Techniques About Painting on Silk Painting on silk begins with a luxurious base of precious pure white China silk stretched tightly on a frame. I use the combination of imported French silk dyes and a resist of Gutta (which is like a rubber cement). Sometimes I will use a hot wax resist. The purpose of a resist is to stop the flow of dye and create a barrier, which makes the outline of an image. One of the things that excites me the most about silk painting is the purity and the intensity of color that can only be achieved by this unique technique. After the painting is complete I steam the silk for many hours. This sets the dye and increases the intensity of the color. It also makes the painting very permanent and durable. The silk pieces can be washed or dry cleaned. It is not advisable to hang silk for long periods of time in direct sunlight. Silk is a natural fiber and in time the direct sunlight will damage the silk. I always have an image and a feeling selected when I begin a painting. I can plan but never totally control what each painting will evolve into. Watching the color spread on clean silk reminds me the excitement and freedom of wild horses running across a plain with no stops! The magic of silk painting comes from the subjective images and combinations that emerge within these boundaries. It is still amazing to me how this happens. The essence of what I am painting comes through the flowing dye. Each painting is unique and is one of a kind. Silk painting is the art of applying dye to silks. Often the silks are used as scarves, ties, or clothing. The finished works can also be framed pictures, wall hangings, or household decor. Welcome Francine also teaches silk painting online and in person.