limits, a few metres into South Gloucestershire. It was such a beautifully warm day and the sun’s rays were streaming in the window adding to the lovely creative ambience we had manifested.

Here are some pictures of how the day progressed, showing you the mandalas growing bit by bit.

The first step was to create the pattern on the silk using gold water-based resist to contain the French dyes which would otherwise freely flow all over the fabric. Next we fixed this resist into the silk, speeding up the drying process using the hairdryer.

After that we brushed the vibrant dyes on, much the same way you would do when using watercolours. I taught the group some silk painting techniques they could use to achieve some interesting effects in their mandalas.

The final picture you see is of the proud artists sharing their beautiful silk artwork. I took the pictures home with me to let them dry overnight before rolling them up in paper in a steam bath for 3 hours to permanently fix the dyes in the silk. The completed mandalas will then be sent off in the post tomorrow to their new homes.

These gorgeous mandala panels are then attached to backing boards, framed and hung up to be loved and appreciated by everyone who sees them.

If you would like to take part in one of my silk painting workshops, please contact me at info@silkandart.com for more information. I can even come and teach your own private group for some party fun.