For the next article about how I use Powertex Bister, I’m revisiting a favourite technique. Creating a stone effect with Stone Art and Bister is an impressive technique that looks amazing on craft projects and can amaze people with its realistic finish. However, it’s also a useful technique for mixed media and textured art.
Using Powertex Bister on a textured surface
If you’d like to know how to create the Stone Art surface, you might find this blog helpful. You can use this technique to create your faux stone surface.
The porous surface created by Stone Art is quite unique for adding colour. The muted tones of Bister on top can be layered multiple times for subtle blends of colour. Bister can also be sprayed generously and wiped back with a damp cloth or sponge to create highlights.
Here’s a demonstration of the technique on styrofoam.
Experimenting with Powertex, Bister and Stone Art
Here are some other examples of how I experimented with Powertex Bister and Stone Art. I like some techniques more than others but there’s plenty of happy accidents along the way.
Brown Bister spray on wet Powertex and Stone Art
This would look great layered into an organic structured art.
Using Brown and Blue areas on dry Stone Art
I’m not sure how I would include this dry technique in a painting but it has a strong atmosphere and lots of contrast.
Adding Easy Structure paste and Ivory Powertex onto dry Bister
Building layers and hiding and revealing different parts of the textures is a great way to create a textured surface. This one had a lot of potential but I tried to rush to the end and got stuck.
Bister granules as a wash on dry Stone Art and fabric
Bister granules are a gorgeous pigment. The colour is so rich and the added texture from the granules is so organic that it’s easy to love it. Perfect for fluid layers of colour.
Powertex Bister is not permanent so does need sealing with a spray varnish when your art is finished.
Find out more about Powertex Bister pigments
If you’re new to Powertex Bister you might find this blog useful.
I also have a digital Powertex Bister Masterclass available in my Etsy shop. This instant download includes everything you need to know about using Bister from how and when to use this pigment, a tutorial of my signature style Bister art and techniques to use in your own art and craft projects.
I’m a Powertex tutor and get my supplies from Powertex UK.
[Updated November 2023]
